Exodus 24:2
And Moses alone shall come near the LORD: but they shall not come nigh; neither shall the people go up with him.
Original Language Analysis
יִגָּ֑שׁוּ
alone shall come near
H5066
יִגָּ֑שׁוּ
alone shall come near
Strong's:
H5066
Word #:
1 of 12
to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati
לְבַדּוֹ֙
H905
לְבַדּוֹ֙
Strong's:
H905
Word #:
3 of 12
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
7 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִגָּ֑שׁוּ
alone shall come near
H5066
יִגָּ֑שׁוּ
alone shall come near
Strong's:
H5066
Word #:
8 of 12
to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati
וְהָעָ֕ם
neither shall the people
H5971
וְהָעָ֕ם
neither shall the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
9 of 12
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
10 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Exodus 24:13And Moses rose up, and his minister Joshua: and Moses went up into the mount of God.Exodus 24:18And Moses went into the midst of the cloud, and gat him up into the mount: and Moses was in the mount forty days and forty nights.Exodus 24:15And Moses went up into the mount, and a cloud covered the mount.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern covenant ceremonies involved oaths, witnesses, sacrifices, and curses for violation. Israel's ceremony incorporated these elements but uniquely emphasized blood as binding agent and God's direct participation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this law reveal God's character—His justice, mercy, or holiness?
- What New Testament principles build upon or fulfill this Old Testament regulation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And Moses alone shall come near the LORD: but they shall not come nigh; neither shall the people go up with him.
This verse participates in the climactic covenant ratification ceremony—Israel formally enters covenant relationship with YHWH. The ritual involves blood sprinkling (connecting God and people), meal fellowship (communion in God's presence), and witnessing theophany (seeing God's glory). These elements combine to seal covenant: verbal assent (ch. 19), written law (v. 4), sacrificial blood (vv. 5-8), and communal meal (vv. 9-11). The pattern prefigures New Covenant: Christ's blood establishes eternal covenant, and believers commune with God through the Lord's Supper.