Exodus 24:9
Then went up Moses, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel:
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
Seventy elders likely included tribal heads and family patriarchs. The Sanhedrin (Jewish ruling council) later numbered seventy (plus the high priest), possibly based on this precedent. Multiple witnesses ensured legal validity.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does God allow seventy elders (not just Moses) to see Him—what does multiple witnesses accomplish?
- How does the number seventy throughout Scripture symbolize completeness or fullness?
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Analysis & Commentary
Then went up Moses, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel;
After covenant ratification, the representatives ascend—Moses, Aaron, his two oldest sons, and seventy elders (74 total). This fulfills verse 1's command. They climb to see God (v. 10), an unprecedented privilege. The number seventy reappears throughout Scripture: seventy nations (Genesis 10), seventy in Jacob's family entering Egypt (Exodus 1:5), Jesus sends seventy disciples (Luke 10:1). Seventy represents completeness, fullness—these elders comprehensively represent Israel. Their witness validates covenant ratification—multiple credible witnesses confirm the event.