Exodus 24:7
And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the LORD hath said will we do, and be obedient.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּקַּח֙
And he took
H3947
וַיִּקַּח֙
And he took
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
1 of 13
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
סֵ֣פֶר
the book
H5612
סֵ֣פֶר
the book
Strong's:
H5612
Word #:
2 of 13
properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book
הַבְּרִ֔ית
of the covenant
H1285
הַבְּרִ֔ית
of the covenant
Strong's:
H1285
Word #:
3 of 13
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
וַיִּקְרָ֖א
and read
H7121
וַיִּקְרָ֖א
and read
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
4 of 13
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
בְּאָזְנֵ֣י
in the audience
H241
בְּאָזְנֵ֣י
in the audience
Strong's:
H241
Word #:
5 of 13
broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)
הָעָ֑ם
of the people
H5971
הָעָ֑ם
of the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
6 of 13
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
כֹּ֛ל
H3605
כֹּ֛ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
8 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
דִּבֶּ֥ר
hath said
H1696
דִּבֶּ֥ר
hath said
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
10 of 13
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
יְהוָ֖ה
All that the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
All that the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
11 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
1 Thessalonians 5:27I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.Acts 13:15And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.Colossians 4:16And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.
Historical Context
The 'Book of the Covenant' is the first recorded section of Scripture. Reading the law aloud in covenant ceremonies is repeated throughout Israel's history (Deuteronomy 31:11, Joshua 8:34, 2 Kings 23:2, Nehemiah 8:3).
Questions for Reflection
- What is the significance of reading the covenant terms before ratification—why written and oral proclamation?
- Why is 'we will do and hear' backwards—how does this reveal Israel's works-orientation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the LORD hath spoken will we do, and be obedient.
'Book of the covenant' (סֵפֶר הַבְּרִית, sefer haberit)—the written law Moses penned (v. 4), probably Exodus 20:22-23:33. Reading in their hearing makes them legally accountable—they heard, understood, agreed. Their response adds 'be obedient' (וְנִשְׁמָע, venishma, 'and we will hear/obey') to previous 'we will do' (v. 3). Still backwards—'do and hear' rather than 'hear and do.' Faith hears God's voice then responds obediently; works try doing before hearing. Israel's performance-focus instead of faith-focus dooms the covenant. Christ hears perfectly ('not my will but yours,' Luke 22:42) and obeys fully (Philippians 2:8).