Exodus 19:24 Meaning and Explanation
“And the LORD said unto him, Away, get thee down, and thou shalt come up, thou, and Aaron with thee: but let not the priests and the people break through to come up unto the LORD, lest he break forth upon them.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God tells Moses to go down, bringing Aaron with him; the priests and people must not approach, or God will break forth against them.
The Context of Exodus 19:24
Moses must include Aaron; the people must stay behind the boundary.
What Does Exodus 19:24 Mean?
God reiterates and clarifies His command. Moses must descend from the summit and bring Aaron to join the people. However, the priests and the general population must remain at their designated positions and absolutely must not attempt to break through the boundary to approach the Lord.
The exception for Aaron indicates his special role in the covenant structure that is being established. Only Moses and Aaron are permitted the fuller access, while the rest of the people and priests maintain their position. The repeated warning about breaking forth emphasizes the seriousness of the boundary violation and the power of divine judgment against it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 19:24
What does Exodus 19:24 mean?
God tells Moses to go down, bringing Aaron with him; the priests and people must not approach, or God will break forth against them.
What is the context of Exodus 19:24?
Moses must include Aaron; the people must stay behind the boundary.