Exodus 24:6
And Moses took half of the blood, and put it in basons; and half of the blood he sprinkled on the altar.
Exodus 24:6 (KJV)
Context
At Mount Sinai, after God gave the Ten Commandments and the Book of the Covenant, Moses built an altar and twelve pillars for the twelve tribes. Young men offered burnt offerings and peace offerings of oxen (Exodus 24:4-5). In verse 6, Moses takes half of the blood from these sacrifices and puts it in basins, and the other half he sprinkles on the altar. This act seals the covenant between God and Israel.
Meaning
The altar stands for God, who is one party in the covenant. Sprinkling blood on the altar confirms God’s promises and His part of the agreement. The blood kept in basins is reserved for the people, as verse 8 shows. This two-fold use of blood joins both sides in one binding relationship. The Targum of Onkelos explains that this blood was meant “to atone for the people.” Blood represents life and carries atoning power, so this act was both serious and sacred. The blood on the altar ratified the covenant on God’s side, while the blood in basins would soon be applied to the people, uniting both parties in a shared bond.
Biblical connections
The writer of Hebrews later recalls this event, noting that Moses sprinkled both the book and the people and called it the blood of the testament (Hebrews 9:19-20). This ceremony points forward to Christ. At the Last Supper, Jesus said, “For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins” (Matthew 26:28). The blood of animals could only ceremonially purify, but Christ’s blood truly removes sin. His sacrifice establishes a better covenant, as Hebrews explains. This better covenant is mediated by a better sacrifice, one that fully cleanses the conscience and secures eternal redemption.
Application
This verse calls believers to honour their covenant with God. Just as Israel pledged obedience, Christians enter a new covenant through faith in Jesus. That covenant demands faithful living and reliance on Christ’s cleansing blood. The sprinkling also teaches that God’s presence is holy. Believers approach Him only through the sacrifice He provides. The blood on the altar and on the people shows that both God and His people are bound together in this relationship. This bond is not merely external; it calls for a heart devoted to God and a life that reflects His holiness.
Reflection
The people’s promise to obey, recorded in verse 7, soon failed. Their history shows the need for a better covenant and a better sacrifice. Jesus provided both. His blood, shed once for all, cleanses every believer and seals an eternal relationship with God. This verse invites each reader to consider the cost of that covenant and to respond with grateful obedience. The contrast between Israel’s failure and Christ’s faithfulness reminds us that our standing before God rests not on our own performance but on the perfect sacrifice of His Son.
