Exodus 24:3–8 — Twelve Stones, Twelve Steps, One Covenant
"Moses wrote down all the words of the Lord. He got up early the next morning and built an altar at the foot of the mountain and set up twelve stone pillars representing the twelve tribes of Israel." — Exodus 24:4
1. Twelve Stones as Twelve Steps
Moses erects twelve stone pillars—a physical representation of the twelve tribes. In AA, we walk through twelve spiritual steps—each one a pillar of transformation.
Recovery Insight: Just as each tribe had its place in the covenant, each step has its place in recovery. Step 1 is surrender. Step 12 is service. The stones are not decorative—they’re foundational. They mark territory. They say, “This is where we stand.”
2. The Written Word and the Recovery Script
"Moses wrote down all the words of the Lord." — v.4
Before the altar is built, the Word is written. In AA, we write our inventory, our amends, our story. Recovery is not just spoken—it’s documented.
Fixer Reflection: I’ve written procedures, insights, and CI registers. But the most sacred writing I’ve done is my Step 4 inventory. Like Moses, I wrote down the truth. And like the Israelites, I stood before it and said, “We will do everything the Lord has said.”
3. The Blood of the Covenant and the Cost of Recovery
"Moses took the blood, sprinkled it on the people and said, 'This is the blood of the covenant that the Lord has made with you in accordance with all these words.'" — v.8
Blood is messy. It’s not symbolic—it’s sacrificial. Recovery costs something. It costs pride, denial, and sometimes relationships. But it seals a new covenant.
Recovery Insight: AA is a blood covenant. Not in ritual, but in reality. We bleed truth. We bleed humility. And in doing so, we bind ourselves to a new way of life. The Twelve Steps are not a ladder—they’re a lifeline.
4. The Fixer’s Numerology
Twelve tribes. Twelve steps. Twelve baskets of leftovers in Luke 9. Twelve months in a year. Twelve hours on a clock.
Fixer Reflection: Twelve is the number of completeness. It’s the number of rhythm. In AA, it’s the rhythm of grace. In business, it’s the rhythm of governance. In scripture, it’s the rhythm of covenant.
I’ve built systems with twelve columns, twelve cards, twelve scouts. Not because I’m superstitious—but because twelve works. It’s enough to be whole, but not too much to be overwhelming
About Jason Bresnehan
Jason is the founder of Evahan, a consultancy dedicated to helping individuals and organizations build both financial and legacy wealth. With over 30 years of leadership across sectors and continents, he brings commercial acumen, strategic insight, and lived experience to every engagement. His work spans business transformation, venture management, and M&A, always grounded in a belief that ideas—shared with clarity, balance, and respect—can improve individuals, families, communities, and society.
A strong advocate for freedom, limited government, and enterprise-driven progress, Jason also draws deeply from his personal recovery journey—an experience that reshaped his life and fuels his commitment to growth, contribution, and principled living. Through writing, speaking, and service, he continues to learn, share, and speak with purpose.
I can be engaged (on a remunerated or volunteer basis) to sit on Boards, Committees, Advisory and Reference Group Panels, and to speak to Business, Community, and Youth groups. I’m also open to providing comment to media on topics where I have relevant experience or insight. Please feel free to make contact.