Chapter 24 comes at one of the most interesting points in the book of exodus (and maybe the entire bible). In it we arrive at the end cap of the covenant ceremony (indeed as many have correctly called it the marriage ceremony) between the God of Israel and the people that He has just delivered form slavery in Egypt (Ex 20-24). At first the covenant serfs are not allowed communion with their new Suzerain, until after their covenant mediator, Moses, gives to them the words he receives from God (the covenant terms) and then proceeds to wash the people in his sacrificial blood (Ex 24:8). Yet even after all of this, only the people’s representatives are called into intimacy, where shockingly, not only are they are not obliterated by the presence of God, but they are allowed to sup with Him. This defies imagination, and the language used to describe it is powerful yet far to economical to do anything but tease the reader (Ex 24:10), making us yearn for our own imminent marriage supper of the lamb.
The covenant sacrifices itself is quite interesting. Reminiscent of the sacrifices of the Abrahamic covenant, it is split in half. Yet in this instance, instead of God passing amongst the sacrifice – in so doing incurring the wrath of covenant breaker upon Himself – it is the people who find themselves surrounded by the carnage (Ex 24:8), implying that in this covenant it is they, who will suffer the consequences of the broken covenant. The people commit themselves ardently to keep the covenant fully (Ex 24:7). Moses is called up on the mountain for 40 days, a period typically associated with testing in the bible. It’s no surprise to find the people’s dismal failure as we go into Ex 32. While lessons abound for any with eyes to see, I think in context of the people’s eminent failure to keep their covenant vows, and the Lord’s continued mercy in through the work of a mediator (Ex 32:30, 33:12-23), makes this text beautifully applicable for those who feel defined by their failures and sins. If that is you, look to the mercy that God showed Israel – who essentially committed adultery during their wedding ceremony with Him! And see the Grace that He offers through the sacrificial blood of Christ, our mediator!