Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 4. Moses wrote all the words of the Lord] After the people had promised obedience, (ver. 3,) and so entered into the bonds of the covenant, "it was necessary," says Calmet, "to draw up an act by which the memory of these transactions might be preserved, and confirm the covenant by authentic and solemn ceremonies." And this Moses does. 1.
As legislator, he reduces to writing all the articles and conditions of the agreement, with the people's act of consent. 2. As their mediator and the deputy of the Lord, he accepts on his part the resolution of the people; and Jehovah on his part engages himself to Israel, to be their God, their King, and Protector, and to fulfill to them all the promises he had made to their fathers. 3. To make this the more solemn and affecting, and to ratify the covenant, which could not be done without sacrifice, shedding and sprinkling of blood, Moses builds an altar, probably of turf, as was commanded, chap. xx. 24, and erects twelve pillars, no doubt of unhewn stone, and probably set round about the altar. The altar itself represented the throne of God; the twelve stones, the twelve tribes of Israel. These were the two parties, who were to contract, or enter into covenant, on this occasion.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-8 - A solemn covenant was made between God and Israel. Very solemn it was typifying the covenant of grace between God and believers, throug Christ. As soon as God separated to himself a peculiar people, he governed them by a written word, as he has done ever since. God' covenants and commands are so just in themselves, and so much for ou good, that the more we think of them, and the more plainly and full they are set before us, the more reason we may see to comply with them The blood of the sacrifice was sprinkled on the altar, on the book, an on the people. Neither their persons, their moral obedience, no religious services, would meet with acceptance from a holy God, excep through the shedding and sprinkling' of blood. Also the blessing granted unto them were all of mercy; and the Lord would deal with the in kindness. Thus the sinner, by faith in the blood of Christ, render willing and acceptable obedience. (Ex 24:9-11)
Original Hebrew ויכתב3789 משׁה4872 את853 כל3605 דברי1697 יהוה3068 וישׁכם7925 בבקר1242 ויבן1129 מזבח4196 תחת8478 ההר2022 ושׁתים8147 עשׂרה6240 מצבה4676 לשׁנים8147 עשׂר6240 שׁבטי7626 ישׂראל׃3478
