Exodus 19:7
And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before their faces all these words which the LORD commanded him.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּקְרָ֖א
and called
H7121
וַיִּקְרָ֖א
and called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
3 of 14
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
הָעָ֑ם
of the people
H5971
הָעָ֑ם
of the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
5 of 14
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וַיָּ֣שֶׂם
and laid
H7760
וַיָּ֣שֶׂם
and laid
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
6 of 14
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
לִפְנֵיהֶ֗ם
before their faces
H6440
לִפְנֵיהֶ֗ם
before their faces
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
7 of 14
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
אֵ֚ת
H853
אֵ֚ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
9 of 14
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַדְּבָרִ֣ים
all these words
H1697
הַדְּבָרִ֣ים
all these words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
10 of 14
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
12 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Historical Context
The involvement of elders reflects ancient Near Eastern covenant-making practices where tribal leaders represented their people in treaty negotiations. This participatory structure shows God honoring human agency within His sovereign initiative.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does God involve human representatives (elders) rather than announcing His covenant unilaterally?
- How does Moses' faithful transmission of God's words challenge modern communicators of Scripture?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before their faces all these words which the LORD commanded him.
Moses faithfully transmits God's words without addition or subtraction—modeling prophetic fidelity. The phrase 'laid before their faces' (וַיָּשֶׂם לִפְנֵיהֶם, vayasem lifneihem) suggests formal presentation, like laying out treaty terms for ratification. The elders represent the people in covenant deliberation—this isn't autocratic imposition but covenant partnership where God proposes and His people respond. Moses mediates revelation downward (from God to people) and will soon mediate response upward (from people to God), anticipating Christ's perfect two-way mediation.