Matthew Poole and continuators on Exodus 24:11

11 And upon the nobles of the children of Israel he laid not his hand : also they saw God, and did eat and drink .

Or separated or select ones, i. e. the persons who were singled out to go up with Moses ver. 1. 9. the same of whom it is said here and ver. 10. that they saw God.

(i. e.) Did not hurt or destroy them, as they might expect according to the vulgar opinion, Gen. 16. 13. and 32. 20. &c. and the conscience of their own guilt, as being now before their Lord and Judge. And so the phrase of putting or stretching forth the hand is most frequently used, as Gen. 37. 22. 1 Sam. 26. 11, 23. Esth. 2. 21. Iob 1. 11, 12. Psal. 138. 7, &c.

So far were they from being destroyed, that they were not affrighted at this glorious appearance of God, but were refreshed and comforted by it, and did joyfully eat and drink together in Gods presence, celebrating the sacred feast made of the remnant of the peace-offerings, according to the manner. Thus God gave them a taste of his grace and mercy in this covenant, and an assurance that he would not deal with them according to the rigors of the law, but for the sake of the blood of Christ typically represented here would graciously pardon and accept all those that sincerely, though imperfectly, obey him.