2 Corinthians 3:7

But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away:

2 Corinthians 3:7 (KJV)

Context

Paul wrote this letter to the Corinthians to address challenges faced by the early Christian community. In this verse, he contrasts the glory of the old covenant, represented by the law given to Moses, with the surpassing glory of the new covenant in Jesus Christ. The immediate context (2 Corinthians 3:8-11) makes this explicit: the ministry of the Spirit is more glorious, and the ministry of righteousness exceeds in glory.

Meaning

Paul calls the old covenant law the “ministration of death.” This term signifies that the law, although good and holy, revealed God’s standards and exposed human sinfulness, leading to death. The law could not save or bring about righteousness; rather, it highlighted the need for a Savior. Paul emphasizes the permanence and rigidity of the old covenant law by mentioning that it was “written and engraven in stones.” This refers to the Ten Commandments given to Moses on Mount Sinai, which were written on stone tablets. The unchanging nature of the law is contrasted with the transforming nature of the new covenant.

When Moses received the law from God on Mount Sinai, his face radiated with glory. The Israelites could not bear to look at him directly because of the brilliance emanating from his countenance. This glory was a temporary reflection of the glory of God and was veiled when Moses interacted with the people (Exodus 34:29-35). Paul states that the glory of Moses’ face was meant to be “done away.” It was a fading glory and temporary in nature. This fading glory symbolized the temporary nature of the old covenant and pointed forward to the surpassing glory of the new covenant through Jesus Christ.

Biblical connections

The law revealed the holiness of God and exposed human sinfulness, but it could not provide salvation or transform the human heart. It served as a temporary arrangement until the coming of Christ, who fulfilled the law and established the new covenant. The glory of the new covenant in Jesus Christ far surpasses the glory of the old covenant. In Christ, believers experience forgiveness, transformation, and eternal life. The new covenant is characterized by grace, love, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Application

The glory displayed on Moses’ face was temporary and faded away. Similarly, earthly glory and accomplishments are fleeting. True and lasting glory is found in a relationship with God through Christ. The Israelites could not steadfastly behold Moses’ face due to the glory radiating from him. Likewise, encountering the glory of God in Christ requires a personal relationship and an open heart. We need to seek God’s presence and allow His glory to transform us.

Reflection

2 Corinthians 3:7 highlights the contrast between the temporary and fading glory of the old covenant law and the surpassing glory of the new covenant in Jesus Christ. It reminds believers of the insufficiency of the law to save and transform, pointing them to the need for a personal relationship with Christ, who brings eternal and transformative glory.