Exodus 24:17 kjv
And the sight of the glory of the LORD was like devouring fire on the top of the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel.
Exodus 24:17 nkjv
The sight of the glory of the LORD was like a consuming fire on the top of the mountain in the eyes of the children of Israel.
Exodus 24:17 niv
To the Israelites the glory of the LORD looked like a consuming fire on top of the mountain.
Exodus 24:17 esv
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.
Exodus 24:17 nlt
To the Israelites at the foot of the mountain, the glory of the LORD appeared at the summit like a consuming fire.
Exodus 24 17 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Exo 3:2-5 | And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush... and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire... | God's initial appearance to Moses as fire. |
| Exo 19:18-19 | And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire... | Prior description of the mountain's appearance during God's descent. |
| Deut 4:24 | For the LORD thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God. | Direct theological statement about God's nature as fire. |
| Deut 9:3 | Understand therefore this day, that the LORD thy God is he which goeth over before thee; as a consuming fire he shall destroy them... | God as a consuming fire in judgment against enemies. |
| Heb 12:29 | For our God is a consuming fire. | New Testament affirmation of God's nature, echoing Old Testament. |
| Isa 6:4-6 | And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke. Then said I, Woe is me!... | Isaiah's vision of God's glory, accompanied by smoke, implying consuming presence. |
| Ezek 1:27-28 | And I saw as the colour of amber, as the appearance of fire round about within it... this was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. | Ezekiel's vision of God's glory described with fire-like appearance. |
| Exo 40:34-35 | Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle... for the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. | Glory of the LORD filling the Tabernacle, showing His presence. |
| Lev 9:24 | And there came a fire out from before the LORD, and consumed upon the altar... which when all the people saw, they shouted, and fell on their faces. | Fire from God signifying acceptance of sacrifice. |
| Num 11:1-3 | And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them... | Fire as a manifestation of God's wrath and judgment against sin. |
| Ps 18:8 | There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it. | Poetic description of God's terrifying and powerful presence. |
| Ps 50:3 | Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him. | God's advent characterized by consuming fire. |
| Ps 97:2-3 | Clouds and darkness are round about him... a fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about. | Fire preceding God's presence, indicative of judgment. |
| Mal 3:2 | But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap. | God's coming linked to refining fire for purification and judgment. |
| Rev 1:14 | His head and his hairs were white like wool... and his eyes were as a flame of fire. | Christ's appearance described with fiery attributes. |
| Rev 4:5 | And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne... | Divine presence around God's throne characterized by fire. |
| 1 Kgs 18:24 | And call ye on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the LORD: and the God that answereth by fire, let him be God. | God answering by fire, demonstrating His unique power against Baal. |
| Zeph 1:18 | Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the LORD's wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy... | God's jealousy manifested as consuming fire for judgment. |
| 2 Sam 22:9 | There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it. | Similar to Ps 18:8, God's mighty and fiery presence. |
| Exo 13:21-22 | And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire... | God's guidance by fire, a continuous visible manifestation of His presence. |
| Heb 10:27 | But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. | Warning of divine fiery judgment for those who reject Christ. |
| 1 Pet 1:7 | That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise... | Figurative use of fire for purification and testing. |
Exodus 24 verses
Exodus 24 17 Meaning
Exodus 24:17 describes the visual manifestation of God's glory on Mount Sinai. For the observing Israelites at the base of the mountain, the appearance of the LORD's majesty was overwhelmingly like a fierce, devouring flame. This visible phenomenon conveyed both the awe-inspiring presence and the intrinsic holiness and consuming power of God. It underscored His transcendence and separation from humanity, demanding reverence and signifying danger to those who approached unworthily, while also confirming His presence and authority.
Exodus 24 17 Context
Exodus chapter 24 details the covenant ceremony between the LORD and Israel. Verses 1-8 describe Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy elders ascending a portion of Mount Sinai, offering sacrifices, and ratifying the covenant through blood. Verses 9-11 recount their extraordinary vision of God, where they "saw the God of Israel," and surprisingly "did eat and drink," suggesting a unique, unmediated, and non-fatal encounter, confirming God's presence. Following this, Moses is summoned higher up the mountain to receive the stone tablets inscribed with the Law. Exodus 24:17 comes as Moses, about to ascend for forty days and forty nights (verse 18), prepares to leave the rest of the elders. It describes how the glory of God, appearing like a consuming fire, was visible to all the "children of Israel" from below, from the foot of the mountain where the entire camp resided. This vivid imagery served to solidify the reality of God's presence, the gravity of the covenant, and Moses' divine appointment as their mediator in the eyes of the entire nation, even as Moses entered into a deeper, more solitary encounter. This also distinguishes the proximity of Moses to God compared to the elders, and the elders compared to the people.
Exodus 24 17 Word analysis
- The sight (מַרְאֵה, mar'eh): This Hebrew noun means "appearance," "vision," or "what is seen." It emphasizes a distinct, visible manifestation, not an abstract concept. It suggests that what was perceived was concrete enough to be visually discernible, though it was still an appearance of glory, not the full, unmediated essence of God Himself, which no one could see and live (Exo 33:20).
- of the glory (כְּבוֹד, kəḇōd): The noun kābôd literally means "weight," "heaviness," or "abundance." In a theological context, it denotes God's manifested presence, His majestic splendor, reputation, and intrinsic worth. It signifies His absolute sovereignty, holiness, and power, which inherently command reverence and awe. The glory of the LORD is not merely an attribute but often a visible manifestation of His Person.
- of the LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the ineffable, covenantal name of God, often pronounced "Yahweh" by scholars. It emphasizes His self-existence, eternal nature, and faithfulness to His covenant people. It distinguishes Him as the one true, living God, active in history, in contrast to the inert, powerless deities of surrounding pagan nations. This manifestation on Sinai served as a powerful polemic against such idolatrous practices by demonstrating YHWH's unparalleled power and reality.
- was like (כְּאֵשׁ, kəʾēš): The preposition ke- means "like" or "as." It introduces a simile, indicating that the glory's appearance was similar to, not identical with, fire. This preserves the mystery and transcendence of God while using an earthly phenomenon to convey His nature.
- a consuming fire (אֹכֶלֶת, ʾōḵelet): The Hebrew participle ʾōḵelet (from ʾākal, to eat/consume) describes fire that "devours" or "eats up." This isn't just a warming flame or a source of light, but a powerful, destructive force. The symbolism of "consuming fire" speaks profoundly to God's:
- Holiness: It purifies what is acceptable and destroys what is profane. It denotes absolute moral purity that cannot tolerate sin.
- Power: It is irresistible and all-encompassing.
- Judgment: It brings destruction upon His enemies and upon anything impure in His presence. It warns of the danger of unholy approach.
- Jealousy: It consumes rivals or those who profane His worship.
- on the top of the mount (רֹאשׁ הָהָר, rōš hahār): "Mount" refers to Sinai (Horeb), designated as "the mountain of God." The "top" signifies the innermost, most sacred precinct of divine presence, accessible only by divine invitation. This emphasizes the hierarchical and separated nature of God's dwelling and His revelation.
- in the eyes of the children of Israel (לְעֵינֵי בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, lēʿênê bənê Yiśrāʾēl): This phrase emphasizes the public and communal nature of the manifestation. The entire nation witnessed this overwhelming display from their camp at the base of the mountain. It authenticated God's presence, the covenant's seriousness, and Moses' role as His chosen messenger before the entire community, making it undeniable. It served to instill fear of the LORD and respect for His commands.