“And Moses called unto them; and Aaron and all the rulers of the congregation returned unto him: and Moses talked with them.”
Context:Exodus 34:31 is part of a significant event in the life of Moses and the Israelites. This chapter recounts the aftermath of Moses’ second encounter with God on Mount Sinai. In the preceding verses, Moses had spent 40 days and 40 nights fasting and communing with God, during which he received the Ten Commandments and other laws for the people of Israel.
Verse Analysis:
- "And Moses called unto them": After spending time in the presence of God, Moses calls out to the people of Israel. His face is radiant because of the divine encounter he had on the mountain, but the people are initially afraid to approach him due to the glory of God shining from his face (Exodus 34:29-30).
"Aaron and all the rulers of the congregation returned unto him":Upon Moses’ call, Aaron, the high priest and brother of Moses, and all the leaders or rulers of the congregation come back to Moses. This indicates the respect and authority Moses held among the people as their chosen leader and mediator with God.
"Moses talked with them":Once the people approach Moses, he engages in conversation with them. The specific content of this conversation is not recorded in this verse, but it likely involves conveying the divine revelations and instructions he received from God during his time on the mountain.
Spiritual Lessons:
- The Glory of God:The radiance on Moses’ face after being in the presence of God symbolises the glory and transformative power of God’s presence in a person’s life. Spending time in communion with God can lead to spiritual growth and positive changes, making believers shine as lights in the world (Matthew 5:16).
- Leadership and Intercession:Moses’ role as a leader and mediator is highlighted here. As leaders, we should be willing to call people to come close to God, even if it means facing initial fears or uncertainties. Additionally, interceding for others, like Moses did for the Israelites, is an essential aspect of Christian leadership.
- Divine Revelation:Moses’ conversation with the people likely involved sharing the divine revelations and instructions he received from God. This underscores the importance of studying God’s Word and sharing its truths with others, guiding them in the ways of righteousness.
- Approaching God:The initial fear of the people in approaching Moses due to the glory of God on his face reminds us of the need to approach God with reverence and awe. Yet, because of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, we can now boldly approach God’s throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16) with confidence and without fear.
Overall, Exodus 34:31 teaches us about the glory of God’s presence, the significance of godly leadership, the importance of sharing divine revelations, and the need for reverent yet confident approach to God. It invites us to reflect on our own encounters with God and how they influence our lives and interactions with others.
