The Blood of the Covenant

The Blood of the Covenant Exodus 24 Context • • • • • God’s Worshipful Purposes – see 5:1 God’s Abundant Provision – see 17:6 God’s Covenantal Ceremony – see 19:9ff God’s Powerful Voice – see 20:19 God’s Peaceful Ratification: 1. Book of the Covenant (1-3) 2. Blood of the Covenant (4-8) 3. Celebration of the Covenant (9-11) 4. Religion of the Covenant (12-18) Book of the Covenant (24:1-3) 1. God selects religious and civic representatives of the people (v. 1-2). 2. Book of the Covenant: A. Moses rehearses the rulings of God. B. The people pledge their obedience. C. Moses records “the words of the LORD.” Blood of the Covenant (24:4-8) 1. Moses and the Ratification Ceremony A. “Early” the following morning conveys both the earnestness and scope of this ceremony. B. Moses erected altars according to God’s laws and provided representative offerings. 2. Moses and His Offerings A. Burnt Offerings: animals not specified; completely consumed by fire B. Peace Offerings: Moses offers oxen; likely many per tribe (for a nationwide feast 2 days in length, an average of 235 oxen per tribe, 2800 total) Celebration of the Covenant (24:9-11) 1. Israel’s Representatives Celebrate A. Back in v. 1-2, God summons both religious and civic leaders from Israel (74 total) B. These leaders are permitted to go halfway up the mountain 2. The God of Peace A. The men “saw the God of Israel” – iridescent blue shining forth as the path of God’s feet. B. Everything about God so far had warned of His devastating might – “he did not lay his hand on the chief men of the people of Israel” C. Instead, they had a celebratory feast in his presence. Religion of the Covenant (24:12-18) 1. Major Transition in the Book of Exodus 2. The men saw a pathway – heaven coming to earth. 3. Subject matter changes – Chapters 25-31 is a divine monologue covering only the religious practices of God’s people. 4. God highlights the transition by insisting that Moses wait 6 days for a second summoning of the LORD. Lessons • “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” (Psalm 111:10) • “But now in Christ Jesus you were once far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace …” (Ephesians 2:13-14) • “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1)