Exodus 24:12 Commentary

Verse: "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."

Introduction

This verse marks a significant moment in the narrative of the Exodus. God calls Moses to ascend Mount Sinai, providing him with the tablets of stone that contain His law, establishing the covenant between God and Israel. This call is not just an invitation; it is a divine summons that signifies profound spiritual engagement and responsibility.

Divine Call and Presence

In this passage, God calls Moses to a place of solitude and divine communion. The phrase "Come up to me into the mount" indicates a special relationship and a transformative experience awaiting Moses. Matthew Henry emphasizes that God wishes to commune intimately with His chosen leader: "The nearer we come to God, the more we shall be taught of him." This divine invitation speaks to the profound privilege of being in the presence of God, offering insight into the importance of spiritual elevation in the believer's life.

Tables of Stone

The reference to the "tables of stone" can be interpreted in multiple dimensions:

• Durability: Adam Clarke notes that stone is a lasting material, symbolizing the permanence of God’s laws. The commandments inscribed upon stone reflect the unchanging nature of God's moral law.
• Importance of Scripture: The act of writing indicates authority and permanence. Albert Barnes elucidates that the law written on stone signifies the seriousness with which God treats His commandments, establishing a covenant relationship with His people.
• Symbolic Significance: The tables of stone represent God’s written revelation to humanity, highlighting the importance of transcribing and preserving divine truth for future generations.

Law and Commandments

The distinction between "law" and "commandments" in this passage underscores the comprehensive nature of God's covenant:

• Comprehensive Guidance: The term "law" refers to the broader legal framework that governs the life of Israel, while "commandments" signifies specific directives. Together they provide a holistic guide for righteous living.
• Educational Purpose: The final clause, "that thou mayest teach them," indicates Moses' role not just as a recipient but as a transmitter of God’s law. This highlights the responsibility of leaders to impart divine truth effectively, aligning with Matthew Henry’s assertion that teaching God’s commands is crucial for spiritual formation.

Theological Implications

This verse lays the groundwork for understanding the relationship between God and His people:

• Divine Initiative: God takes the first step in establishing a covenant. As noted by Clarke, this act reveals God's desire for communion with humanity, emphasizing that He engages rather than remains aloof.
• Community of Believers: The giving of the law signifies a community bound by divine principles. Barnes points out that this covenant is not just a personal call for Moses but a collective call for all of Israel to adhere to God’s law.
• Holiness and Obedience: The nature of God’s commandments reflects His holiness. Obedience to this law is a pathway to sustaining a holy relationship with God. Henry suggests that the law reveals the character of God and illustrates how His people are to live in response to His holiness.

Conclusion

Exodus 24:12 encapsulates a pivotal moment of divine revelation that has lasting theological significance. God’s call to Moses emphasizes the importance of communion with Him, the permanence and authority of His law, and the responsibility of God's people to learn and teach His ways. This verse serves as a reminder for pastors, students, and theologians to prioritize divine communication, reflect on the nature of God's commandments, and fulfill their role as educators of His word. In our contemporary setting, understanding such pivotal moments enriches our faith and equips us for a life of obedience and service to God.