Exodus 24:14
And he said to the elders, "Wait here for us until we return to you. Aaron and Hur are here with you. Whoever has a dispute can go to them."
And he said to the elders
The term "elders" refers to the leaders or representatives of the Israelite community. In Hebrew, the word is "זְקֵנִים" (zeqenim), which denotes those who are mature, wise, and experienced. These elders were often chosen for their wisdom and ability to lead. Historically, elders played a crucial role in the governance and spiritual guidance of the community, serving as intermediaries between Moses and the people.

Wait here for us
The instruction to "wait" implies a period of anticipation and trust. The Hebrew root "חָכָה" (chakah) suggests a sense of expectation and patience. This command highlights the importance of obedience and faithfulness, as the elders were to remain steadfast in their position until Moses and Joshua returned. It serves as a reminder of the virtue of patience in the face of uncertainty.

until we return to you
This phrase underscores the temporary nature of Moses' absence. The promise of return is significant, as it reassures the elders of continuity and leadership. In a broader theological context, it reflects the theme of divine faithfulness and the assurance that God’s appointed leaders will fulfill their roles.

Aaron and Hur are with you
Aaron and Hur are appointed as leaders in Moses' absence. Aaron, Moses' brother, is a familiar figure, known for his role as the first high priest. Hur, though less prominent, is believed to be a trusted leader, possibly from the tribe of Judah. Their presence signifies a structured leadership and continuity of guidance, ensuring that the community remains orderly and supported.

whoever has a dispute
The mention of "dispute" indicates the presence of potential conflicts or issues within the community. The Hebrew word "רִיב" (riv) can mean a legal case or contention. This provision for resolving disputes highlights the importance of justice and order, even in the absence of the primary leader. It reflects the biblical principle of maintaining peace and righteousness within the community.

can go to them
This directive establishes Aaron and Hur as the temporary judges or mediators. The phrase implies accessibility and approachability, ensuring that the people have a means to address their concerns. It emphasizes the importance of having reliable and godly leaders who can provide wisdom and guidance, maintaining the community's spiritual and social integrity.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and to receive the Law on Mount Sinai.

2. Elders
Leaders among the Israelites who were appointed to assist Moses in governing the people.

3. Aaron
Moses' brother, who served as his spokesperson and later became the first high priest of Israel.

4. Hur
A leader among the Israelites, possibly from the tribe of Judah, who assisted Aaron in leadership during Moses' absence.

5. Mount Sinai
The mountain where Moses received the Ten Commandments and the Law from God.
Teaching Points
Delegation of Authority
Moses' instruction to the elders to rely on Aaron and Hur demonstrates the importance of delegating authority to trusted leaders. In our lives, we should recognize the value of sharing responsibilities to maintain order and efficiency.

Trust in Leadership
The appointment of Aaron and Hur shows the necessity of having trustworthy leaders who can handle disputes and maintain peace. We should strive to be trustworthy in our roles and support those in leadership positions.

Patience and Obedience
The elders were instructed to wait for Moses' return, teaching us the importance of patience and obedience to God's timing and instructions.

Community Support
The presence of Aaron and Hur as leaders emphasizes the need for community support and collaboration in resolving conflicts and maintaining harmony.

Preparation for Absence
Moses prepared for his absence by appointing leaders, reminding us to plan and prepare for times when we may not be present to ensure continuity and stability.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the delegation of authority in Exodus 24:14 reflect God's design for leadership within the community of believers?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of trusting and supporting our leaders in our church or community today?

3. How does the role of Aaron and Hur in this passage compare to their roles in other parts of the Bible, and what can we learn from their example?

4. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate patience and obedience in our daily lives, especially when waiting for God's guidance?

5. How can we prepare for times when we may be absent from our responsibilities, ensuring that our duties are still fulfilled effectively?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 17:10-12
This passage describes a previous instance where Aaron and Hur supported Moses during the battle against the Amalekites, highlighting their roles as leaders and supporters.

Exodus 18:13-27
Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, advises Moses to appoint leaders to help judge the people, which sets a precedent for the delegation of authority seen in Exodus 24:14.

Numbers 12:1-16
This passage shows the challenges of leadership and the importance of having trusted leaders like Aaron and Hur to maintain order and resolve disputes.

Acts 6:1-7
The early church appoints deacons to handle disputes and administrative tasks, reflecting the need for delegated leadership in maintaining community order.
Communion with GodJ. W. Burn.Exodus 24:12-18
Divine PreparationsW. Burrows, B. A.Exodus 24:12-18
Moses Ascends the MountJ. Orr Exodus 24:12-18
On the Mount with GodJ. E. Twitchell.Exodus 24:12-18
The Best RecommendationA. J. Gordon.Exodus 24:12-18
People
Aaron, Abihu, Hur, Israelites, Joshua, Moses, Nadab
Places
Mount Sinai
Topics
Aaron, Abide, Anyone, Approach, Behold, Cause, Chiefs, Dispute, Elders, Hur, Involved, Legal, Matter, Matters, Nigh, Places, Return, Tarry, Till, Turn, Wait
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 24:14

     5977   waiting

Exodus 24:4-18

     4269   Sinai, Mount

Library
Sin and Forgiveness
'... Forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty....'--EXODUS xxiv. 7. The former chapter tells us of the majesty of the divine revelation as it was made to Moses on 'the mount of God.' Let us notice that, whatever was the visible pomp of the external Theophany to the senses, the true revelation lay in the proclamation of the 'Name'; the revelation to the conscience and the heart; and such a revelation had never before fallen on mortal ears. It is remarkable
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

'The Love of Thine Espousals'
'And He said unto Moses, Come up unto the Lord, thou, and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel; and worship ye afar off. 2. And Moses alone shall come near the Lord; but they shall not come nigh, neither shall the people go up with him. 3. And Moses came and told the people all the words of the Lord, and all the judgments: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the Lord hath said will we do. 4. And Moses wrote all the words of the Lord, and
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Blood of the Covenant
"Behold the blood of the covenant, which the Lord hath made with you."--EX. xxiv. 8; HEB. ix. 20. "This cup is the new covenant in My blood."--1 COR. xi. 25; MATT. xxvi. 28. "The blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified."--HEB. x. 29. "The blood of the everlasting covenant."--HEB. xiii.21. THE blood is one of the strangest, the deepest, the mightiest, and the most heavenly of the thoughts of God. It lies at the very root of both Covenants, but specially of the New Covenant. The difference
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants

The Blood of the Testament
BLOOD IS ALWAYS a terrible thing. It makes a sensitive mind shudder even to pronounce the word; but, to look upon the thing itself causes a thrill of horror. Although by familiarity men shake this off, for the seeing of the eye and the hearing of the ear can harden the heart, the instinct of a little child may teach you what is natural to us in referer to blood. How it will worry if its finger bleeds ever so little, shocked as the sight, actually there be no smart. I envy not the man whose pity would
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 58: 1912

The Blood of Sprinkling
Our apostle next tells us what we are come to. I suppose he speaks of all the saints after the death and resurrection of our Lord and the descent of the Holy Ghost. He refers to the whole church, in the midst of which the Holy Spirit now dwells. We are come to a more joyous sight than Sinai, and the mountain burning with fire. The Hebrew worshipper, apart from his sacrifices, lived continually beneath the shadow of the darkness of a broken law; he was startled often by the tremendous note of the
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 32: 1886

The Birth of Jesus Proclaimed by Angels to the Shepherds.
(Near Bethlehem, b.c. 5.) ^C Luke II. 8-20. ^c 8 And there were shepherds in the same country [they were in the same fields from which David had been called to tend God's Israel, or flock] abiding in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock. [When the flock is too far from the village to lead it to the fold at night, these shepherds still so abide with it in the field, even in the dead of winter.] 9 And an angel of the Lord stood by them [He stood upon the earth at their side, and did
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Lord's Supper Instituted.
(Jerusalem. Evening Before the Crucifixion.) ^A Matt. XXVI. 26-29; ^B Mark XIV. 22-25; ^C Luke XXII. 19, 20; ^F I. Cor. XI. 23-26. ^a 26 And as they were eating, ^f the Lord Jesus in the night in which he was betrayed took bread; 24 and when he had given thanks, { ^b blessed,} ^f he brake it, ^a and he gave to the disciples, and said, ^b Take ye: ^a Take, eat; this is my body. ^f which is ^c given ^f for you: this do in remembrance of me. [As only unleavened bread was eaten during the paschal supper,
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Writings of St. Ambrose.
The extant writings of St. Ambrose may be divided under six heads. I. Dogmatic; II. Exegetic; III. Moral; IV. Sermons; V. Letters; VI. A few Hymns. I. Dogmatic and Controversial Works. 1. De Fide. The chief of these are the Five Books on the Faith, of which the two first were written in compliance with a request of the Emperor Gratian, a.d. 378. Books III.-V. were written in 379 or 380, and seem to have been worked up from addresses delivered to the people [V. prol. 9, 11; III. 143; IV. 119]. This
St. Ambrose—Works and Letters of St. Ambrose

Things Pertaining to the Kingdom.
"Now is there solemn pause in earth and heaven; The Conqueror now His bonds hath riven, And Angels wonder why He stays below; Yet hath not man his lesson learned, How endless love should be returned." Hitherto our thoughts about "The Kingdom of Heaven" have been founded on the teaching of the King respecting His Kingdom recorded in the Gospels. But we must not forget to give attention to the very important time in the life of our Lord extending between His Resurrection and Ascension, during which
Edward Burbidge—The Kingdom of Heaven; What is it?

The Last Supper
189. On Thursday Jesus and his disciples returned to Jerusalem for the last time. Knowing the temper of the leaders, and the danger of arrest at any time, Jesus was particularly eager to eat the Passover with his disciples (Luke xxii. 15), and he sent two of them--Luke names them as Peter and John--to prepare for the supper. In a way which would give no information to such a one as Judas, he directed them carefully how to find the house where a friend would provide them the upper room that was needed
Rush Rhees—The Life of Jesus of Nazareth

Brief Outline of Ancient Jewish Theological Literature
The arrangements of the synagogue, as hitherto described, combined in a remarkable manner fixedness of order with liberty of the individual. Alike the seasons and the time of public services, their order, the prayers to be offered, and the portions of the law to be read were fixed. On the other hand, between the eighteen "benedictions" said on ordinary days, and the seven repeated on the Sabbaths, free prayer might be inserted; the selection from the prophets, with which the public reading concluded--the
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Jesus Calls Four Fishermen to Follow Him.
(Sea of Galilee, Near Capernaum.) ^A Matt. IV. 18-22; ^B Mark I. 16-20; ^C Luke V. 1-11. ^a 18 And walking ^b 16 And passing along by the sea of Galilee [This lake is a pear-shaped body of water, about twelve and a half miles long and about seven miles across at its widest place. It is 682 feet below sea level; its waters are fresh, clear and abounding in fish, and it is surrounded by hills and mountains, which rise from 600 to 1,000 feet above it. Its greatest depth is about 165 feet], he [Jesus]
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes
ONLY those who have made study of it can have any idea how large, and sometimes bewildering, is the literature on the subject of Jewish Proselytes and their Baptism. Our present remarks will be confined to the Baptism of Proselytes. 1. Generally, as regards proselytes (Gerim) we have to distinguish between the Ger ha-Shaar (proselyte of the gate) and Ger Toshabh (sojourner,' settled among Israel), and again the Ger hatstsedeq (proselyte of righteousness) and Ger habberith (proselyte of the covenant).
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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