9 And Moses goeth up, Aaron also, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel, 10 and they see the God of Israel, and under His feet 'is' as the white work of the sapphire, and as the substance of the heavens for purity; 11 and unto those of the sons of Israel who are near He hath not put forth His hand, and they see God, and eat and drink.
12 And Jehovah saith unto Moses, 'Come up unto Me to the mount, and be there, and I give to thee the tables of stone, and the law, and the command, which I have written to direct them.' 13 And Moses riseth—Joshua his minister also—and Moses goeth up unto the mount of God; 14 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.' 15 And Moses goeth up unto the mount, and the cloud covereth the mount; 16 and the honour of Jehovah doth tabernacle on mount Sinai, and the cloud covereth it six days, and He calleth unto Moses on the seventh day from the midst of the cloud. 17 And the appearance of the honour of Jehovah 'is' as a consuming fire on the top of the mount, before the eyes of the sons of Israel; 18 and Moses goeth into the midst of the cloud, and goeth up unto the mount, and Moses is on the mount forty days and forty nights.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Exodus 24:9-18
Commentary on Exodus 24:9-11
(Read Exodus 24:9-11)
The elders saw the God of Israel; they had some glimpse of his glory, though whatever they saw, it was something of which no image or picture could be made, yet enough to satisfy them that God was with them of a truth. Nothing is described but what was under his feet. The sapphires are the pavement under his feet; let us put all the wealth of this world under our feet, and not in our hearts. Thus the believer sees in the face of Jesus Christ, far clearer discoveries of the glorious justice and holiness of God, than ever he saw under terrifying convictions; and through the Saviour, holds communion with a holy God.
Commentary on Exodus 24:12-18
(Read Exodus 24:12-18)
A cloud covered the mount six days; a token of God's special presence there. Moses was sure that he who called him up would protect him. Even those glorious attributes of God which are most terrible to the wicked, the saints with humble reverence rejoice in. And through faith in the atoning Sacrifice, we hope for greater honour than Moses ever enjoyed on earth. Now we see through a glass darkly, but when he shall appear, then face to face. This vision of God will continue with equal, if not increasing brightness of joy; not for a few days only, but through eternity.