Exodus 24:3
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 24:3
3 And Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD, and all the judgments: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the LORD hath said will we do.
Chapter Context
Exodus 24 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of worship, redemption, fellowship. 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 illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. 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 24:3
3 And Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD, and all the judgments: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the LORD hath said will we do.
Analysis
And Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD, and all the judgments: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the LORD hath spoken will we do.
Moses reports all God's words (Ten Commandments) and judgments (mishpatim, chs. 21-23). The people respond unanimously: 'All...we will do' (כָּל אֲשֶׁר־דִּבֶּר יְהוָה נַעֲשֶׂה, kol asher-dibber YHWH na'aseh). This is covenant ratification's first stage—verbal assent. Verse 7 repeats with added 'we will hear'—reversing the proper order (hear then do). Israel's overconfidence ('we will do') doesn't account for indwelling sin. Within weeks they'll violate the second commandment (golden calf). Human vows fail; Christ's obedience succeeds. He alone says 'I always do what pleases Him' (John 8:29).
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern treaty ratifications involved verbal oaths by vassals. Israel's unanimous 'we will do' legally binds them to covenant terms. Their subsequent failure demonstrates human inability to keep the law perfectly.
Reflection
- What does Israel's confident 'we will do' reveal about human nature's self-assessment?
- How does Israel's covenant failure point to the necessity of Christ's perfect obedience?
Word Studies
- Judgment: מִשְׁפָּט (Mishpat) H4941 - Judgment, justice
Cross-References
- References Lord: Exodus 24:7, Joshua 24:22
- Judgment: Deuteronomy 4:1, 4:5, 4:45, 5:1, 6:1
- Word: Exodus 19:8