"But when Moses went in before the Lord to speak with him, he took the vail off, until he came out. And he came out, and spake unto the children of Israel that which he was commanded."
Context:In this chapter, we find the account of Moses’ second encounter with God on Mount Sinai. The context of Exodus 34 is significant because it follows the incident of the golden calf, where the Israelites turned away from God and worshipped a false idol. God had shown His anger against their disobedience but still demonstrated His mercy and willingness to continue His covenant with Israel.
Moses going in before the Lord:The phrase “before the Lord” emphasises the sacredness and intimacy of Moses’ encounter with God. It denotes the special presence of God, where Moses would meet with Him directly.
He took the veil off:Moses would veil his face while speaking with God, as seen in the earlier verses of Exodus 34:29-33. After receiving the Ten Commandments and the instructions for the tabernacle, his face would glow with the glory of God. The veil served to protect the people from the overwhelming radiance of God’s glory that shone from Moses’ face.
He came out and spoke to the children of Israel:Once Moses had finished conversing with God, he would remove the veil and then communicate God’s commands and instructions to the Israelites. This signifies Moses’ role as a mediator between God and the people, conveying God’s words to them.
Key Lessons:
- The Importance of Seeking God:Moses’ practice of going before the Lord to speak with Him reflects the importance of seeking God’s presence and guidance in our lives. We, too, should prioritise spending time in prayer and communion with God to receive His instructions and wisdom.
- Divine Mediation:Moses’ role as a mediator between God and the people is symbolic of Jesus Christ, who would later serve as the ultimate Mediator between God and humanity. Jesus would provide reconciliation and access to God for all who believe in Him.
- God’s Glory Transforms Us:Moses’ face glowing with God’s glory demonstrates that encountering God can transform us and leave a lasting impact. Spending time in God’s presence, through prayer and reading His Word, can bring about spiritual growth and a Christ-like character.
- God’s Mercy and Covenant:Despite the Israelites’ past disobedience, God remained faithful to His covenant with them. This serves as a reminder of God’s enduring love and mercy towards His people, even when they stumble and fall.
Application:
As we reflect on Exodus 34:34, let us seek to draw near to God in prayer, worship, and the study of His Word. Like Moses, we can experience God’s transforming presence and reflect His glory in our lives. Let us also be grateful for God’s mercy and faithfulness in our own lives, knowing that He is always willing to forgive and restore us when we turn back to Him.
Remember that the Bible is rich with wisdom and spiritual truths, and it’s beneficial to explore its context and related passages to gain a deeper understanding of its message. Happy studying!
