Exodus 24

4. Twelve. Cp. the twelve stones of Josh. iv. 3, 8, 9.

8 sprinkled it on the people. On this ratification of the covenant with blood, see the comment in Heb. ix. 18-22.

10 the God of Israel. That is, the bright symbol of His presence; rendered by the Chaldee version, “the glory of the God of Israel”; by the Greek, “the place where the God of Israel stood."—a paved work, etc. Or rather, “a work of brilliant sapphire, even like the very heaven (R.V.) for brightness.”

11 laid not His hand. That is, not to destroy them. Part of the sacrifices was eaten by the elders of Israel, in token of friendship with God, in conformity with a very ancient custom. See Gen. xxvi. 30; xxxi. 54.