Peter Barnes: Exodus 24
(19 May 2019)
SERMON NOTES: THE BOOK AND THE BLOOD OF THE COVENANT
(Exodus 24)
O. Palmer Robertson: a covenant is ‘a bond in blood sovereignly administered’. Exodus 24 is something of a parallel with the Transfiguration: ‘This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him’ (Matt.17:5).
1. The book of the covenant.
– 24:3-4. Moses wrote all the words of the Lord in a book – not in codex form but a book nevertheless. No late dates for the law – or for the Gospels for that matter.
– 24:7. This is a book for all the covenant people of God. See 24:12. Stone indicates permanence.
– Thomas Watson: ‘Read the Bible with reverence. Think in every line you read that God is speaking to you … Read with seriousness … Read the Word with affection … Read the Scripture, not only as a history, but as a love letter sent you from God, which may affect your hearts.’
2. The blood of the covenant.
– 24:5-6. Soon the tribe of Levi would be set apart as the priestly tribe, but before that time men carried out their own sacrifices. Half of the blood is thrown against the altar. Rather messier is verse 8 which tells us that blood was sprinkled on the people – 24:8. See Heb.9:18-22; Rev.12:11; Eph.1:7; Luke 22:20.
3. Communion in the covenant.
– 24:9-11; note 33:23; Ezek.1:22-28. There is overwhelming majesty, and there is unexpected ordinariness: ‘they beheld God, and ate and drank’ (24:11). 2 Cor.3:9-11; 4:4-6; John 1:14.