Exodus 24:9-10
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The verse highlights that seventy elders were specifically chosen to witness this significant covenant event. This wasn't just a random group; this number echoes Jacob's family entering Egypt, signifying a new beginning and God's promise to multiply His people, demonstrating a deep connection between past and future blessings.
Then Moses and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel went up, and they saw the God of Israel. There was under his feet as it were a pavement of sapphire stone, like the very heaven for clearness.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following the people's agreement to the covenant and the sacrifices that ratified it, Moses, along with Aaron, his sons Nadab and Abihu, and seventy elders of Israel, ascended Mount Sinai. This ascent was to participate in a sacrificial meal, a communal feast signifying their fellowship with God, where they would also experience a unique vision of His presence. This event immediately precedes the description of the elders beholding the glory of God and eating in His presence.
Why did God call specific people to ascend the mountain? It wasn't just anyone who went up; it was a carefully selected group. What does this tell us about approaching the Divine?
In Exodus 24:9, we see a distinct group ascending Mount Sinai: Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy elders.
This ascent wasn't a casual hike; it was a deliberate movement towards a more intimate encounter with God, marked by specific roles and representation.
They ascended the mountain, but why? It wasn't just to get a better view. This climb was tied to a specific, profound event described in the following verses.
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The ascent described in Exodus 24:9 was not an end in itself, but a pivotal step leading to a profound spiritual experience.
Understand the original words
Elohim · Hebrew Noun
The supreme, eternal Creator and Sovereign of all things. In the Bible, He is depicted as both transcendent (holy and set apart) and immanent (active in human history and covenantal relation).
zaqen · Hebrew Noun
The official representative body of the nation of Israel, often consisting of older, respected leaders who oversaw the community, mediated disputes, and represented the people before God.
sappiyr · Hebrew Noun
A precious gemstone often associated with the throne of God or the divine presence in apocalyptic and visionary literature, symbolizing purity, beauty, and heavenly glory.
shamayim · Hebrew Noun
The expanse above the earth, often used to describe the dwelling place of God and the limit of the created order, reflecting God’s vastness and dominion.
This verse immediately precedes the command for Moses, Aaron, and the elders to approach God, setting the stage for this ascent.
Exodus 24:1This verse contains God's direct command for Moses to bring Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and the seventy elders up the mountain, explaining their presence.
Numbers 11:16This passage describes Moses being commanded to gather seventy elders, providing a parallel instance of a significant group of leaders being selected by God to assist Moses.
Ezekiel 1:26This passage describes a similar vision of God's glory seen from a sapphire-like foundation, offering a parallel prophetic vision of divine majesty.
1 Corinthians 10:18This New Testament passage speaks of those who partake in the altar, connecting the ancient sacrificial meals with the communion experienced by believers today.
gillExodus 24:9: "Then went up Moses, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel:"
Then went up Moses and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu,.... After the above things were done, the words of the Lord were told the people, and the book of the covenant read unto them, to which they agreed, sacrifices were offered, and the blood of them sprinkled on the altar, and on the people. The Samaritan version adds to these, Eleazar and Ithamar, the two younger sons of Aaron: and seventy of the elde…
calvinExodus 24:1-18: "And he said unto Moses, Come up unto the LORD, thou, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel; and worship ye afar off."
- Come up unto the Lord, thou, and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu. Before Moses erected the tabernacle and consecrated it by a solemn ceremony, it was necessary for him to fetch the Tables of the Covenant, which were a pledge of God's favor; otherwise, if the ark had nothing in it, the sanctuary would have been in a manner empty. For this rea…
The verse highlights that seventy elders were specifically chosen to witness this significant covenant event. This wasn't just a random group; this number echoes Jacob's family entering Egypt, signifying a new beginning and God's promise to multiply His people, demonstrating a deep connection between past and future blessings.
Following the people's agreement to the covenant and the sacrifices that ratified it, Moses, along with Aaron, his sons Nadab and Abihu, and seventy elders of Israel, ascended Mount Sinai. This ascent was to participate in a sacrificial meal, a communal feast signifying their fellowship with God, where they would also experience a unique vision of His presence. This event immediately precedes the description of the elders beholding the glory of God and eating in His presence.
Following the people's agreement to the covenant and the sacrifices that ratified it, Moses, along with Aaron, his sons Nadab and Abihu, and seventy elders of Israel, ascended Mount Sinai. This ascent was to participate in a sacrificial meal, a communal feast signifying their fellowship with God, where they would also experience a unique vision of His presence. This event immediately precedes the description of the elders beholding the glory of God and eating in His presence.
"Then Moses and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel went up, and they saw the God of Israel. There was under his feet as it were a pavement of sapphire stone, like the very heaven for clearness." — The verse highlights that seventy elders were specifically chosen to witness this significant covenant event. This wasn't just a random group; this number echoes Jacob's family entering Egypt, signif…
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Last reviewed October 2026
