Exodus 24:12
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 24:12
12 And the LORD said unto Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there: and I will give thee tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that thou mayest teach them.
Chapter Context
Exodus 24 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, judgment, discipleship. 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 offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. 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 24:12
12 And the LORD said unto Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there: and I will give thee tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that thou mayest teach them.
Analysis
And the LORD said unto Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there: and I will give thee tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that thou mayest teach them.
God summons Moses higher and longer—'be there' (וֶהְיֵה־שָׁם, veheyeh-sham) suggests extended stay. God will give stone tablets (לֻחֹת הָאֶבֶן, luchot ha'even)—permanent, imperishable record. 'Law and commandments which I have written' (הַתּוֹרָה וְהַמִּצְוָה אֲשֶׁר כָּתַבְתִּי, hatorah vehammitzvah asher katavti)—God Himself writes, not Moses. The ten words are literally inscribed by God's finger (31:18, Deuteronomy 9:10). Purpose: 'that thou mayest teach them'—Moses receives revelation to transmit. The stone tablets endure (until Moses breaks them, 32:19); the written word outlasts oral tradition.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern law codes were often inscribed on stone (like Hammurabi's stele). God's stone tablets signified permanence and divine origin. Moses' extended time on the mountain (40 days, v. 18) creates crisis below (golden calf, ch. 32).
Reflection
- Why does God write the law on stone rather than leaving oral tradition—what does written revelation accomplish?
- How does God writing with His own finger emphasize the law's divine origin?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Exodus 24:2, Deuteronomy 4:14
- Word: Deuteronomy 5:22, Jeremiah 31:33
- References Moses: Exodus 24:15, 24:18, 31:18, 2 Corinthians 3:7
- Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 3:3, Hebrews 9:4