Exodus 34:35

And the children of Israel saw the face of Moses, that the skinne of Moses face shone: and Moses put the vaile vpon his face againe, vntill hee went in to speake with him. Exodus 34:35 (KJV)

Context:

In this passage, we find the aftermath of Moses’ encounter with God on Mount Sinai. God called Moses to the mountaintop to receive the Ten Commandments and various other laws and instructions for the Israelites. During this encounter, Moses spent forty days and forty nights in God’s presence, receiving the divine revelation.

Divine Encounters:

Moses’ face was radiant after being in the presence of God. This radiant glow was a physical manifestation of the divine encounter he had on the mountain. It demonstrated that Moses had been in communion with God, and the glory of God’s presence had visibly impacted him. Such a radiant appearance demonstrates the awe‑inspiring nature of being in the presence of the Almighty.

The Veil:

Upon returning to the Israelite camp, Aaron first covered Moses’ face to shield the people from the overwhelming radiance. Later, after Moses spoke with the LORD, he himself placed a veil over his face when addressing the Israelites, removing it only when he entered the presence of the LORD. The veil served to protect the Israelites from the intense brightness of Moses’ countenance and symbolized the mediated nature of God’s revelation—while Moses encountered God directly, the people experienced His presence through him. The veil also helped shield the Israelites from the overwhelming radiance that emanated from Moses’ face, indicating that the brightness was too intense for them to handle directly.

Spiritual Transformation:

The glowing face of Moses serves as a metaphorical representation of the transformation that takes place in the lives of those who spend time in God’s presence and receive His divine revelations. Encountering God changes us at a fundamental level. Spending time in prayer, studying His Word, and seeking His presence can have a transformative impact on our lives, causing us to radiate God’s light and love to others.

The Glory of God:

The radiant face of Moses points to the glorious nature of God’s presence. Throughout the Bible, references to God’s glory represent His splendor, majesty, and magnificence. This passage reminds us that spending time in God’s presence can leave a mark on our lives, enabling us to reflect His glory to the world around us.

Application:

Seek God’s presence through prayer, worship, and studying His Word. Allow Him to transform your life and reflect His glory through your actions and character. Recognize the importance of spending time with God to experience spiritual growth and radiate His love and grace to others. Be mindful of the responsibility that comes with encountering God’s presence. Just as Aaron first covered Moses’ face and Moses later veiled his own, we must approach our relationship with God with humility and reverence. Remember that every encounter with God can leave a lasting impact on our lives, and through His transforming presence, we can become beacons of His light in a dark world.