Exodus 24:12 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

And the Lord said unto Moses, Come up— We have before observed, on ch. 19: that there were different stations on the mountain: the glory of the Lord occupied the highest place, the top of the Mount, as it is called, Exodus 24:17. And to this highest place Moses is now enjoined to ascend, leaving the elders behind to wait for him, and commissioning Aaron and Hur to transact any business during his absence. It is probable, that Moses might not expect so long a continuance in the Mount with God, as forty days and forty nights, when he enjoined the elders to tarry for him on the Mount, and commissioned Aaron and Hur to go backwards and forwards between them and the people; nor can we suppose, that, during this long stay of his, the elders continued all the time upon that part of the mountain where he left them.