“And be ready in the morning, and come up in the morning unto Mount Sinai, and present thyself there to me in the top of the mount.”
Context:Exodus 34:2 is part of the narrative of Moses receiving the second set of stone tablets containing the Ten Commandments. In the previous chapters, we learn that Moses had gone up to Mount Sinai to receive the commandments from God, but while he was there, the Israelites, waiting at the base of the mountain, grew impatient and crafted a golden calf to worship. As a result, God became angry and planned to destroy the people for their idolatry.
However, Moses interceded on behalf of the people, and God relented from destroying them completely. In the beginning of Exodus 34, God tells Moses to chisel out two stone tablets similar to the first ones, and He will write on them the words that were on the first tablets. Moses is instructed to come up to the mountain in the morning, and God will meet him there to reveal His covenant and renew His promises to Israel.
- Obedience and Readiness: God commands Moses to “be ready in the morning.” This demonstrates the importance of obedience and readiness in our relationship with God. When God calls us to come into His presence, whether through prayer, worship, or seeking His guidance, we must be prepared and willing to respond promptly.
- Seeking God’s Presence: The invitation for Moses to “come up in the morning unto Mount Sinai” is an invitation to seek God’s presence and draw near to Him. This reveals God’s desire for intimate communion with His people. It reminds us that spending time with God in prayer, reading His Word, and worshipping Him is essential for our spiritual growth and understanding of His will for our lives.
- God’s Covenant: God instructs Moses to present himself “in the top of the mount.” This signifies the height and importance of the encounter with God. On Mount Sinai, God would renew His covenant with Israel and reaffirm His promises to them. This emphasizes God’s faithfulness and commitment to His people despite their shortcomings and failures.
- A Fresh Start: The context of this verse is significant, as it comes after the Israelites’ sin of idolatry with the golden calf. The instruction to create new stone tablets and come up the mountain represents a fresh start and God’s willingness to give His people another chance. This illustrates God’s mercy and grace, teaching us that even after we fall into sin, God is always ready to forgive and renew His covenant with us.
Application:Be obedient and ready to respond to God’s call in our lives. When God prompts us to seek Him or serve Him in various ways, let us be prepared to do so willingly and with joy. Seek God’s presence daily. Set aside time for prayer, meditation, and studying His Word, allowing ourselves to draw near to Him and deepen our relationship with Him. Remember God’s covenant and promises. As we face challenges and temptations, recall God’s faithfulness throughout history and in our personal lives. Trust in His promises and depend on His strength. Embrace God’s mercy and grace. Recognise that God offers forgiveness and second chances. When we stumble, humbly come before Him, repent, and experience the freedom of His forgiveness. Value fresh starts. Don’t dwell on past failures but focus on God’s invitation to start anew. Use the lessons from past experiences to grow and move forward in faith.
In conclusion, Exodus 34:2 teaches us about obedience, seeking God’s presence, the significance of His covenant, and the hope of a fresh start. By applying these lessons to our lives, we can develop a deeper relationship with God and experience His mercy and grace in our journey of faith.
