Exodus 34:33

And till Moses had done speaking with them, he put a vail on his face.

Exodus 34:33 (KJV)

Context

Moses had just come down from Mount Sinai after receiving the Ten Commandments for the second time. His face shone with the glory of the Lord because he had been speaking with God. The people were afraid to come near him because of the intense brightness. So after he finished speaking, Moses put a veil on his face to shield them from the overwhelming glory. This action is part of a larger account in Exodus 34:29-35 that describes Moses’ practice: he would remove the veil when entering the Lord’s presence and put it back on when he came out to deliver God’s commandments.

Meaning

The Hebrew word for “vail” (masveh) means a covering, likely a cloth or mask that hid the brightness. The KJV’s “till” means “when” or “after” Moses had finished speaking, as modern translations render it. The veil served a practical purpose: it allowed Moses to communicate with the people without causing them undue fear or discomfort. It also showed the holiness of God and the need for a mediator between God and Israel. The people’s fear and Moses’ veiling highlight the unique intimacy Moses had with God, as he spoke with the Lord face to face, and the mediating role he played in conveying God’s law.

Biblical connections

The Apostle Paul uses this event in 2 Corinthians 3:13-16 as a picture of the difference between the Old and New Covenants. Just as Moses veiled his face to hide the fading glory of the law, the minds of the Israelites were spiritually veiled. In 2 Corinthians 3:16-18, Paul explains that when people turn to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Through Christ and the Holy Spirit, believers have direct access to God and can see His glory clearly. The veil also symbolizes the partial and temporary nature of the old covenant, which is surpassed by the greater glory of the new covenant in Christ.

Application

Moses’ act of veiling his face demonstrates humility before the greatness of God. We too should approach God with a humble heart, recognizing His infinite majesty and our own limitations, and rely on His grace to grow in faith and understanding. The practical application is to recognize the privilege of direct access to God through Christ, who is the mediator of a better covenant, and to approach God with reverence and awe. Through Jesus Christ, we have access to God without veils or barriers. The New Covenant offers a deeper relationship, and the Holy Spirit enables us to grasp the fullness of God’s love, mercy, and grace. Exodus 34:33 marks a significant moment in the relationship between Moses, the people of Israel, and God. It reminds us of the limited understanding of God’s glory in the Old Testament and points forward to the greater revelation and access to God through Christ, encouraging us to seek Him with humility and embrace the transformative power of His presence.