Half of the blood be sprinkled on the altar— Expressive of God's acceptance and ratification of the covenant; the other half he sprinkled, Exodus 24:8 on the people; i.e. either on the people themselves, or, most probably, on the twelve pillars, representative of the people. It is to be observed, that their engagement in this covenant was to be a matter of free choice, Exodus 24:7. God, in his dealings with men, always treats them as a people endowed with the power of election. The apostle to the Hebrews fully informs us, that this method of covenanting by blood, had constant allusion to that great covenant by the blood of CHRIST, which all the blood shed in sacrifices from the foundation of the world prefigured; see Hebrews 9:18; Hebrews 9:28.
REFLECTIONS.—Moses is now dismissed to carry down the ordinances, and bring back with him seventy of the elders of Israel, to behold the glory of God, and confirm the people in their obedience. They must come and worship in the Mount, but far off: Moses alone must come near. Note; Every believer must ascend into the mount of prayer, to see God's glory; and we may now boldly draw nigh through our Mediator Jesus Christ: this honour have all his saints. Moses, hereupon,
1. Comes down, rehearses, and writes in a book, for standing use, these ordinances. The people solemnly consent to them. It was as much their interest as duty so to do. Note; Many are convinced of their duty, and hastily resolve to follow it; but going forth in their own strength, they quickly fail in their promises, and forget their vows.
2. A solemn covenant is made between God and Israel, Moses being mediator. An altar stands for Jehovah, and twelve pillars for the twelve tribes. Sacrifices are offered; for without an atonement, there can be no intercourse between God and sinners: and the blood sprinkled, partly upon the altar, partly upon the people, signified the sealing and ratification of the terms agreed upon. Note; Christ is the true sacrifice which makes peace between God and us: his blood confirms the covenant of grace. He sprinkles it on our consciences by faith, and as our High Priest appears with it before the altar of God in heaven, at all times to plead that covenant of redemption, which he has on our behalf fulfilled by his obedience unto death, even the death of the cross.