Exodus 24:11
And upon the nobles of the children of Israel he laid not his hand: also they saw God, and did eat and drink.
Original Language Analysis
אֲצִילֵי֙
And upon the nobles
H678
אֲצִילֵי֙
And upon the nobles
Strong's:
H678
Word #:
2 of 12
an extremity (see isaiah 41:9), also a noble
בְּנֵ֣י
of the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 12
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
4 of 12
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
שָׁלַ֖ח
he laid
H7971
שָׁלַ֖ח
he laid
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
6 of 12
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
יָד֑וֹ
not his hand
H3027
יָד֑וֹ
not his hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
7 of 12
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
וַֽיֶּחֱזוּ֙
also they saw
H2372
וַֽיֶּחֱזוּ֙
also they saw
Strong's:
H2372
Word #:
8 of 12
to gaze at; mentally to perceive, contemplate (with pleasure); specifically, to have a vision of
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָ֣אֱלֹהִ֔ים
God
H430
הָ֣אֱלֹהִ֔ים
God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
10 of 12
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
Cross References
Exodus 18:12And Jethro, Moses' father in law, took a burnt offering and sacrifices for God: and Aaron came, and all the elders of Israel, to eat bread with Moses' father in law before God.Exodus 19:21And the LORD said unto Moses, Go down, charge the people, lest they break through unto the LORD to gaze, and many of them perish.Genesis 31:54Then Jacob offered sacrifice upon the mount, and called his brethren to eat bread: and they did eat bread, and tarried all night in the mount.Genesis 16:13And she called the name of the LORD that spake unto her, Thou God seest me: for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me?
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern covenant ceremonies included shared meals symbolizing fellowship and alliance. Israel's covenant meal in God's presence is unique—they dine with deity Himself. The Last Supper and Lord's Supper continue this covenant meal pattern.
Questions for Reflection
- What does eating and drinking in God's presence symbolize about covenant relationship?
- How does this covenant meal prefigure the Lord's Supper and the Messianic banquet?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And upon the nobles of the children of Israel he laid not his hand: also they saw God, and did eat and drink.
'He laid not His hand' (לֹא שָׁלַח יָדוֹ, lo shalach yado)—God didn't strike them dead despite seeing Him. This is mercy emphasized—normally seeing God kills (Exodus 33:20, Judges 13:22). 'They saw God, and did eat and drink' (וַיֶּחֱזוּ אֶת־הָאֱלֹהִים וַיֹּאכְלוּ וַיִּשְׁתּוּ, vayechezu et-ha'Elohim vayokhelu vayishtu)—covenant meal in God's presence. Eating together seals covenant (Genesis 31:54); here they dine with God. This prefigures Messianic banquet (Isaiah 25:6, Matthew 8:11, Revelation 19:9). They commune with God through meal—fellowship mediated by blood sacrifice. The gospel grants perpetual access: Christ invites 'sup with me' (Revelation 3:20); we feast with Him.