Exodus 24: Covenant and Communion – A Messianic Reflection

Exodus 24 marks a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, where the Israelites enter into a covenant with God. While the chapter doesn’t explicitly mention the Messiah, it lays the foundation for understanding the profound connection between this covenant and the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. In this article, we delve into the significance of Exodus 24 and its Messianic implications.

The chapter begins with Moses ascending Mount Sinai, accompanied by Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy elders of Israel. There, they witness a glimpse of God’s glory—a foreshadowing of the glory revealed in Jesus Christ, who is described as the image of the invisible God.

In verses 3-8, Moses reads the Book of the Covenant to the people, and they respond with unity and commitment, saying, “All that the LORD has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient.” This moment of covenant-making between God and His people foreshadows the New Covenant established by Jesus Christ through His sacrifice on the cross. Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper, emphasizing the shedding of His blood as the symbol of the New Covenant, connecting it directly to Exodus 24.

Verses 9-11 recount Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and the seventy elders ascending the mountain once more to partake in a covenant meal with God. This communal meal foreshadows the Messianic significance of communion in Christianity. Jesus, during the Last Supper, shared bread and wine with His disciples, signifying His body and blood, which would be offered for the forgiveness of sins.

The climax of the chapter occurs in verses 15-18 when Moses enters the cloud on Mount Sinai, dwelling in the presence of God for forty days and nights. This extraordinary communion with God parallels the relationship between Jesus, who is both fully divine and fully human, bridging the gap between God and humanity.

Exodus 24:17 describes the appearance of God’s glory as consuming fire on the mountaintop. This imagery echoes the spiritual purification brought by Jesus, who baptizes with the Holy Spirit and fire, purifying believers from sin.

In conclusion, Exodus 24, while not explicitly mentioning the Messiah, sets the stage for understanding the profound connection between covenant, communion, and the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. It foreshadows the New Covenant and the communion believers share through the body and blood of Jesus. The chapter’s themes of commitment, unity, and dwelling in God’s presence find their ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ.