Moses on Mt Sinai
February 21, 2020
Commentary
After confirming the covenant, God called Moses to come up Mt Sinai to receive the stone tablets containing His law (v. 12). Moses and his assistant, Joshua, began the climb, leaving the elders behind. While Joshua went partway, Moses alone was invited to come to the top. Before leaving, Moses put Aaron and Hur in charge of the people’s leadership (v. 14), showing wise delegation and responsibility.
As Moses went higher, a thick cloud covered the mountain for six days. On the seventh day, God called to him from within the cloud (vv. 15–16). The cloud indicated the visible presence and glory of God, holy and awesome. To the Israelites below, the mountaintop appeared like a consuming fire. Yet Moses courageously entered the cloud and met with God face-to-face in deep fellowship.
Moses remained on the mountain 40 days and nights (vv. 17–18). During that time, God gave him detailed instructions for building the tabernacle (Ex. 25–31), where His presence would later dwell among the people. What seemed like a delay to Israel was actually a sacred time of revelation and preparation. The same cloud that covered Sinai would one day cover the completed tabernacle (Ex. 40:34–38), showing that God was still with His people.
Sadly, while Moses went near to God, the people below lost patience and faith. They thought he might never return. They turned to Aaron and demanded new gods (Ex. 32:1–6). Aaron gave in, requested that they give him all their gold earrings, which they did. From these, he made a golden calf for them to worship, and announced, “These are the gods of Israel.” This led to stubborn rebellion and idolatry.
Application
When God seems silent or slow, do I still wait and trust His timing? Like Moses, am I willing to draw near to God, even when others lose patience or turn away? When I feel delayed or uncertain, will I use that time to listen, worship, and grow deeper with Him instead of rushing ahead on my own?
Exodus 24:12–18 (NET)
12 The Lord said to Moses, “Come up to me on the mountain and remain there, and I will give you the stone tablets with the law and the commandments that I have written, so that you may teach them.” 13 So Moses set out with Joshua his attendant, and Moses went up the mountain of God. 14 He told the elders, “Wait for us in this place until we return to you. Here are Aaron and Hur with you. Whoever has any matters of dispute can approach them.”
15 Moses went up the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. 16 The glory of the Lord resided on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days. On the seventh day he called to Moses from within the cloud. 17 Now the appearance of the glory of the Lord was like a devouring fire on the top of the mountain in plain view of the people. 18 Moses went into the cloud when he went up the mountain, and Moses was on the mountain forty days and forty nights.
Joseph Stalin Sleeps in 8 Bedrooms Because of Fear
It is said that when the Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin was all alone he so fearful for his safety that his residence in Moscow contained eight bedrooms. Each night Stalin chose a bedroom at random to ensure that no one knew exactly where he was sl … Continue