Exodus 24:10 – “and saw the God of Israel. Under his feet was something like a pavement made of lapis lazuli, as bright blue as the sky.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and the seventy elders of Israel experience an extraordinary vision of God. They “saw the God of Israel,” which is a remarkable statement, given the Bible’s frequent emphasis on the fact that no one can see God and live (Exodus 33:20). The description focuses on what was under God’s feet—a pavement made of lapis lazuli, a deep blue stone, shining as bright as the sky. This image is rich with symbolism, emphasizing the majesty, purity, and otherworldliness of God’s presence.
The vision of God here is partial, focusing on the area beneath His feet, which suggests the immense holiness and transcendence of God. The mention of lapis lazuli, a rare and valuable stone, reinforces the idea of God’s glory and majesty. The bright blue color, often associated with the heavens, further connects this vision with the divine, emphasizing that God’s dwelling is far above anything on earth.
Historical Context
This event takes place on Mount Sinai, during a unique encounter between God and the leaders of Israel. It occurs after the covenant has been confirmed with the people, and the leaders are allowed to approach God in a special way. In the ancient world, lapis lazuli was a precious and rare stone, often associated with royalty and divinity. Its mention here highlights the extraordinary nature of this encounter.
In the broader context of the Old Testament, God’s presence is often associated with powerful and awe-inspiring phenomena, such as fire, thunder, and lightning. This vision of God, however, is more serene and majestic, focusing on the beauty and purity of the divine presence rather than the overwhelming power often associated with God’s appearances.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse touches on the mystery of God’s presence and the concept of divine revelation. While the leaders of Israel are given a glimpse of God, it is still a partial and mediated vision. This reminds us that while God reveals Himself to humanity, there are aspects of His nature that remain beyond our full comprehension.
The description of the pavement under God’s feet also suggests the idea of God’s holiness and transcendence. God is far above His creation, and His dwelling place is described in terms that convey purity, majesty, and otherness. This encounter emphasizes that approaching God is a profound and sacred experience, one that is not to be taken lightly.
Literary Analysis
The verse uses vivid and descriptive language to convey the majesty of God’s presence. The focus on what is beneath God’s feet, rather than on God Himself, directs the reader’s attention to the overwhelming holiness and glory that surrounds God. The comparison to lapis lazuli, with its bright blue color, evokes a sense of the divine and the heavenly, linking this vision to the idea of God’s throne being in the heavens.
The phrase “saw the God of Israel” is significant, as it indicates a direct encounter with God, something that is rare and exceptional in the Bible. The use of simile (“like a pavement made of lapis lazuli”) allows the reader to grasp the beauty and magnificence of what the leaders saw, even if it is beyond full human understanding.
Biblical Cross-References
- Ezekiel 1:26 – Ezekiel describes a vision of God’s throne, where the pavement beneath Him is also described as resembling lapis lazuli, highlighting the consistent imagery of God’s majestic presence.
- Exodus 33:20 – God tells Moses that no one can see His face and live, emphasizing the awe and reverence with which God’s presence must be approached.
- Revelation 4:3 – In John’s vision of heaven, God’s throne is surrounded by a rainbow that shines like an emerald, further developing the theme of God’s glorious and transcendent dwelling.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Exodus 24:10 serves as a reminder of the majesty and holiness of God. While we are invited to have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, we should never lose sight of the fact that God is infinitely greater and more glorious than we can fully comprehend. This verse challenges us to approach God with both reverence and awe, recognizing His holiness and the privilege we have in being able to draw near to Him.
The imagery in this verse also encourages us to reflect on the beauty and majesty of God’s creation, which points to the even greater beauty and majesty of the Creator. It calls us to worship God not only for what He has done but for who He is—holy, pure, and glorious.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse shows God’s love in revealing Himself to the leaders of Israel, giving them a glimpse of His glory. Even though God is holy and transcendent, He desires to make Himself known to His people. By allowing them to see even a part of His majesty, God is drawing them into a deeper relationship with Him, one that is based on reverence, awe, and love.
God’s love is also evident in the way He provides these leaders with a vision that strengthens their faith and commitment to the covenant. This experience of God’s presence would have been a powerful reminder of His faithfulness and the seriousness of their covenant relationship.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Exodus 24:10 connects to Jesus Christ in that it foreshadows the full revelation of God in Christ. While the leaders of Israel saw a partial vision of God, Jesus is the complete and perfect revelation of God’s nature. As John 1:18 tells us, “No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.”
Jesus is the embodiment of God’s glory, and through Him, we are invited to behold the fullness of God’s majesty and grace. The bright blue pavement seen by the leaders of Israel points to the heavenly reality that is fully revealed in Christ, who brings us into direct relationship with the Father.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the description of God’s presence in this verse challenge our understanding of His holiness and majesty?
- What can we learn from the leaders’ experience of seeing God’s glory, and how does it inspire our own worship?
- In what ways does this vision of God in Exodus 24:10 point forward to the revelation of God in Jesus Christ?
- How can we cultivate a sense of awe and reverence in our daily relationship with God?
- What does this verse teach us about the balance between God’s transcendence and His desire to reveal Himself to His people?
This verse invites us to contemplate the majesty and holiness of God, recognizing the awe-inspiring nature of His presence. It challenges us to deepen our worship and appreciation of who God is, while also pointing us to the greater revelation of God in Jesus Christ, through whom we are invited to experience God’s glory in a personal and transformative way.