New International VersionHe said to the elders, “Wait here for us until we come back to you. Aaron and Hur are with you, and anyone involved in a dispute can go to them.”
New Living TranslationMoses told the elders, “Stay here and wait for us until we come back. Aaron and Hur are here with you. If anyone has a dispute while I am gone, consult with them.”
English Standard VersionAnd he said to the elders, “Wait here for us until we return to you. And behold, Aaron and Hur are with you. Whoever has a dispute, let him go to them.”
Berean Standard BibleAnd he said to the elders, “Wait here for us until we return to you. Aaron and Hur are here with you. Whoever has a dispute can go to them.”
King James BibleAnd he said unto the elders, Tarry ye here for us, until we come again unto you: and, behold, Aaron and Hur are with you: if any man have any matters to do, let him come unto them.
New King James VersionAnd he said to the elders, “Wait here for us until we come back to you. Indeed, Aaron and Hur are with you. If any man has a difficulty, let him go to them.”
New American Standard BibleBut to the elders he said, “Wait here for us until we return to you. And behold, Aaron and Hur are with you; whoever has a legal matter, have him approach them.”
NASB 1995But to the elders he said, “Wait here for us until we return to you. And behold, Aaron and Hur are with you; whoever has a legal matter, let him approach them.”
NASB 1977But to the elders he said, “Wait here for us until we return to you. And behold, Aaron and Hur are with you; whoever has a legal matter, let him approach them.”
Legacy Standard BibleBut to the elders he said, “Remain here for us until we return to you. And behold, Aaron and Hur are with you; whoever has a legal matter, let him approach them.”
Amplified BibleAnd he said to the elders, “Wait here for us until we come back to you. Remember that Aaron and Hur are with you; whoever has a legal matter, let him go to them.”
Christian Standard BibleHe told the elders, “Wait here for us until we return to you. Aaron and Hur are here with you. Whoever has a dispute should go to them.”
Holman Christian Standard BibleHe told the elders, “Wait here for us until we return to you. Aaron and Hur are here with you. Whoever has a dispute should go to them.”
American Standard VersionAnd he said unto the elders, Tarry ye here for us, until we come again unto you: and, behold, Aaron and Hur are with you: whosoever hath a cause, let him come near unto them.
Contemporary English VersionMoses had told the leaders, "Wait here until we come back. Aaron and Hur will be with you, and they can settle any arguments while we are away."
English Revised VersionAnd he said unto the elders, Tarry ye here for us, until we come again unto you: and, behold, Aaron and Hur are with you: whosoever hath a cause, let him come near unto them.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationHe said to the leaders, "Wait here for us until we come back to you. Aaron and Hur are here with you. Take all your disagreements to them."
Good News TranslationMoses said to the leaders, "Wait here in the camp for us until we come back. Aaron and Hur are here with you; and so whoever has a dispute to settle can go to them."
International Standard VersionHe told the elders, "Wait here for us until we return to you. Look, Aaron and Hur are with you, and whoever has a dispute, let him come to them."
NET BibleHe 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."
New Heart English BibleHe said to the elders, "Wait here for us, until we come again to you. Look, Aaron and Hur are with you. Whoever is involved in a dispute can go to them."
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd he said to the elders, Tarry ye here for us, until we come again to you: and behold, Aaron and Hur are with you: if any man hath any matters to do, let him come to them. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd he said to the elders, “Wait here for us until we return to you. Aaron and Hur are here with you. Whoever has a dispute can go to them.”
World English BibleHe said to the elders, “Wait here for us, until we come again to you. Behold, Aaron and Hur are with you. Whoever is involved in a dispute can go to them.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand he has said to the elderly, “Abide for us in this [place] until we return to you, and behold, Aaron and Hur [are] with you—he who has matters comes near to them.”
Young's Literal Translation and unto the elders he hath said, 'Abide ye for us in this place, until that we turn back unto you, and lo, Aaron and Hur are with you -- he who hath matters doth come nigh unto them.'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd he said to the old men, Abide for us here, till when we shall turn back to you: and behold, Aaron and Hur with you; whoever having words shall draw near to them. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleSaid to the ancients: Wait ye here till we return to you. You have Aaron and Hur with you: if any question shall arise, you shall refer it to them.
Catholic Public Domain Versionsaid to the elders: “Wait here, until we return to you. You have Aaron and Hur with you. If any question arises, you shall refer it to them.”
New American BibleHe told the elders, “Wait here for us until we return to you. Aaron and Hur are with you. Anyone with a complaint should approach them.”
New Revised Standard VersionTo the elders he had said, “Wait here for us, until we come to you again; for Aaron and Hur are with you; whoever has a dispute may go to them.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd he said to the elders, You wait here for us until we return to you; and, behold, Aaron and Hur are with you; whoever has a problem, let him come to them.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd to the Elders he said, “Wait for us here until we return to you; and behold, Ahron and Khur are with you; he that has a matter, he will come before them.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And unto the elders he said: 'Tarry ye here for us, until we come back unto you; and, behold, Aaron and Hur are with you; whosoever hath a cause, let him come near unto them.'
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd to the elders they said, Rest there till we return to you; and behold, Aaron and Or are with you: if any man have a cause to be tried, let them go to them.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Moses on the Mountain… 13So Moses set out with Joshua his attendant and went up on the mountain of God. 14Andhe saidto the elders,“Waitherefor usuntilwe returnto you.Aaronand Hurare herewith you.Whoeverhas a disputecan goto them.”15When Moses went up on the mountain, the cloud covered it,…
Cross References Numbers 11:16-17Then the LORD said to Moses, “Bring Me seventy of the elders of Israel known to you as leaders and officers of the people. Bring them to the Tent of Meeting and have them stand there with you. / And I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take some of the Spirit that is on you and put that Spirit on them. They will help you bear the burden of the people, so that you do not have to bear it by yourself.
Deuteronomy 1:9-15At that time I said to you, “I cannot carry the burden for you alone. / The LORD your God has multiplied you, so that today you are as numerous as the stars in the sky. / May the LORD, the God of your fathers, increase you a thousand times over and bless you as He has promised. ...
Numbers 27:18-21And the LORD replied to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun, a man with the Spirit in him, and lay your hands on him. / Have him stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole congregation, and commission him in their sight. / Confer on him some of your authority, so that the whole congregation of Israel will obey him. ...
1 Kings 12:6-8Then King Rehoboam consulted with the elders who had served his father Solomon during his lifetime. “How do you advise me to respond to these people?” he asked. / They replied, “If you will be a servant to these people and serve them this day, and if you will respond by speaking kind words to them, they will be your servants forever.” / But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders; instead, he consulted the young men who had grown up with him and served him.
2 Chronicles 10:6-8Then King Rehoboam consulted with the elders who had served his father Solomon during his lifetime. “How do you advise me to respond to these people?” he asked. / They replied, “If you will be kind to these people and please them by speaking kind words to them, they will be your servants forever.” / But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders; instead, he consulted the young men who had grown up with him and served him.
Acts 6:2-4So the Twelve summoned all the disciples and said, “It is unacceptable for us to neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. / Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will assign this responsibility to them / and will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
Matthew 16:19I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
Matthew 18:18Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
John 20:23If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you withhold forgiveness from anyone, it is withheld.”
Acts 15:2And after engaging these men in sharp debate, Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question.
Acts 15:6So the apostles and elders met to look into this matter.
Acts 15:22Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided to select men from among them to send to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They chose Judas called Barsabbas and Silas, two leaders among the brothers,
1 Corinthians 5:3-5Although I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit, and I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did this, just as if I were present. / When you are assembled in the name of our Lord Jesus and I am with you in spirit, along with the power of the Lord Jesus, / hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the Day of the Lord.
1 Corinthians 6:1-5If any of you has a grievance against another, how dare he go to law before the unrighteous instead of before the saints! / Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? / Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life! ...
1 Timothy 5:17Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.
Treasury of Scripture And he said to the elders, Tarry you here for us, until we come again to you: and, behold, Aaron and Hur are with you: if any man have any matters to do, let him come to them. tarry ye Exodus 32:1 And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; foras for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him. Genesis 22:5 And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you. 1 Samuel 10:8 And thou shalt go down before me to Gilgal; and, behold, I will come down unto thee, to offer burnt offerings,and to sacrifice sacrifices of peace offerings: seven days shalt thou tarry, till I come to thee, and shew thee what thou shalt do. Hur Exodus 17:10,12 So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill… if any man Exodus 18:25,26 And Moses chose able men out of all Israel, and made them heads over the people, rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens… Jump to Previous AaronAbideApproachCauseChiefsDisputeEldersHurInvolvedLegalMatterMattersNighPlacesTarryTurnWaitJump to Next AaronAbideApproachCauseChiefsDisputeEldersHurInvolvedLegalMatterMattersNighPlacesTarryTurnWaitExodus 24 1.Moses is called up into the mountain3.The people promise obedience4.Moses builds an altar, and twelve pillars.6.He sprinkles the blood of the covenant9.The glory of God appears14.Aaron and Hur have the charge of the people15.Moses goes into the mountain, where he continues forty days and forty nights.And he said to the eldersMoses addresses the elders of Israel, who were leaders and representatives of the people. The elders played a crucial role in the governance and spiritual guidance of the community. This reflects the structure of leadership established by God, where Moses, as the primary leader, delegates authority to others. The role of elders is seen throughout the Old Testament and into the New Testament, where elders are appointed in the early church ( Acts 14:23). Wait here for us until we return to you
Moses instructs the elders to remain at a specific location while he ascends Mount Sinai to receive the tablets of the Law. This command implies a temporary absence and a promise of return, which can be seen as a test of faith and patience for the people. The concept of waiting is significant in Scripture, often associated with trusting in God's timing and purposes (Psalm 27:14). Aaron and Hur are here with you
Aaron, Moses' brother, and Hur, a leader from the tribe of Judah, are left in charge during Moses' absence. This delegation of authority highlights the importance of shared leadership and accountability. Aaron later becomes the first high priest, and Hur is traditionally believed to be the grandfather of Bezalel, the chief artisan of the Tabernacle (Exodus 31:2). Their presence signifies continuity of leadership and the maintenance of order among the people. Whoever has a dispute can go to them
Moses establishes a system for resolving conflicts in his absence, ensuring that the community's needs are met. This reflects the judicial system set up earlier inExodus 18, where Moses, advised by Jethro, appoints capable men to judge minor disputes. This system foreshadows the role of judges and leaders in Israel's history and emphasizes the importance of justice and order. It also points to Christ as the ultimate judge and mediator, who resolves the greatest dispute between God and humanity through His sacrifice (1 Timothy 2:5). Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and to receive the Law on Mount Sinai. 2. EldersLeaders among the Israelites who were appointed to assist Moses in governing the people. 3. AaronMoses' brother, who served as his spokesperson and later became the first high priest of Israel. 4. HurA leader among the Israelites, possibly from the tribe of Judah, who assisted Aaron in leadership during Moses' absence. 5. Mount SinaiThe mountain where Moses received the Ten Commandments and the Law from God. Teaching Points Delegation of AuthorityMoses' instruction to the elders to rely on Aaron and Hur demonstrates the importance of delegating authority to trusted leaders. In our lives, we should recognize the value of sharing responsibilities to maintain order and efficiency. Trust in LeadershipThe appointment of Aaron and Hur shows the necessity of having trustworthy leaders who can handle disputes and maintain peace. We should strive to be trustworthy in our roles and support those in leadership positions. Patience and ObedienceThe elders were instructed to wait for Moses' return, teaching us the importance of patience and obedience to God's timing and instructions. Community SupportThe presence of Aaron and Hur as leaders emphasizes the need for community support and collaboration in resolving conflicts and maintaining harmony. Preparation for AbsenceMoses prepared for his absence by appointing leaders, reminding us to plan and prepare for times when we may not be present to ensure continuity and stability. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Exodus 24:14?
2.How does Exodus 24:14 emphasize the importance of leadership and delegation?
3.What role do Aaron and Hur play in Moses' absence in Exodus 24:14?
4.How can we apply the principle of seeking guidance from leaders today?
5.What other biblical instances show the importance of leaving capable leaders in charge?
6.How does Exodus 24:14 encourage us to trust God's appointed leaders?
7.What does Exodus 24:14 reveal about leadership and delegation in biblical times?
8.How does Exodus 24:14 reflect the importance of community responsibility?
9.Why were Aaron and Hur chosen to lead in Moses' absence in Exodus 24:14?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 24?
11.Who was Hur in the Bible?
12.Has anyone ever witnessed God?
13.How could Moses and the elders literally 'see' God and survive (Exodus 24:9-11)?
14.Why does there appear to be no archaeological evidence confirming this covenant ceremony (Exodus 24)?What Does Exodus 24:14 Mean And he said to the eldersMoses turns to the recognized leaders of Israel. By addressing the elders first (seeExodus 3:16; 18:21;Numbers 11:16), he reinforces God’s established chain of command. • God consistently works through representative leadership—elders in the wilderness, later judges and kings, and in the New Testament, elders in each church (Acts 14:23;1 Peter 5:1). • The personal pronoun “he” keeps the focus on Moses as God’s appointed mediator. Yet Moses never acts as a lone ranger; he honors the structure God already put in place.
Wait here for us until we return to youThe elders are told to stay put. Waiting is not passive; it is an active obedience that guards against presumption. • This command sets clear boundaries: only Moses and Joshua will ascend farther (Exodus 24:13). • It demands faith that Moses will come back, foreshadowing the call to “keep watch” while we await Christ’s return (Mark 13:33;John 14:3;Acts 1:11). • Their later failure to wait faithfully (Exodus 32:1) shows why patient trust is vital.
Aaron and Hur are here with youMoses names two specific men, assigning visible, accountable leadership. • Aaron, already identified as high priest (Exodus 28:1), and Hur, who stood with Moses in battle (Exodus 17:10-12), provide balanced leadership—priestly and tribal. • Two witnesses strengthen credibility (Deuteronomy 19:15;Matthew 18:16). • Delegation protects the community; authority continues even when the primary leader is temporarily absent—a pattern mirrored in the church’s elders and deacons (Acts 6:1-6;Titus 1:5).
Whoever has a dispute can go to themEveryday conflicts will still arise; Moses ensures justice does not pause while he is away. • This echoes Jethro’s counsel that capable men judge “minor cases” (Exodus 18:13-26;Deuteronomy 1:16-17). • Israel learns that God’s law is not dependent on one man’s presence but is entrusted to faithful servants—anticipating Christ’s charge that believers settle matters among themselves (Matthew 18:15-17;1 Corinthians 6:1-5). • By directing disputes to Aaron and Hur, Moses safeguards unity and prevents unrest from festering.
summaryExodus 24:14 shows Moses exercising wise, God-honoring leadership. He affirms existing elders, commands patient waiting, delegates authority to trusted men, and provides a clear avenue for justice. The verse teaches order, accountability, and hopeful expectation—principles that continue to guide God’s people as we wait for the greater Mediator’s promised return. (14) He said unto the elders.--Moses understood that his stay in the mount was about to be a prolonged one (see Exodus 24:12). He therefore prudently determined to make arrangements for the government and direction of the people during his absence. Aaron his brother, and Hur, the father of Bezaleel, perhaps his brother- in-law, seemed to him the fittest persons to exercise authority over the people during his absence; and accordingly he named them as the persons to whom application was to be made under any circumstances of difficulty. Here.--In the plain below the mountain. The injunction was that the camp should not be moved until Moses came down, however long he might be detained by the Divine colloquy. Verse 14. - And he saidunto the elders. Before taking his departure for the long sojourn implied in God's address to him, "Come up to me into the mount, and be there" (ver. 12), Moses thought it necessary to give certain directions to the elders as to what they should do in his absence - 1. They were to remain where they were -i.e., in the plain at the foot of Sinai, until his return, however long it should be delayed. 2. They were to regard Aaron and Hur as their leaders, and his (Moses') representatives. In case of any difficulty arising, they were to refer the matter to them. On Hur see the comment uponExodus 17:12.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew And he saidאָמַר֙(’ā·mar)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, sayto the elders,הַזְּקֵנִ֤ים(haz·zə·qê·nîm)Article | Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 2205:Old“Waitשְׁבוּ־(šə·ḇū-)Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 3427:To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marryhereבָזֶ֔ה(ḇā·zeh)Preposition-b | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088:This, thatfor us untilעַ֥ד(‘aḏ)Preposition
Strong's 5704:As far as, even to, up to, until, whilewe returnנָשׁ֖וּב(nā·šūḇ)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common plural
Strong's 7725:To turn back, in, to retreat, againto you.וְאֶל־(wə·’el-)Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, toAaronאַהֲרֹ֤ן(’a·hă·rōn)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 175:Aaron -- an elder brother of Mosesand Hurוְחוּר֙(wə·ḥūr)Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2354:Hur -- four Israelites, also a Midianiteare hereוְהִנֵּ֨ה(wə·hin·nêh)Conjunctive waw | Interjection
Strong's 2009:Lo! behold!with you.עִמָּכֶ֔ם(‘im·mā·ḵem)Preposition | second person masculine plural
Strong's 5973:With, equally withWhoeverמִי־(mî-)Interrogative
Strong's 4310:Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffixhas a disputeדְּבָרִ֖ים(də·ḇā·rîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1697:A word, a matter, thing, a causecan goיִגַּ֥שׁ(yig·gaš)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5066:To draw near, approachto them.”אֲלֵיכֶ֑ם(’ă·lê·ḵem)Preposition | second person masculine plural
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, to
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OT Law: Exodus 24:14 He said to the elders Wait here (Exo. Ex) |
