Then he sent out some young men of IsraelIn this context, "he" refers to Moses, who is acting as the leader and mediator between God and the Israelites. The choice of "young men" suggests individuals who were likely strong and capable, suitable for the physical tasks involved in preparing and offering sacrifices. This reflects the communal involvement in worship and the importance of youth in religious duties. The use of young men also indicates a sense of purity and vigor, which were valued in sacrificial roles.
and they offered burnt offerings
Burnt offerings were a common form of sacrifice in ancient Israel, symbolizing atonement and dedication to God. The entire animal was consumed by fire, representing the complete surrender to God's will. This act of offering burnt sacrifices was a way to seek favor and forgiveness from God, emphasizing the seriousness of the covenant being established. Burnt offerings are mentioned throughout the Old Testament, such as inLeviticus 1, where detailed instructions are given.
and sacrificed young bulls as peace offerings
Peace offerings, also known as fellowship offerings, were meant to symbolize reconciliation and communion with God. The choice of young bulls indicates the value and significance of the offering, as bulls were considered valuable livestock. Peace offerings were unique in that they were shared between the altar, the priests, and the offerer, symbolizing a communal meal with God. This type of offering is detailed inLeviticus 3 and highlights the relational aspect of worship, pointing to the peace and fellowship believers have with God.
to the LORD
The use of "the LORD" (YHWH) signifies the covenant name of God, emphasizing the personal and relational nature of the covenant being established. This phrase underscores the direct worship and dedication to the God of Israel, distinguishing Him from the pagan deities of surrounding nations. The sacrifices were not just ritualistic acts but were directed towards maintaining a covenant relationship with the one true God. This covenant relationship is foundational throughout the Old Testament and is fulfilled in the New Testament through Jesus Christ, who is seen as the ultimate peace offering, reconciling humanity to God.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe leader of the Israelites, who is orchestrating the covenant ceremony between God and Israel.
2.
Young Israelite MenThese individuals were chosen to perform the sacrificial duties, representing the people in this sacred act.
3.
Burnt OfferingsA type of sacrifice where the entire animal is consumed by fire, symbolizing complete dedication to God.
4.
Peace OfferingsSacrifices that signify fellowship and communion with God, often shared between the offerer, the priests, and God.
5.
The LORDThe covenant God of Israel, who is establishing His relationship with His people through these sacrificial acts.
Teaching Points
The Role of Sacrifice in WorshipSacrifices were central to Israelite worship, symbolizing atonement, dedication, and fellowship with God. Today, our worship should also reflect these elements, focusing on Christ's ultimate sacrifice.
Young Men in ServiceThe involvement of young men in sacrificial duties highlights the importance of engaging the younger generation in spiritual responsibilities. Encourage young believers to actively participate in church life and service.
Symbolism of Burnt and Peace OfferingsBurnt offerings represent total surrender to God, while peace offerings signify communion with Him. Believers are called to live lives fully dedicated to God and to seek peace and fellowship with Him and others.
Covenant Relationship with GodThe sacrificial system was part of the covenant relationship between God and Israel. As Christians, we are part of a new covenant through Jesus Christ, which calls us to live in obedience and faithfulness.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Exodus 24:5?
2.How does Exodus 24:5 illustrate the importance of sacrificial offerings in worship?
3.What role do young men play in the sacrificial process in Exodus 24:5?
4.How does Exodus 24:5 connect to Christ's ultimate sacrifice in the New Testament?
5.How can we apply the principle of sacrifice in our daily Christian walk?
6.What does Exodus 24:5 teach about obedience and reverence in worship practices?
7.Why were young Israelite men chosen to offer burnt offerings in Exodus 24:5?
8.What is the significance of peace offerings in Exodus 24:5?
9.How does Exodus 24:5 reflect ancient Israelite worship practices?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 24?
11.In that count how many fighting men were found in Israel? Eight hundred thousand (2 Samuel 24:9) One million, one hundred thousand (I Chronicles 21:5)
12.Amos 5:25 - How can Amos assert that Israel did not offer sacrifices in the wilderness when Exodus and Leviticus detail extensive sacrificial ordinances?
13.How many fighting men were in Israel? (2 Samuel 24:9 vs. 1 Chronicles 21:5)
14.Why does Jude 1:5 say Jesus saved a people out of Egypt, contradicting the standard Old Testament account?What Does Exodus 24:5 Mean
Then he sent out some young men of Israel• “He” is Moses, acting under direct command from the LORD (Exodus 24:3-4).
• The covenant is being ratified, and service is required immediately; since Aaron’s priestly line has not yet been consecrated (that happens inExodus 28-29), Moses drafts young men—strong, unblemished representatives of the nation.
• Their involvement highlights:
– The corporate nature of the covenant (Exodus 19:5-6).
– A foreshadowing of Israel’s future priesthood, where service is mediated on behalf of all (Numbers 8:14-19).
– Willing obedience that models what God later asks of every believer (Romans 12:1).
and they offered burnt offerings• A burnt offering is wholly consumed on the altar; nothing is kept back (Leviticus 1:9).
• It pictures complete consecration and atonement:
– Noah offered one after the flood (Genesis 8:20) and God “smelled the pleasing aroma.”
– Abraham was told to offer Isaac in the same way (Genesis 22:2-13), pointing to substitutionary sacrifice.
– In the New Testament, Christ fulfills the burnt offering’s intent by offering Himself “once for all” (Hebrews 10:8-10).
• As Israel enters covenant, the burnt offering says, “We belong entirely to You, LORD.”
and sacrificed young bulls as peace offerings to the LORD• Peace (or fellowship) offerings celebrate restored relationship; portions are eaten in a shared meal (Leviticus 3; 7:11-21).
• Young bulls underscore value and strength—nothing cheap is presented to the King (2 Samuel 24:24).
• The blood is about to be sprinkled (Exodus 24:8), sealing the covenant with life itself (Leviticus 17:11).
• Peace offerings create:
– Thanksgiving for God’s deliverance (Leviticus 7:12-15).
– Communion between God and His people, anticipating the meal the elders will share in His presence (Exodus 24:11) and pointing ahead to the Lord’s Table (1 Corinthians 10:16).
– A preview of the peace won through Christ, “having made peace through the blood of His cross” (Colossians 1:20;Romans 5:1).
summaryMoses commissions young men to act on Israel’s behalf, showing that covenant obedience involves every generation. The burnt offerings proclaim total surrender and atonement; the peace offerings celebrate restored fellowship and shared joy with God. Together they declare that entering into covenant with the LORD means giving Him everything and receiving His peace in return, truths ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
(5)
Young men . . . which offered burnt offerings.--It is to be noted that, even subsequently to the appointment of the Levitical priesthood, the acts of slaughtering the victims and arranging the flesh upon the altar were regarded as appropriately per formed by any Israelite (
Leviticus 1:5-6;
Leviticus 1:11-12, &c). The sprinkling of the blood and the lighting of the fire were the special sacrificial acts reserved to the priest (
Leviticus 1:5;
Leviticus 1:7;
Leviticus 1:11;
Leviticus 1:13). At this time, before the Levitical priest hood had been instituted, the sprinkling of the blood would seem to have been the sole act reserved.
Youngmen were employed to slay the animals as best qualified by their strength to deal with them. . . .
Verse 5. -
And he sent young men. The Levitical priesthood not being as vet instituted, either all the people were regarded as holy, and so any one might offer sacrifice, or the "young men" selected may have been of the number of the first-born, who were priests in their respective families until the appointment of Aaron and his sons to be priests of the nation (
Exodus 28:1). No doubt young men were selected as most competent to deal with struggling animals.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Then he sent outוַיִּשְׁלַ֗ח(way·yiš·laḥ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7971:To send away, for, outsome young menנַעֲרֵי֙(na·‘ă·rê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 5288:A boy, lad, youth, retainerof Israel,יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל(yiś·rā·’êl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478:Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his descand they offeredוַיַּֽעֲל֖וּ(way·ya·‘ă·lū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5927:To ascend, in, activelyburnt offeringsעֹלֹ֑ת(‘ō·lōṯ)Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 5930:Whole burnt offeringand sacrificedוַֽיִּזְבְּח֞וּ(way·yiz·bə·ḥū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 2076:To slaughter for sacrificeyoung bullsפָּרִֽים׃(pā·rîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 6499:Young bull, steeras peaceשְׁלָמִ֛ים(šə·lā·mîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8002:A sacrifice for alliance or friendship, peace offeringofferingsזְבָחִ֧ים(zə·ḇā·ḥîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2077:A slaughter, the flesh of an animal, a sacrificeto the LORD.לַיהוָ֖ה(Yah·weh)Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel
Links
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OT Law: Exodus 24:5 He sent young men of the children (Exo. Ex) 
