Moses, along with priests and elders, represented the people in the blood covenant with God. This covenant was sealed by an animal's death and half its blood thrown against the altar, representing God, and the other half thrown on the people. In order to overlook sin, God requires blood as a covering. The animal blood is only a temporary covering for sin and is the means which looks forward to Christ's death and shedding of His blood. Moses then ascended Mount Sinai to receive the terms of the covenant God makes with His people that conclude the Book of the Covenant begun in chapter 20. Sin creates an impassible barrier between God and people. By the blood of this covenant and the reading of His Word, God anticipates the forgiveness of sins in Jesus, who would become "sin" for us in order to redeem us. 2 Corinthians 5:21.