Exodus 24:9-11 “Then Moses went up with Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel, and they saw the God of Israel; and under His feet there appeared to be a pavement of sapphire, as clear as the sky itself. Yet He did not stretch out His hand against the nobles of the sons of Israel; and they saw God, and they ate and drank.”
This is something new. Up until this time only a handful of people had seen God: Adam, Eve, Enoch, Abraham and Moses. The Lord meets with nearly 75 people. It’s for the ratification of the Covenant. They are to bring this experience back to the people.
God desires His message to be brought to everyone in Israel. The elders were to come back and deliver that message. It started with Moses, then Aaron was also brought in, now the elders. The New Covenant has some similarities in terms of how it was introduced. Jesus has his twelve apostles. Luke 10:1 tells how He sent out 70 disciples. However at Pentecost, He poured out His Spirit on all who would believe.
While God’s blessings and covenant would go to all, His presence stopped at the elders. The New Covenant is a better one, in that His presence goes to all who want it. This is the completion of God’s redemptive work. The fall began with Adam and Eve. In between was the modeling of the Covenant with the Jews. Then Jesus comes and brings it to everyone.
Today’s verse delivers the experience of the presence of God by word of the elders. This was great. But the New Covenant gives us all access to Him.
I’ve heard it said, “How can a good God send people to Hell?” This verse takes that away. The Way is open to all. If anyone goes to Hell, it’s because they chose not to be with God. Some haven’t put themselves directly against Him, but have put Him off. Some do come around, while others see that as a way to appease a guilty conscience and never address Him.
Lord, thank You that You have made a way.