and the glory of the LORD settled on Mount Sinai.The "glory of the LORD" refers to the visible manifestation of God's presence, often associated with light or fire. This event occurs at Mount Sinai, a significant location in the biblical narrative where God gives the Law to Moses. The settling of God's glory signifies His approval and the sanctity of the covenant being established. This moment is a theophany, a direct encounter with God, which is a recurring theme in the Old Testament. The glory of the LORD is also seen in the New Testament, such as during the Transfiguration of Jesus (
Matthew 17:1-8), drawing a parallel between Moses and Jesus as mediators of God's covenant.
For six days the cloud covered it,
The cloud represents God's presence and often serves as a protective covering or a means of veiling His full glory, which is too overwhelming for humans to behold. The six days may symbolize a period of preparation or purification, reminiscent of the six days of creation, suggesting a new beginning or order being established. The cloud is a recurring motif in Scripture, symbolizing divine guidance and protection, as seen when the Israelites are led by a pillar of cloud by day (Exodus 13:21).
and on the seventh day the LORD called to Moses from within the cloud.
The seventh day is significant, often associated with completion and rest, as seen in the creation account where God rests on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2-3). This calling of Moses on the seventh day underscores the holiness and completion of the preparation period. It also highlights Moses' unique role as a mediator between God and the Israelites. The voice of the LORD calling from within the cloud emphasizes the direct communication and relationship between God and Moses, prefiguring the intimate relationship believers are invited into through Christ, who is the ultimate mediator (1 Timothy 2:5).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, whose glory is manifest on Mount Sinai.
2.
MosesThe leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to receive the Law and mediate the covenant.
3.
Mount SinaiThe mountain where God revealed Himself to Moses and gave the Law to Israel.
4.
The CloudA visible manifestation of God's presence, symbolizing His glory and holiness.
5.
The Seventh DayA significant day in biblical theology, often associated with completion and rest.
Teaching Points
The Glory of GodGod's glory is both awe-inspiring and fearsome. It demands reverence and obedience.
The Significance of the CloudThe cloud represents God's presence and protection. It is a reminder of His guidance and the mystery of His holiness.
The Importance of WaitingMoses waited six days before God called him. Patience and preparation are essential in our walk with God.
The Seventh DayThe seventh day signifies completion and rest. It invites us to find rest in God's presence and trust in His timing.
God's CallGod calls us into His presence. We must be attentive and ready to respond to His voice.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Exodus 24:16?
2.How does God's glory on Mount Sinai inspire reverence in our worship today?
3.What does the "cloud covered it" reveal about God's presence and holiness?
4.How can we prepare ourselves to encounter God's glory in our daily lives?
5.How does Exodus 24:16 connect to God's presence in the New Testament?
6.What practical steps can we take to honor God's glory in our community?
7.What does Exodus 24:16 reveal about God's presence and its significance to the Israelites?
8.How does the cloud in Exodus 24:16 symbolize God's glory and holiness?
9.Why did God choose to cover Mount Sinai with a cloud for six days?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 24?
11.What is the summary of Joshua's life and leadership?
12.Why did Israelites' journey to the Promised Land take 40 years?
13.What are Christian orbs?
14.What does "From Glory to Glory" mean?What Does Exodus 24:16 Mean
The glory of the LORD settled on Mount Sinai- Scripture paints a vivid scene: “the glory of the LORD settled on Mount Sinai.” This is not poetic exaggeration; it is a literal manifestation of God’s radiant presence.
- Similar manifestations help us grasp the weight of this moment:
•Exodus 19:18 – the mountain “trembled violently, and the whole mountain was enveloped in smoke.”
•1 Kings 8:10-11 – the priests could not stand to minister because “the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD.”
•Revelation 15:8 – the heavenly temple is filled with smoke from God’s glory.
- God’s glory settling indicates His willingness to dwell with His covenant people, foreshadowing the tabernacle (Exodus 25:8) and, ultimately, the incarnate Christ who “dwelt among us” (John 1:14).
- It also affirms God’s holiness; the mountain became a sacred space set apart by His presence (Exodus 19:12-13).
For six days the cloud covered it- The cloud functions both as concealment and protection; sinful humanity cannot behold God’s glory unshielded (Exodus 33:20).
- Six silent days underline:
• Preparation – Moses waits, demonstrating patient obedience (Psalm 27:14).
• Separation – God sets the pace; leaders must wait for divine timing, not rush in presumptuously (Numbers 9:15-23).
• Anticipation – Israel’s history is punctuated by periods of waiting before decisive acts of God (Joshua 3:1-4).
- The number six echoes the creation pattern (Genesis 1); work and waiting culminate in God’s appointed rest.
On the seventh day the LORD called to Moses from within the cloud- The seventh day aligns with the Sabbath principle (Exodus 20:8-11). God’s call comes in the context of rest, teaching that revelation flows from relationship, not frantic effort.
- Moses alone is summoned, underscoring:
• His mediatorial role (Deuteronomy 5:5;Hebrews 3:1-6).
• The covenant structure—God speaks through an appointed representative, pointing ahead to the greater Mediator, Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5).
- The voice from within the cloud affirms that God is both transcendent (hidden) and immanent (speaking). This balance appears again at the Transfiguration where “a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is My beloved Son…’” (Matthew 17:5).
summaryExodus 24:16 records a historic, literal event: God’s glory visibly descends on Sinai, cloaked in a protective cloud. Six days of waiting highlight reverent preparation, and on the seventh—Sabbath—God speaks, inviting Moses deeper into covenant fellowship. The passage reveals God’s holiness, the necessity of mediation, the rhythm of work and rest, and the gracious reality that the Almighty desires to dwell with and guide His people.
(16)
The seventh day he called unto Mosesout
of the midst of the cloud.--Moses, it is evident, would not enter the cloud without a positive summons. It pleased God to put off the summons for six days. Moses doubtless employed the time in such prayer and meditation as rendered him fit for near contact with Deity.
Verse 16. - Now occurred a remarkable pause. The summons had been given to Moses, and he had obeyed it. He was there on the platform a little below the summit, ready, but waiting for a further call. The call was not made for six days. A holy calm reigned upon Sinai - the cloud rested upon the summit, and in the cloud was
the glory of the Lord. Moses and Joshua waited near - but for six days there was no sign. God thus taught Moses, and through him the world, that near approach to him requires long and careful preparation. Moses, no doubt, was occupied during
the six days in continual prayer. At last,
on the seventh day, the call, which Moses had expected, came.
God called unto Moses out of the midst of the cloud. God summoned him to a closer approach - bade him enter the cloud - and draw as nigh to him as possible.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
and the gloryכְּבוֹד־(kə·ḇō·wḏ-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3519:Weight, splendor, copiousnessof the LORDיְהוָה֙(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelsettledוַיִּשְׁכֹּ֤ן(way·yiš·kōn)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7931:To settle down, abide, dwellonעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstMountהַ֣ר(har)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2022:Mountain, hill, hill countrySinai.סִינַ֔י(sî·nay)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 5514:Sinai -- the mountain where the law was givenFor sixשֵׁ֣שֶׁת(šê·šeṯ)Number - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8337:Six (a cardinal number)daysיָמִ֑ים(yā·mîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3117:A daythe cloudהֶעָנָ֖ן(he·‘ā·nān)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6051:A cloud, the nimbus, thunder-cloudcovered it,וַיְכַסֵּ֥הוּ(way·ḵas·sê·hū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3680:To plump, fill up hollows, to coverand on the seventhהַשְּׁבִיעִ֖י(haš·šə·ḇî·‘î)Article | Number - ordinal masculine singular
Strong's 7637:Seventh (an ordinal number)dayבַּיּ֥וֹם(bay·yō·wm)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117:A day[the LORD] calledוַיִּקְרָ֧א(way·yiq·rā)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7121:To call, proclaim, readtoאֶל־(’el-)Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, toMosesמֹשֶׁ֛ה(mō·šeh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872:Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiverfrom withinמִתּ֥וֹךְ(mit·tō·wḵ)Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8432:A bisection, the centrethe cloud.הֶעָנָֽן׃(he·‘ā·nān)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6051:A cloud, the nimbus, thunder-cloud
Links
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OT Law: Exodus 24:16 The glory of Yahweh settled on Mount (Exo. Ex) 
