Exodus 24:4
And Moses wrote all the words of the LORD, and rose up early in the morning, and builded an altar under the hill, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּכְתֹּ֣ב
wrote
H3789
וַיִּכְתֹּ֣ב
wrote
Strong's:
H3789
Word #:
1 of 19
to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)
אֵ֚ת
H853
אֵ֚ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 19
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 #:
4 of 19
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
דִּבְרֵ֣י
all the words
H1697
דִּבְרֵ֣י
all the words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
5 of 19
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 19
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וַיַּשְׁכֵּ֣ם
and rose up early
H7925
וַיַּשְׁכֵּ֣ם
and rose up early
Strong's:
H7925
Word #:
7 of 19
literally, to load up (on the back of man or beast), i.e., to start early in the morning
בַּבֹּ֔קֶר
in the morning
H1242
בַּבֹּ֔קֶר
in the morning
Strong's:
H1242
Word #:
8 of 19
properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning
תַּ֣חַת
H8478
תַּ֣חַת
Strong's:
H8478
Word #:
11 of 19
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
הָהָ֑ר
under the hill
H2022
הָהָ֑ר
under the hill
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
12 of 19
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
עֶשְׂרֵה֙
H6240
עֶשְׂרֵה֙
Strong's:
H6240
Word #:
14 of 19
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
מַצֵּבָ֔ה
and twelve pillars
H4676
מַצֵּבָ֔ה
and twelve pillars
Strong's:
H4676
Word #:
15 of 19
something stationed, i.e., a column or (memorial stone); by analogy, an idol
עָשָׂ֖ר
H6240
עָשָׂ֖ר
Strong's:
H6240
Word #:
17 of 19
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
Cross References
Genesis 28:18And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put for his pillows, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of it.Deuteronomy 31:9And Moses wrote this law, and delivered it unto the priests the sons of Levi, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and unto all the elders of Israel.Revelation 21:14And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.Luke 22:30That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.Galatians 2:9And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.
Historical Context
Standing stones (pillars/matzevot) served as witnesses and memorials throughout Israel's history (Genesis 28:18, 31:45, Joshua 4:20). Twelve pillars representing twelve tribes symbolized national covenant participation.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does Moses write God's words rather than relying on oral tradition—what does written revelation accomplish?
- How do the one altar and twelve pillars illustrate the relationship between unity and diversity in God's people?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And Moses wrote all the words of the LORD, and rose up early in the morning, and builded an altar under the hill, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel.
Moses 'wrote all the words' (וַיִּכְתֹּב, vayikhtov)—creating the first Scripture. Written revelation prevents oral corruption. He builds an altar (for sacrifice) and twelve pillars/standing stones (מַצֵּבָה, matzevah) representing twelve tribes. The altar is one (God's unity), pillars are twelve (tribal diversity)—unity and diversity coexist in covenant community. The altar 'under the hill' positions Israel below Sinai, under God's authority. The twelve pillars witness covenant ratification—stone witnesses that outlast human memory (Joshua 24:27). The gospel creates one body (altar) from many members (pillars)—church unity in diversity.