“And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses’ hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him.”
Context:In Exodus 34, we find the narrative of Moses’ second encounter with God on Mount Sinai. This encounter follows the incident of the golden calf, where the Israelites turned away from God and worshiped an idol. In response, Moses intercedes on behalf of the people, seeking God’s forgiveness and guidance. God, in His mercy, agrees to renew the covenant with Israel and provide them with the Ten Commandments once again, written on two new stone tablets.
Mount Sinai and the Presence of God:Mount Sinai holds significant importance in the Bible, as it is the place where God revealed Himself to Moses and gave him the Ten Commandments. The mountain is often associated with God’s holiness and majesty. In this context, Moses’ time on the mountain symbolises his close communion with God.
Radiant Face of Moses:After spending time in the presence of God, Moses comes down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the testimony (the Ten Commandments). The verse mentions that Moses’ face was shining, though he was unaware of it. This radiant glow is a visible sign of his divine encounter. The presence of God had a transformative effect on Moses, causing his face to shine with a supernatural glow.
Symbolic Meaning of Moses’ Radiant Face:The shining face of Moses carries several symbolic meanings:
- Divine Approval and Favor:Moses’ glowing face signifies that God approved of his intercession for the people and the renewal of the covenant. It indicates God’s favour upon Moses and His acceptance of his prayers on behalf of the nation.
- Spiritual Transformation:The radiant face is an outward manifestation of an inward transformation. Spending time in the presence of God can change a person, making them reflect God’s glory and character in their life.
- The Veil and God’s Glory:In the following verses (Exodus 34:30-35), we see that Moses veils his face when speaking to the people. This action serves two purposes: First, it helps the people not to be overwhelmed by the intense glory of God reflected on Moses’ face. Second, it symbolises that the fullness of God’s glory was still veiled from the people of Israel under the old covenant. The Apostle Paul later references this event in 2 Corinthians 3:7-18, drawing a parallel between the fading glory on Moses’ face and the surpassing glory of the new covenant in Christ.
- Foreshadowing of Christ:Moses’ radiant face foreshadows the glory of Christ, the perfect mediator of the new covenant. While Moses’ face shone temporarily, Christ’s glory is eternal and transformative for those who believe in Him.
Application:
- Seeking God’s Presence:The account of Moses reminds us of the importance of seeking God’s presence through prayer, worship, and spending time in His Word. Just as Moses’ face shone when he spent time with God, our lives can radiate God’s glory when we seek a deep and intimate relationship with Him.
- Transformed by God’s Glory:Spending time with God should transform us from the inside out. As we encounter Him, we should strive to reflect His character and love in our daily lives, becoming more Christ-like with each passing day.
- Veiled Glory of God in Christ:While Moses’ face was veiled to protect the people from the overwhelming glory, the fullness of God’s glory is revealed to us through Jesus Christ. In Christ, we have access to God’s presence and can experience His transformative power in our lives.
- Sharing God’s Glory:Like Moses, we may unknowingly reflect God’s glory to those around us. Our actions, attitudes, and love should be a witness to the world of God’s presence in our lives.
In conclusion, Exodus 34:29 illustrates Moses’ radiant face as a visible sign of his encounter with God on Mount Sinai. This event holds several symbolic meanings, pointing to God’s approval, spiritual transformation, the veiled glory of God under the old covenant, and the foreshadowing of Christ’s surpassing glory in the new covenant. As we study this passage, we are encouraged to seek God’s presence, allow His glory to transform us, and share His light with others.
