Week 42, Day 5: Finalizing the Law

Today’s Reading:  Exodus 24:1-18

Some thoughts from the reading…

In chapter 24 we see the “final” phase of entering into a covenant between Israel and Jehovah.  We have had a series of journeys on Moses’ part going up and down the mountain to convey messages from God to Moses.  Now comes the time where Moses tells the people all the words of the Lord (vs. 3) and they respond, “All the words which the Lord has said we will do.”  Moses writes down all the words of the Lord, builds an altar and burnt and peac offerings are made.  Then again Moses reads the book of the covenant (the words written down in verse 3) and the people repeat that they will do all and be obedient.  The people are then sprinkled with the blood from the sacrifices – making the covenant.  Then Moses, Aaron, his sons Nadab & Abihu and 70 elders of Israel go up on the mountain andd see God and eat a meal there.  Moses is then called to come up further on the mountain with Joshua.  Where he is for 40 days. 

Up till now we have been told of a series of events that have taken place but here the covenant is completed/ made.  The final part of this process is impressive when the glory of the Lord rested on Mount Sinai.  It reminds me of when the glory of the Lord filled the temple after Solomon completed its construction (1 Kings 8:10-13, 2 Chron 5:13-14).  Only in this account the image is more impressive since the glory of the Lord was like a consuming fire on the top of the mountain.  Can you imagine such a scene.

Question:  Why was the burnt and peace sacrifices part of the ratifying of the covenant?