Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version and saw the God of Israel. Under his feet was something like a pavement made of lapis lazuli, as bright blue as the sky. New Living Translation There they saw the God of Israel. Under his feet there seemed to be a surface of brilliant blue lapis lazuli, as clear as the sky itself. English Standard Version and they saw the God of Israel. There was under his feet as it were a pavement of sapphire stone, like the very heaven for clearness. Berean Standard Bible and they saw the God of Israel. Under His feet was a work like a pavement made of sapphire, as clear as the sky itself. Berean Literal Bible and they saw the God of Israel, and under His feet was like the work of a pavement of sapphire, and like the substance of the heavens for purity. King James Bible And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness. New King James Version and they saw the God of Israel. And there was under His feet as it were a paved work of sapphire stone, and it was like the very heavens in its clarity. New American Standard Bible and they saw the God of Israel; and under His feet there appeared to be a pavement of sapphire, as clear as the sky itself. NASB 1995 and they saw the God of Israel; and under His feet there appeared to be a pavement of sapphire, as clear as the sky itself. NASB 1977 and they saw the God of Israel; and under His feet there appeared to be a pavement of sapphire, as clear as the sky itself. Legacy Standard Bible and they saw the God of Israel; and under His feet there appeared to be a pavement of sapphire, as clear as the sky itself. Amplified Bible and they saw [a manifestation of] the God of Israel; and under His feet there appeared to be a pavement of sapphire, just as clear as the sky itself. Berean Annotated Bible and they saw the God {Elohe} of Israel (he wrestles with God). Under His feet was a work like a pavement made of sapphire, as clear as the sky itself. Christian Standard Bible and they saw the God of Israel. Beneath his feet was something like a pavement made of lapis lazuli, as clear as the sky itself. Holman Christian Standard Bible and they saw the God of Israel. Beneath His feet was something like a pavement made of sapphire stone, as clear as the sky itself. American Standard Version and they saw the God of Israel; and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of sapphire stone, and as it were the very heaven for clearness. Contemporary English Version and saw the God of Israel. Under his feet was something that looked like a pavement made out of sapphire, and it was as bright as the sky. English Revised Version and they saw the God of Israel; and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of sapphire stone, and as it were the very heaven for clearness. GOD'S WORD® Translation They saw the God of Israel. Under his feet was something like a pavement made out of sapphire as clear and blue as the sky itself. Good News Translation and they saw the God of Israel. Beneath his feet was what looked like a pavement of sapphire, as blue as the sky. International Standard Version and saw the God of Israel. Under his feet was something like a pavement made of sapphire, as clear as the sky. NET Bible and they saw the God of Israel. Under his feet there was something like a pavement made of sapphire, clear like the sky itself. New Heart English Bible They saw the God of Israel. Under his feet was like a paved work of sapphire stone, like the skies for clearness. Webster's Bible Translation And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire-stone, and as it were the body of heaven in its clearness. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bibleand they saw the God of Israel. Under His feet was a work like a pavement made of sapphire, as clear as the sky itself. World English Bible They saw the God of Israel. Under his feet was like a paved work of sapphire stone, like the skies for clearness. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand they see the God of Israel, and under His feet [is] as the work of a pavement of sapphire, and as the substance of the heavens for purity; Berean Literal Bible and they saw the God of Israel, and under His feet was like the work of a pavement of sapphire, and like the substance of the heavens for purity. Young's Literal Translation and they see the God of Israel, and under His feet is as the white work of the sapphire, and as the substance of the heavens for purity; Smith's Literal Translation And they will see the God of Israel: and under his feet as the work of the whiteness of sapphire, and as the body of the heavens for cleanness. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd they saw the God of Israel: and under his feet as it were a work of sapphire stone, and as the heaven, when clear. Catholic Public Domain Version And they saw the God of Israel. And under his feet was something like a work of sapphire stone, or like the sky, when it is serene. New American Bible and they beheld the God of Israel. Under his feet there appeared to be sapphire tilework, as clear as the sky itself. New Revised Standard Version and they saw the God of Israel. Under his feet there was something like a pavement of sapphire stone, like the very heaven for clearness. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd they saw the God of Israel; and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of sapphire stone, clear as the color of the sky. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And they saw the God of Israel, and under his feet there was as the work of tile of sapphire, and like the color of the sky in purity. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917and they saw the God of Israel; and there was under His feet the like of a paved work of sapphire stone, and the like of the very heaven for clearness. Brenton Septuagint Translation And they saw the place where the God of Israel stood; and under his feet was as it were a work of sapphire slabs, and as it were the appearance of the firmament of heaven in its purity. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Covenant Sealed…9Then Moses went up with Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel, 10and they saw the God of Israel. Under His feet was a work like a pavement made of sapphire, as clear as the sky itself. 11But God did not lay His hand on the nobles of Israel; they saw Him, and they ate and drank.… Cross References and they saw the God of Israel. Genesis 32:30 So Jacob named the place Peniel, saying, “Indeed, I have seen God face to face, and yet my life was spared.” Exodus 33:11 Thus the LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young assistant Joshua son of Nun would not leave the tent. Deuteronomy 5:24 and you said, “Behold, the LORD our God has shown us His glory and greatness, and we have heard His voice out of the fire. Today we have seen that a man can live even if God speaks with him. Under His feet was a work like a pavement made of sapphire, Ezekiel 1:26-28 Above the expanse over their heads was the likeness of a throne with the appearance of sapphire, and on the throne high above was a figure like that of a man. / From what seemed to be His waist up, I saw a gleam like amber, with what looked like fire within it all around. And from what seemed to be His waist down, I saw what looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded Him. / The appearance of the brilliant light all around Him was like that of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell facedown and heard a voice speaking. Ezekiel 10:1 And I looked and saw above the expanse, above the heads of the cherubim, the likeness of a throne of sapphire. Isaiah 54:11 “O afflicted city, lashed by storms, without solace, surely I will set your stones in antimony and lay your foundations with sapphires. as clear as the sky itself. Ezekiel 1:22 Spread out above the heads of the living creatures was the likeness of an awesome expanse, gleaming like crystal. Revelation 21:11 shining with the glory of God. Its radiance was like a most precious jewel, like a jasper, as clear as crystal. Revelation 4:6 And before the throne was something like a sea of glass, as clear as crystal. In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, covered with eyes in front and back. Revelation 4:2-3 At once I was in the Spirit, and I saw a throne standing in heaven, with someone seated on it. / The One seated there looked like jasper and carnelian, and a rainbow that gleamed like an emerald encircled the throne. Isaiah 6:1-4 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted; and the train of His robe filled the temple. / Above Him stood seraphim, each having six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. / And they were calling out to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; all the earth is full of His glory.” … John 1:14 The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. Revelation 21:18-21 The wall was made of jasper, and the city itself of pure gold, as pure as glass. / The foundations of the city walls were adorned with every kind of precious stone: The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, / the fifth sardonyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. … 1 Timothy 6:16 He alone is immortal and dwells in unapproachable light. No one has ever seen Him, nor can anyone see Him. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen. Matthew 17:2 There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. Acts 7:55-56 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked intently into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. / “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” Treasury of Scripture And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness. saw Exodus 3:6 Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God. Exodus 33:20,23 And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live… Genesis 32:30 And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved. of a sapphire stone. Ezekiel 1:26,27 And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it… Ezekiel 10:1 Then I looked, and, behold, in the firmament that was above the head of the cherubims there appeared over them as it were a sapphire stone, as the appearance of the likeness of a throne. Revelation 4:3 And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. in his clearness Song of Solomon 6:10 Who is she that looketh forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners? Matthew 17:2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. Revelation 1:16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. Jump to Previous Appeared Body Clear Feet Floor Form Heaven Heavens Israel Itself Jewelled Paved Pavement Purity Sapphire Seemed Skies Sky Something Stone Substance White WorkJump to Next Appeared Body Clear Feet Floor Form Heaven Heavens Israel Itself Jewelled Paved Pavement Purity Sapphire Seemed Skies Sky Something Stone Substance White WorkExodus 24 1. Moses is called up into the mountain3. The people promise obedience 4. Moses builds an altar, and twelve pillars. 6. He sprinkles the blood of the covenant 9. The glory of God appears 14. Aaron and Hur have the charge of the people 15. Moses goes into the mountain, where he continues forty days and forty nights. and they saw the God of Israel. This phrase describes a unique theophany, where select individuals were granted a vision of God. In the context of the Old Testament, seeing God was a rare and significant event, often associated with divine revelation or covenant establishment. The "God of Israel" emphasizes the covenant relationship between God and the nation of Israel. This vision is reminiscent of other biblical encounters with God, such as Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3) and Isaiah's vision in the temple (Isaiah 6). Theologically, this moment underscores God's holiness and the privilege of being in His presence, foreshadowing the ultimate revelation of God in Jesus Christ (John 1:18). Under His feet was a work like a pavement made of sapphire, as clear as the sky itself. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and to receive the Law. 2. Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu Aaron, the brother of Moses, and his sons, Nadab and Abihu, were part of the priestly line and were present during this divine encounter. 3. Seventy Elders of Israel Representatives of the people of Israel who accompanied Moses and Aaron to witness this theophany. 4. Mount Sinai The mountain where God revealed Himself to Moses and gave the Law to the Israelites. 5. Theophany A visible manifestation of God to humans, in this case, described as seeing God and the sapphire pavement under His feet. Teaching Points The Holiness of GodThe description of God’s presence with a sapphire pavement highlights His majesty and purity. Believers are called to approach God with reverence and awe. God’s Revelation God chooses to reveal Himself in specific ways and times. We should seek to understand and appreciate the ways God reveals Himself to us today through Scripture and the Holy Spirit. Leadership and Responsibility The presence of the elders signifies the importance of leadership in experiencing and conveying God’s truth. Christian leaders are called to lead with integrity and faithfulness. The Beauty of God’s Presence The imagery of the sapphire pavement invites believers to meditate on the beauty and perfection of God’s presence, encouraging worship and adoration. Unity in Worship The collective experience of Moses, Aaron, and the elders underscores the importance of communal worship and unity in the body of Christ. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Exodus 24:10?2. How does Exodus 24:10 enhance our understanding of God's holiness and majesty? 3. What does the "pavement of sapphire" symbolize about God's presence and purity? 4. How can we apply the reverence shown in Exodus 24:10 to our worship? 5. Connect Exodus 24:10 with Revelation 4:6 regarding God's throne and holiness. 6. How does Exodus 24:10 inspire awe and deepen our relationship with God today? 7. What does Exodus 24:10 reveal about God's nature and presence? 8. How does Exodus 24:10 support the reality of divine encounters? 9. Why is the description of God in Exodus 24:10 significant? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 24? 11. Revelation 15:2 describes a sea of glass mixed with fire—what evidence exists for such a phenomenon in reality? 12. Why does the throne in Ezekiel 1:26 appear like sapphire, and does this contradict other biblical depictions of God’s throne? 13. What is the "sea of glass" in Revelation? 14. How could Moses and the elders literally 'see' God and survive (Exodus 24:9-11)? What Does Exodus 24:10 Mean they saw the God of Israel• Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and the seventy elders are granted an extraordinary, literal vision (Exodus 24:9–11). • Scripture normally stresses that “no one can see Me and live” (Exodus 33:20; 1 Timothy 6:16), yet here God graciously reveals Himself in a theophany, veiling His glory enough for them to survive, much like Isaiah’s temple vision (Isaiah 6:1) or Abraham’s encounter at Mamre (Genesis 18:1). • The event confirms the covenant just ratified with blood (Exodus 24:8), assuring Israel’s leaders that the One who gave the Law is personally present and trustworthy. under His feet was a work • The phrase locates God above a visible platform, underscoring His sovereign transcendence while still drawing near. • “Heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool” (Isaiah 66:1) echoes this picture: God reigns, yet sits close enough for His people to witness. • In Ezekiel’s inaugural vision, creatures and wheels support a platform beneath God’s throne (Ezekiel 1:22–23). The Sinai scene reveals a similar heavenly architecture, now intersecting the mountain. like a pavement made of sapphire • Sapphire—deep blue and precious—conveys majesty, beauty, and permanence. The high priest later bears a sapphire stone on his breastplate (Exodus 28:18), linking worship on earth to the heavenly reality. • Ezekiel also sees “something like sapphire” beneath God’s throne (Ezekiel 1:26), tying the prophets’ visions together into one consistent revelation. • Revelation 21:19 places sapphire among the foundations of the New Jerusalem, hinting that what the elders saw is a foretaste of the eternal city. as clear as the sky itself • Transparency stresses purity: nothing obscures God’s holiness. Compare the “sea of glass, like crystal” before the throne (Revelation 4:6). • The sky’s clarity echoes Psalm 19:1, where the heavens declare God’s glory; on Sinai, that glory touches the mountain in tangible form. • Job 37:18 speaks of the heavens “hard as a mirror of cast bronze,” reinforcing the idea of a flawless, polished expanse beneath His feet. summary Exodus 24:10 records a real, historical moment when Israel’s leaders were invited into God’s presence, witnessing His glory on a sapphire-like platform as clear as the sky. The scene affirms God’s covenant faithfulness, displays His sovereign majesty, and offers a preview of the heavenly throne room later described by prophets and apostles. God both transcends creation and draws near, revealing Himself in purity, beauty, and unshakable authority. (10) They saw the God of Israel.--Probably, in human form, as Isaiah saw Him (Isaiah 6:1-5), and Ezekiel (Ezekiel 1:26), and even Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 3:25). It is not of this appearance that Moses says: "Ye saw no similitude" (Deuteronomy 4:12). The appearance which they saw had "feet."A paved work of a sapphire stone.--Heb., a work of the clearness of sapphire. The "sapphire" (sappir) of the Pentateuch is probably lapis lazuli. The body of heaven--i.e., "the very heaven," or "the heaven itself." Verse 10. - They saw the God of Israel. These words can scarcely mean less than that they saw with their bodily eyes some appearance of the Divine being who had summoned them to his presence for the purpose. Moses, we know, saw a "similitude of God" (Numbers 12:8). Isaiah "saw the Lord sitting upon his throne "(Isaiah 6:1). Ezekiel saw upon the throne "the appearance of a man" (Ezekiel 1:26). It does not follow from Deuteronomy 4:12, 15, that the elders saw no similitude, since in that passage Moses is speaking, not to the elders, but to the people, and referring, not to what occurred at the sacrificial feast after the ratification of the covenant, but to the scene at the giving of the Ten Commandments previously (Exodus 20:1-18). What the form was which the elders saw, we are not told; but as it had "feet," it was probably a human form. It may have been hazy, indefinite, "too dazzling bright for mortal eye" to rest upon. But it was a true "vision of God" - and, as Keil says, "a foretaste of the blessedness of the sight of God in eternity." There was under his feet, as it were, a paved work of a sapphire stone. Rather, "and under his feet was, as it were, a work of clear sapphire." Nothing is said concerning a pavement, but only that below the feet of the figure which they saw was something, which looked as if it were made of bright blue sapphire stone, something as clear and as blue as the blue of heaven. Canon Cook supposes the actual sky to be meant; but the expression, "as it were, the body of heaven," or "like the very heaven," makes this impossible. A thing is not like itself.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew and they sawוַיִּרְא֕וּ (way·yir·’ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 7200: To see the God אֱלֹהֵ֣י (’ĕ·lō·hê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative of Israel. יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc Under וְתַ֣חַת (wə·ṯa·ḥaṯ) Conjunctive waw | Preposition Strong's 8478: The bottom, below, in lieu of His feet רַגְלָ֗יו (raḡ·lāw) Noun - fdc | third person masculine singular Strong's 7272: A foot, a step, the pudenda was a work כְּמַעֲשֵׂה֙ (kə·ma·‘ă·śêh) Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4639: An action, a transaction, activity, a product, property like a pavement לִבְנַ֣ת (liḇ·naṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 3840: Whiteness, transparency made of sapphire, הַסַּפִּ֔יר (has·sap·pîr) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5601: A gem, the sapphire as clear לָטֹֽהַר׃ (lā·ṭō·har) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2892: Brightness, ceremonially purification as the sky itself. הַשָּׁמַ֖יִם (haš·šā·ma·yim) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 8064: Heaven, sky Links Exodus 24:10 NIVExodus 24:10 NLT Exodus 24:10 ESV Exodus 24:10 NASB Exodus 24:10 KJV Exodus 24:10 BibleApps.com Exodus 24:10 Biblia Paralela Exodus 24:10 Chinese Bible Exodus 24:10 French Bible Exodus 24:10 Catholic Bible OT Law: Exodus 24:10 They saw the God of Israel (Exo. 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