Exodus 24:11

“And upon the nobles of the children of Israel he laid not his hand, etc.] Which some interpret of his hand of prophecy, and of the measure of the Spirit, such an one as Moses had, and by virtue of which he lived forty days and nights without eating and drinking; but these not having such a measure of the Spirit, were obliged to eat and drink to support nature, as in the next clause: but it is rather to be understood of the hand of God; he did not inflict any disease or death upon them on their sight of him, it being a notion that no man could see God and live; but these men did live, not only Moses, and Aaron and his two sons, but the seventy elders, who were the principal choicest persons…”

“upon the nobles of the children of Israel he laid not his hand--The "nobles," that is, the elders, after the sprinkling of the blood, were not inspired with terror in presence of the calm, benign, radiant symbol of the divine majesty; so different from the terrific exhibitions at the giving of the law. The report of so many competent witnesses would tend to confirm the people's faith in the divine mission of Moses. eat and drink--feasted on the peace offering--on the remnants of the late sacrifices and libations. This feast had a prophetic bearing, intimating God's dwelling with men.”

“He laid not his hand - i. e. He did not strike them. It was believed that a mortal could not survive the sight of God Exodus 33:20; Genesis 32:30; Judges 6:22; Judges 13:22 : but these rulers of Israel were permitted to eat and drink, while they were enjoying in an extraordinary degree the sense of the divine presence, and received no harm. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Upon the nobles or elders of Israel he laid not his hand - Though they were men, the splendour of his glory did not overwhelm them, but it was so moderated ( Job 36:9,) and they were so strengthened ( Dan 10:19,) that they were able to bear it: nay, though they were sinful men, and obnoxious to God's justice, yet he did not lay his avenging hand upon them, as they feared he would. When we consider what a consuming fire God is, and what stubble we are before him, we shall have reason to say, in all our approaches to him, It is of the Lord's mercies we are not consumed. They saw God, and did eat and drink; They had not only their lives preserved, but their vigour, courage, and comfort; it cast…”

“24:11 Around the world, then and now, the act of eating a meal together is often a sign of peace and good relations.”

“nobles: Exo 24:1, Exo 24:9; Num 21:18; Jdg 5:13; Kg1 21:8; Ch2 23:20; Neh 2:16; Jer 14:3 laid not: Exo 19:21, Exo 33:20-23; Gen 32:24-32; Deu 4:33; Jdg 13:22 they saw: Exo 24:10; Gen 16:13 did eat: Exo 18:12; Gen 18:18, Gen 31:54; Deu 12:7; Ecc 9:7; Luk 15:23, Luk 15:24; Co1 10:16-18 Exodus 24:12”