“And till Moses had done speaking with them, he put a vail on his face.”
Context:In this chapter, Moses had spent time with the Lord on Mount Sinai, where he received the Ten Commandments for the second time after breaking the first tablets due to the incident of the golden calf. During this encounter with God, Moses experienced a remarkable event where his face radiated with the glory of the Lord. Afterward, he would wear a veil to cover his face when speaking to the people of Israel.
Key Points:
- Moses’ Encounter with God’s Glory:Before this verse, in Exodus 34:29-30, we read that when Moses descended from Mount Sinai with the second set of tablets, his face was radiant because he had been in the presence of God. The skin of his face shone with such brightness that the people were afraid to come near him.
- Veiling of Moses’ Face:Upon seeing the fear and awe of the people, Moses decided to cover his face with a veil or a mask. This act was to prevent the Israelites from being frightened by the intense glory of God reflected on Moses’ face. It also served to protect them from being overwhelmed by the divine presence.
- Symbolic Meaning:The veiling of Moses’ face holds symbolic significance. In 2 Corinthians 3:13-16, the Apostle Paul references this event, using it as a metaphor to illustrate the difference between the Old and New Covenants. He explains that just as Moses veiled his face to conceal the fading glory of the law, the minds of the Israelites were spiritually veiled, preventing them from fully understanding the true glory of God’s grace.
- Limited Revelation:The veil on Moses’ face highlights the limited revelation and understanding of God’s plan during the Old Testament era. The people of Israel had a restricted knowledge of God’s redemptive plan and were unable to comprehend the fullness of His grace and mercy until the coming of Jesus Christ.
- Unveiled through Christ:In 2 Corinthians 3:16-18, Paul contrasts the veiling of Moses’ face with the freedom brought by Christ. He explains that when people turn to the Lord, the veil is taken away, allowing them to see and understand God’s glory and truth clearly. In Christ, believers have direct access to God, and through the Holy Spirit, they can experience the transformative power of God’s presence in their lives.
Application:
- Appreciating God’s Glory:Just as Moses experienced the glory of God, we can also encounter God’s presence through prayer, meditation, and studying His Word. As we spend time seeking God, we may experience spiritual transformation that reflects His glory in our lives.
- Humility and Grace:Moses’ act of veiling his face demonstrates humility before the greatness of God. We too should approach God with a humble heart, recognizing His infinite majesty and our own limitations. Additionally, it reminds us of the need for God’s grace to help us grow in our faith and understanding.
- The New Covenant:Through Jesus Christ, we have access to God without veils or barriers. The New Covenant offers us a deeper relationship with God, and the Holy Spirit enables us to grasp the fullness of God’s love, mercy, and grace.
In conclusion, Exodus 34:33 presents a significant moment in the relationship between Moses, the people of Israel, and God. It reminds us of the limited understanding of God’s glory in the Old Testament and points forward to the greater revelation and access to God through Jesus Christ in the New Covenant. It encourages us to seek God with humility and embrace the transformative power of His presence in our lives.
