Exodus 24:16 kjv

And the glory of the LORD abode upon mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days: and the seventh day he called unto Moses out of the midst of the cloud.

Exodus 24:16 nkjv

Now the glory of the LORD rested on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days. And on the seventh day He called to Moses out of the midst of the cloud.

Exodus 24:16 niv

and the glory of the LORD settled on Mount Sinai. For six days the cloud covered the mountain, and on the seventh day the LORD called to Moses from within the cloud.

Exodus 24:16 esv

The glory of the LORD dwelt on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days. And on the seventh day he called to Moses out of the midst of the cloud.

Exodus 24:16 nlt

And the glory of the LORD settled down on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days. On the seventh day the LORD called to Moses from inside the cloud.

Exodus 24 verses

Exodus 24 16 Meaning

Exodus 24:16 depicts a pivotal moment where the palpable manifestation of the LORD's divine splendor, characterized by radiant glory and an enshrouding cloud, settled upon Mount Sinai. This visible presence of God remained for six days, setting a period of anticipation and divine timing. On the seventh day, which bears profound theological significance, the LORD directly communicated with Moses, calling him out from within the very heart of the cloud, initiating a deeper phase of divine revelation and commissioning.

Exodus 24 16 Context

Exodus 24:16 follows the solemn covenant ratification ceremony where Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy elders ascended a portion of Mount Sinai, saw God, and ate a covenant meal in His presence (Exo 24:1-11). Moses had then built an altar, offered sacrifices, read the Book of the Covenant to the people, and sprinkled them with blood, symbolizing their commitment. Immediately prior to this verse, Moses, at God's command, went up into the mountain, leaving Aaron and Hur in charge (Exo 24:12-15). The subsequent divine descent upon Sinai, marked by cloud and glory, prepares Moses to receive the tablets of the Law directly from the LORD. The seven-day period establishes a unique pattern of divine timing and preparation for a profound revelation.

Exodus 24 16 Word analysis

• And: Connects this event directly to the preceding narrative, signaling a continuation of God's interaction with Moses and Israel.
• the glory (כָּבוֹד - kavod): Refers to the visible, tangible manifestation of God's majestic presence, weight, and honor. It implies God's inherent being and radiance made apparent to human senses, often associated with light, fire, or overwhelming splendor. It represents the very essence and character of God revealed.
• of the LORD (יְהוָה - YHWH): The covenant name of God, revealing His personal, self-existent nature and His relational commitment to Israel. It highlights that this divine manifestation is from the specific God who has entered into covenant with them.
• abode (שָׁכַן - shakan): Implies a settled, dwelling presence. The root shakan means to dwell, tabernacle, or encamp, foreshadowing God's desire to "dwell" with His people in the Tabernacle. It signifies a tangible, though temporary, taking up residence.
• upon mount Sinai: The specific geographical location chosen for this significant theophany and covenant revelation. It emphasizes God's direct, localized presence at the focal point of Israel's journey and law-giving.
• and the cloud (עָנָן - anan): A recurring motif in the Exodus narrative for God's veiled presence. It functions both to obscure God's overwhelming glory, making it tolerable for human perception, and to signify His presence, guidance, and protection. It represents a holy separation, yet also divine immanence.
• covered: The cloud completely enshrouded the mountain, creating an impenetrable veil, symbolizing the inaccessibility of God's full glory and the sanctity of His presence. It acts as a divine curtain.
• it: Refers back to "mount Sinai", indicating the cloud enveloped the entire summit where God's glory abode.
• six days: This specific duration suggests a period of waiting, purification, or divine preparation. It emphasizes God's methodical and deliberate approach, building anticipation for the direct encounter with Moses. It might also parallel the creation week, where six days precede divine activity/rest.
• and the seventh day: Points to the significance of divine timing, echoing the Sabbath principle established in creation (Gen 2:2-3; Exo 20:8-11). It signifies completion, divine rest, and the specific appointment of a consecrated time for a holy act – God's calling Moses into His innermost presence.
• he called: A specific, intentional, and direct vocalization from God to Moses. This is not a general or mediated message but a personal summons.
• unto Moses: Highlights the chosen mediator's unique role and privileged access to God.
• out of the midst of the cloud: Emphasizes the direct yet hidden nature of God's communication. Moses is called from the veil itself, signifying a profound intimacy within the mystery of God's presence, accessible to him alone at that moment.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• the glory of the LORD abode upon mount Sinai: This phrase powerfully describes the visible manifestation of YHWH's intrinsic nature and authority settling directly and powerfully on the designated mountain, establishing it as holy ground due to divine occupancy.
• the cloud covered it six days: This sets a distinct time period during which God's presence was veiled, not yet fully revealing His purpose or the next step, building a sense of expectation and profound sacredness around the mountain. The duration highlights divine process and patience.
• the seventh day he called unto Moses out of the midst of the cloud: This marks the culmination and purpose of the six days of veiled glory. On this appointed and sanctified day, God, from the very core of His hidden presence, issued a direct and personal summons to Moses, signaling a new, intimate phase of divine instruction and relationship. The act of "calling from the midst" indicates unique access granted only to Moses, transcending the ordinary.

Exodus 24 16 Bonus section

• The pattern of six days of anticipation followed by a decisive act on the seventh day echoes the creation narrative (Gen 1-2), suggesting a new "creation" or ordering of Israel through the covenant and the Law given at Sinai. It imbues the divine encounter with cosmic significance and highlights God's sovereignty over time and His orderly way of operating.
• The concept of God's "abiding" (shakan) upon the mountain sets the stage for the command to build the Tabernacle, where God promised to "dwell" (shakan) among His people (Exo 25:8), moving from a static presence on a mountain to a mobile, intimate presence within their camp. This verse marks a crucial transition point for this dwelling theme.
• The phrase "out of the midst of the cloud" suggests not a remote or impersonal communication, but one that is intimately situated within the very essence of God's manifest presence, granted to Moses uniquely due to his designated role and consecrated status before God.

Exodus 24 16 Commentary

Exodus 24:16 captures a moment of awe-inspiring divine majesty and the unique privilege of God's chosen servant. The settling of "the glory of the LORD" signifies not just a light or cloud, but the weighty, manifest presence of God Himself. His decision to "abode" on Sinai anticipates the Tabernacle where He would later dwell amongst His people. The cloud acts as a necessary buffer, protecting finite humans from the overwhelming power of divine holiness, while also clearly marking the presence of the infinite God. The deliberate "six days" of veiled glory prior to the direct call to Moses on "the seventh day" underscores divine order, purpose, and the profound significance of God's appointed timing, echoing creation patterns. This scene establishes Moses as the primary, highly privileged mediator between God and Israel, set apart for receiving profound revelations directly from God's mysterious and holy presence within the cloud. It prepares both Moses and the Israelites for the direct transmission of the divine Law and commandments, emphasizing the seriousness and sanctity of the coming revelations.