Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 7. The book of the covenant] The writing containing the laws mentioned in the three preceding chapters. As this writing contained the agreement made between God and them, it was called the book of the covenant; but as no covenant was considered to be ratified and binding till a sacrifice had been offered on the occasion, hence the necessity of the sacrifices mentioned here.
Half of the blood being sprinkled on the ALTAR, and half of it sprinkled on the PEOPLE, showed that both GOD and THEY were mutually bound by this covenant. GOD was bound to the PEOPLE to support, defend, and save them; the PEOPLE were bound to GOD to fear, love, and serve him. On the ancient method of making covenants, see on "Gen. vi. 18"; and see on "Gen. xv. 18". Thus the blood of the new covenant was necessary to propitiate the throne of justice on the one hand, and to reconcile men to God on the other. On the nature and various kinds of the Jewish offerings, see the note on "Lev. vii. 1", &c.
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 ויקח3947 ספר5612 הברית1285 ויקרא7121 באזני241 העם5971 ויאמרו559 כל3605 אשׁר834 דבר1696 יהוה3068 נעשׂה6213 ונשׁמע׃8085
