V.1-8 Now we come to the time when the covenant (agreement) which we read of in chapter 19, about the “Ten Commandments” will be confirmed between God and the Israelites. This was done with blood. Hebrews 8:9 tells us what happened to this promise (covenant) and why there is a “new” one. While we can learn lessons from the “old” one, it no longer is the foundation for blessing from God. God didn’t fail, but man is proved to be totally incapable of keeping his side of the agreement (covenant). In Christianity there is no covenant, because we were dead in sins. Now God has come to us in pure grace (Eph. 2:8).
V.9-11 What an experience for the four men. It was a sight of God’s glory, more than seeing the Person of God. Something like what is described in Matthew 17:2. Verses such as John 1:18, 1 Timothy 6:16 and John 4:24 show us that it is impossible for a man to really see God’s Person. In order for man to “see” God in any way, the Son became a Man. But it is only faith which really sees God in Jesus! (John 14:9).
V.12-18 All the leaders of Israel had the special honor in verses 9-11. Now Moses is singled out for even greater honor among the leaders. The Lord’s purpose is given in verse 12. What He gave Moses during the forty days, is what we have in chapters 25-31. During those days, the leaders waited on the mountain and all the rest of the people waited at the bottom of the mountain. With this chapter, the giving of the ten commandments and special instructions ends.