Exodus 24:11

"They saw the God of Israel. Under his feet was like a paved work of sapphire stone, like the skies for clearness."

Key Reflection

In Exodus 24:11, the Israelites witness a divine theophany where Moses and Aaron ascend Mount Sinai with other elders to meet with God. The vision is so profound that it includes a description of God's feet resting on a pavement made of sapphire stone, which appears as clear as the sky itself. This vivid imagery underscores the transcendent glory of God while also grounding His presence in tangible, awe-inspiring terms familiar to the Israelites—like the precious and clear blue of the sky, symbolizing both divine majesty and accessibility.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

He laid not his hand -i. e. He did not strike them. It was believed that a mortal could not survive the sight of GodExodus 33:20;Genesis 32:30;Judges 6:22;Judges 13:22: but these rulers of Israel were permitted to eat and drink, while they were enjoying in an extraordinary degree the sense of the divine presence, and received no harm.

More from Exodus 24

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

Go deeper with Bible.talk - your AI Bible study companion