“And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments.”
Context:Exodus is the second book of the Bible and is primarily focused on the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and their journey to the Promised Land. This verse occurs after the famous incident of the golden calf, where the Israelites sinned by worshiping an idol while Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments from God.
Forty Days and Forty Nights:Moses spent a remarkable period of forty days and forty nights in the presence of the LORD on Mount Sinai. This prolonged time highlights the significance of the event and emphasizes the intensity of Moses’ encounter with God.
Fasting and Dedication:During those forty days and nights, Moses abstained from eating bread and drinking water. This act of fasting demonstrates his deep devotion and commitment to seeking God’s guidance and understanding of His will for the people of Israel.
Writing on the Tables:While in God’s presence, Moses was entrusted with an essential task: writing down the words of the covenant on stone tablets. This covenant included the Ten Commandments, which laid the foundation for the moral and ethical standards by which the Israelites were to live their lives in obedience to God.
Intimacy with God:Moses’ time on Mount Sinai reflects the importance of spending dedicated, extended periods of time seeking God. Though most people may not have literal forty‑day experiences, it emphasizes the value of seeking God in prayer, fasting, and studying His Word to grow closer to Him and gain understanding.
Sacrifice and Surrender:Moses’ commitment to fasting during this time illustrates the principle of sacrificing personal needs and desires in pursuit of spiritual growth and communion with God. Fasting can be a powerful tool to deepen our dependence on God and gain clarity in our walk with Him.
The Importance of God’s Word:God’s covenant, including the Ten Commandments, was written on stone tablets, symbolizing their permanence and significance. This underscores the timeless relevance of God’s Word for humanity. The Ten Commandments provide a moral compass, guiding us to live righteous and just lives.
God’s Mercy and Second Chances:The events leading up to Moses receiving the Ten Commandments involved the Israelites’ disobedience and idolatry. Despite their sins, God extended His mercy to them and gave them a second chance by renewing the covenant with Moses. This reminds us of God’s unending love and willingness to forgive and restore those who repent and turn to Him.
Conclusion:Exodus 34:28 showcases Moses’ unique and powerful encounter with God on Mount Sinai, where he received the Ten Commandments. This passage teaches us about the importance of seeking intimacy with God, sacrificing for spiritual growth, cherishing God’s Word, and understanding the depth of God’s mercy and grace. It serves as a reminder for believers to continually seek God’s presence and align their lives with His moral principles, just as the Israelites were called to do in their time.
