Exodus 24:11Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

He refrained from raising His hand against the elders, as they were summoned for insight rather than for prophecy, although the gift of prophecy was eventually committed to them.

Moses bears witness that the leaders of Israel encountered God; they beheld the spot where the God of Israel stood, with a platform resembling sapphire stones beneath His feet and the appearance of the heavens being pure. None of the chosen of Israel suffered harm; they were present in the divine presence and partook of food and drink. It is affirmed by God that it is beyond human capacity to see Him, as He revealed to His servant Moses, "Thou canst not see My face: for man shall not see My face, and live" (Ex. 33:20). Those who assert that God's Majesty was shown to the elders of Israel believe that no human or animal likeness was visible; instead, only a brilliant and radiant cloud was seen, appearing as a base or floor composed of sapphire-like stones to those gazing upon it.

The Septuagint’s translation, particularly the term ‘a standing-place,’ receives endorsement from numerous scholars. Indeed, Moses himself was denied the privilege of witnessing God’s visage on the mountain (Exodus 33:19-20). In Deuteronomy 4:12, while reminding Israel of God's kindness, Moses addresses the assembly, including the elders, stating, ‘the voice of His word ye have heard, but ye have not seen the image, but only the voice.’ Cook interprets the Hebrew in this verse (‘and they saw God’) as indicating an experience of His gracious presence, which ignited a fervent passion within them.