Exodus 24:12 - Meaning and Application

After the public ceremony of sealing the covenant was over, Moses was called up to receive more instructions, which are given in the chapters that follow.

He was called up onto the mountain and stayed there, at some distance, for six days. God told him, “Come up to the mountain and stay there,” meaning that Moses should expect to remain there for some time. Those who want fellowship with God must do more than come to his ordinances, they must continue in them. Happy are those who live in his house, not those who merely visit it. God also said, “Come up, and I will give you a law, so that you may teach them.” Moses taught the people nothing except what he had received from the Lord, and he passed on nothing except what God had given him. In this way he was faithful to both God and Israel. He did not add to God’s words or take away from them, but kept closely to his instructions.

After receiving these orders, Moses appointed Aaron and Hur, Moses’ helper and a respected leader, to act as judges in his absence and keep peace and order among the people (Exodus 24:14). He wanted to leave the burden of government behind while he went up the mountain, so his mind would not be distracted. Yet he would not leave the people like sheep without a shepherd, even for a few days. Good rulers keep their people in constant care, and their people find that care a steady blessing.

He also took Joshua, his servant and future successor, up with him onto the mountain (verse 13). It would have been a comfort to Joshua to be with Moses during those six days before God called him. Joshua was to succeed Moses, so he was honored before the people above the other elders. That would help the people later accept him more readily as their leader. He was also being prepared for service by being trained in fellowship with God. Joshua was a picture of Christ, and, as Bishop Pearson notes, Moses took him with him onto the mountain because without Jesus, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, no one can look into the secrets of heaven or come near the glorious presence of God.

A cloud covered the mountain for six days, showing that God was specially present there. God reveals himself to us in a way that both shows and conceals him. He gives enough light to assure us of his presence, power, and grace, but he also reminds us that we cannot understand him fully. During those six days Moses waited on the mountain for God to call him into his presence chamber (Exodus 24:15, Exodus 24:16). In this way God tested Moses’ patience and his obedience to the command, “Stay there” (Exodus 24:12). If Moses had grown impatient before the seventh day, as Saul did (1 Samuel 13:8-9), and said, “Why should I wait for the Lord any longer?” he would have missed the honor of entering the cloud. But fellowship with God is worth waiting for. It is also fitting that we come to solemn worship with a quiet pause, taking time to settle our hearts (Psalm 108:1).

On the seventh day, likely the Sabbath, Moses was called into the cloud (Exodus 24:16). The thick cloud opened before all Israel, and the glory of the Lord appeared like consuming fire (Exodus 24:17). God is indeed a consuming fire, and he chose to show himself that way when giving the law. By seeing the Lord’s holiness and terror, people would be moved to obey. They would also be prepared for the comforts of the gospel, so that the grace and truth that come through Jesus Christ would be more welcome.

Moses’ entrance into the cloud was also remarkable. He went into the middle of the cloud (Exodus 24:18). It took great courage and steady faith, given by God through those six days of preparation, for him to go in, especially when the cloud shone with consuming fire. Moses knew that the one who called him would protect him. Even the qualities of God that are most frightening to the wicked are a joy to the saints when met with humble reverence. Those who live uprightly and speak honestly can live even with this consuming fire, as Isaiah says (Isaiah 33:14-15). There are also people and works that will stand the fire, and some that will have confidence before God (1 Corinthians 3:12).

His staying in the cloud was just as remarkable. He was there forty days and forty nights. It seems the six days in Exodus 24:16 were not part of the forty, because during those six days Moses was with Joshua, who ate the manna and drank from the brook mentioned in Deuteronomy 9:21. While they were together, it is likely that Moses also ate and drank with him. But when Moses was called into the middle of the cloud, he left Joshua outside. Joshua kept eating and drinking each day while he waited for Moses to return, but from that point on Moses fasted. God could have told Moses all he needed to say in a single day, but for greater solemnity he kept him in the mountain for forty days and forty nights. We learn from this to spend much time with God and to count that time as well spent. Those who want to know God’s will must think on it day and night.