King James Bible
"And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before their faces all these words which the LORD commanded him."
Moses summons Israel's tribal leaders as representatives of the entire nation, following ancient Near Eastern protocol where elders served as intermediaries between rulers and subjects. This gathering at Sinai marks a pivotal moment where God's covenant proposal will be presented to His chosen people. The Hebrew expression emphasizes Moses' careful, complete presentation of God's message—nothing added or omitted. The phrase 'before their faces' indicates a formal, face-to-face delivery that demands immediate attention and response. Moses acts purely as God's messenger, transmitting divine words rather than his own interpretation. This underscores the verse's central theme: the establishment of direct divine communication with Israel through Moses as the appointed mediator.