Exodus 24:10
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 24:10
10 And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness.
Chapter Context
Exodus 24 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of obedience, sacrifice, worship. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-18: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 24:10
10 And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness.
Analysis
And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness.
The staggering statement: 'they SAW the God of Israel' (וַיִּרְאוּ אֵת אֱלֹהֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, vayir'u et Elohei Yisrael). God is spirit (John 4:24), invisible (1 Timothy 6:16), yet they saw some manifestation—likely the Angel of the LORD, pre-incarnate Christ. What they saw: sapphire pavement under His feet, clear as heaven—dazzling, crystalline beauty. Ezekiel 1:26 describes similar sapphire throne. Revelation 4:3, 6 depicts heavenly throne with jasper, carnelian, sea of glass—echoing this scene. They saw the King's footstool; the King Himself remained veiled. Still, this is unprecedented—seeing God and living (v. 11).
Historical Context
Sapphire (or lapis lazuli) was precious blue stone suggesting heavens. The vision's glory is restrained—they see under His feet, not His face. Exodus 33:20 says 'no one can see My face and live,' yet here elders see God without dying.
Reflection
- How can the text say 'they saw God' when God is invisible spirit—what did they see?
- Why do they see only 'under His feet'—what does partial revelation teach about God's accommodation to human weakness?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H430 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- References God: Genesis 32:30, John 1:18, 1 John 4:12, Revelation 21:11
- Parallel theme: Exodus 33:20, 33:23, Ezekiel 10:1, Matthew 17:2, 1 Timothy 6:16, Revelation 4:3