Exodus 24:1-18

THE BLOOD OF THE COVENANT

Keywords 24:8

Moses then took the blood, sprinkled it on the people and said, "This is the blood of the covenant that the LORD has made with you in accordance with all these words."

 

1. Covenant sealed in blood (1-11)

God outlined his covenant to Moses in chapters 20-24, and the people agreed to it three times (19:8; 24:3,7). Sacrifices of blood—sanctified on the altar and sprinkled on the people—sealed the covenant based on the Book of the Covenant. The purpose of the covenant was for God to dwell with his people, demonstrated by Moses and the elders’ fellowship with God. But this covenant was conditional (19:5-6), and they could not keep it. This looks forward to a new covenant (Jer 31:31-34) that is unconditional, providing forgiveness of sins through the blood of Jesus (Mt 26:28). In this covenant, we enjoy fellowship with God and eternal life.

 

2. The glory of the LORD (12-18)

God called Moses up to the mountain, and his glory settled on it. For God to remain with his people required holiness. God would give to Moses instructions how to be holy.

 

Prayer Father, thank you for the new covenant in Jesus’ blood. Help me live by faith in it today.

One Word Fellowship with God in Jesus