Exodus 24:11: Who Provided The Meal?

Hey guys! Let's dive into a fascinating discussion about a key passage in the Book of Exodus. Specifically, we're going to explore Exodus 24:11 and unravel the question of who actually provided the meal mentioned in this verse. This passage is super important because it comes right after the establishment of the covenant between God and the Israelites at Mount Sinai. Understanding the details here can give us awesome insights into the nature of this covenant, the roles of different figures involved, and even the theological implications of this sacred meal.

Setting the Stage: The Covenant at Sinai

Before we zoom in on verse 11, let's quickly recap the broader context. The Israelites have just been dramatically delivered from slavery in Egypt, and they've arrived at Mount Sinai. God, in His infinite love and power, calls Moses up the mountain to receive the Ten Commandments and the rest of the Law. This is a pivotal moment because God is offering to enter into a covenant relationship with Israel, promising them blessings and protection if they obey His commands. The people, in turn, express their willingness to follow God.

Moses plays a critical role as the mediator of this covenant. He goes up and down the mountain, communicating God's words to the people and the people's responses to God. This back-and-forth is essential in establishing the terms of the covenant. After receiving the commandments and other laws, Moses comes down and recounts them to the people. They respond with a resounding, "All the words that the Lord has spoken we will do" (Exodus 24:3). This is their formal agreement to the covenant.

Following this affirmation, Moses writes down all the words of the Lord. Early the next morning, he builds an altar at the foot of the mountain and sets up twelve pillars, representing the twelve tribes of Israel. Young men of Israel offer burnt offerings and sacrifice fellowship offerings of bulls to the Lord. Then, Moses takes the blood of these sacrifices, throws half of it against the altar (symbolizing God's presence), and reads the Book of the Covenant to the people. Again, they declare, "All that the Lord has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient" (Exodus 24:7). This second declaration further solidifies their commitment.

Moses then takes the remaining blood and throws it on the people, saying, "Behold the blood of the covenant that the Lord has made with you in accordance with all these words" (Exodus 24:8). This act is incredibly symbolic. The blood signifies the binding nature of the covenant and the life that is given in its establishment. It's a powerful visual representation of the serious commitment being made by both God and the people.

Exodus 24:9-11: The Ascent and the Meal

Okay, now we're getting to the heart of the matter! Let's look closely at Exodus 24:9-11: "Then Moses and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel went up, and they saw the God of Israel. And there was under his feet as it were a pavement of sapphire stone, like the very heaven for clearness. And he did not lay his hand on the chief men of the people of Israel; they beheld God, and ate and drank."

This passage is brimming with significance, and it's where our central question about the meal arises. After the covenant ceremony, Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy elders of Israel ascend the mountain. This is a select group, representing the leadership and the people as a whole. Their ascent symbolizes a closer communion with God, a privilege granted because of the covenant that has been established.

The text then describes a vision of God's glory. They