Exodus 24

“Now the appearance of the glory of the LORD was like a devouring fire on the top of the mountain in the sight of the people of Israel” (v17).  After offering sacrifices symbolizing God’s covenant with Israel, Moses and the elders went up to meet with God on the mountain.  They ate in His presence, and they saw Him surrounded by sapphire. Then the elders waited there as Moses climbed further, and the congregation stayed far below, separated from God’s terrifying holiness.

The first covenant was a blessing (v8), yet a better one was coming. The new covenant in Jesus’ blood means that no one waits at the foot of the mountain; we can all draw near to the Father.