But whenever Moses went in before the LORD to speak with Him, he would remove the veil until he came out. And when he came out, he would tell the Israelites what he had been commanded, But whenever Moses went in before the LORD to speak with Him,This phrase highlights the unique relationship Moses had with God, characterized by direct communication. In the context of the Old Testament, Moses is a central figure who acts as a mediator between God and the Israelites. This direct communication is significant because it underscores Moses' role as a prophet and leader. The phrase "before the LORD" indicates the presence of God, often associated with the Tabernacle, where God's presence dwelt among His people. This setting is crucial as it represents the holy and sacred space where divine instructions were given. The act of speaking with God foreshadows the intimate relationship believers are invited to have with God through prayer and the Holy Spirit. Exo 33:11 Thus the LORD would speak to Moses face to face, … he would remove the veil until he came out. The removal of the veil signifies the transparency and openness in Moses' communication with God. The veil, which Moses wore after speaking with God, served to shield the Israelites from the radiance of God's glory reflected on his face. This act of removing the veil symbolizes the unmediated access Moses had to God, contrasting with the Israelites' experience. In the New Testament, this veil is referenced in 2 Corinthians 3:13-16, where Paul explains that the veil is lifted in Christ, allowing believers to behold God's glory directly. The veil also serves as a type of the separation between God and humanity, which is ultimately removed through Jesus Christ. 2Co 3:13 We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face… And when he came out, he would tell the Israelites what he had been commanded, This phrase emphasizes Moses' role as a conduit of God's commandments to the people. The act of coming out and speaking to the Israelites signifies the transmission of divine revelation. Moses' authority as a leader is reinforced by his role in conveying God's laws and instructions, which were foundational for the covenant community. This process of receiving and delivering God's word is a precursor to the prophetic tradition in Israel, where prophets would speak on behalf of God. The content of what Moses communicated often included laws, instructions, and guidance for living in accordance with God's will, which is central to the narrative of the Torah. This also points to the ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who is the Word made flesh, bringing God's message of salvation to humanity. Exo 24:3 When Moses came and told the people all the words… Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe central figure in this passage, Moses is the leader of the Israelites and the mediator between God and His people. He is known for his unique relationship with God, often speaking with Him directly. 2. The LORD (Yahweh) The covenant God of Israel, who communicates His laws and commandments to Moses. The name "Yahweh" signifies God's eternal and self-existent nature. 3. The Veil A physical covering that Moses used to shield the Israelites from the radiance of his face after speaking with God. It symbolizes the separation between the divine and the human. 4. The Tent of Meeting Although not explicitly mentioned in this verse, it is the place where Moses would go to speak with God. It represents a sacred space of divine-human interaction. 5. The Israelites The people of God, who are the recipients of God's commandments and Moses' leadership. They are in a covenant relationship with God, which requires obedience and faithfulness. Teaching Points Intimacy with GodMoses' relationship with God was marked by direct communication. Believers are encouraged to seek a personal and intimate relationship with God through prayer and the study of His Word. The Role of a Mediator Moses acted as a mediator between God and the Israelites. In the New Testament, Jesus is our ultimate mediator, bridging the gap between humanity and God. Transformation through God's Presence Just as Moses' face shone after being in God's presence, believers are transformed by spending time with God. This transformation should be evident in our lives. Removing the Veil In Christ, the veil is removed, allowing us to see and reflect God's glory. We are called to live in the freedom and light of the new covenant. Obedience to God's Commandments Moses faithfully communicated God's commands to the Israelites. As believers, we are called to obey God's Word and share His truth with others. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Moses' relationship with God in Exodus 34:34 inspire you to deepen your own relationship with God?2. In what ways does the concept of the veil in this passage relate to the idea of spiritual blindness or separation from God? 3. How can we, as believers, reflect the glory of God in our daily lives, similar to how Moses' face shone after being in God's presence? 4. What are some practical ways to remove "veils" in our lives that hinder our relationship with God and others? 5. How does understanding Jesus as our mediator enhance our appreciation of the access we have to God compared to the Israelites' experience in the Old Testament? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Corinthians 3:13-18Paul references the veil Moses wore, using it as a metaphor for the old covenant and the new covenant in Christ. He explains that in Christ, the veil is removed, allowing believers to see the glory of God with unveiled faces. Exodus 33:11 This verse highlights the intimate relationship between Moses and God, where God speaks to Moses "face to face, as a man speaks with his friend." Hebrews 10:19-22 This passage speaks of the confidence believers have to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, drawing a parallel to Moses' access to God. People Aaron, Amorites, Canaanites, Hittites, Hivite, Hivites, Israelites, Jebusites, Moses, PerizzitesPlaces Egypt, Mount Sinai, SinaiTopics Aside, Commanded, Entered, Israelites, Lord's, Ordered, Presence, Removed, Sons, Spake, Speak, Spoke, Spoken, Talk, Till, Turneth, Vail, Veil, WheneverDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 34:10-355104 Moses, foreshadower of Christ Library Blessed and Tragic Unconsciousness'... Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with Him.'--EXODUS xxxiv. 29. '... And Samson wist not that the Lord had departed from him.'--JUDGES xvi. 20. The recurrence of the same phrase in two such opposite connections is very striking. Moses, fresh from the mountain of vision, where he had gazed on as much of the glory of God as was accessible to man, caught some gleam of the light which he adoringly beheld; and a strange radiance sat on his face, unseen by himself, but … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture God Proclaiming his Own Name A Jealous God The Knowledge that God Is, Combined with the Knowledge that He is to be Worshipped. Nature of the Renderings Elijah's Weakness, and Its Cube "That the Righteousness of the Law Might be Fulfilled in Us. " Moses --Making Haste The Christian's God Jehovah. The "I Am. " The True Manner of Keeping Holy the Lord's Day. That the Employing Of, and Associating with the Malignant Party, According as is Contained in the Public Resolutions, is Sinful and Unlawful. The Exercise of Mercy Optional with God. The True Tabernacle, and Its Glory of Grace and Peace Because of his Importunity The Mercy of God The Formation of the Old Testament Canon That Deep Things Ought not to be Preached at all to Weak Souls. The Lord of Glory. The Development of the Earlier Old Testament Laws Moses the Type of Christ. Covenant Duties. Links Exodus 34:34 NIVExodus 34:34 NLT Exodus 34:34 ESV Exodus 34:34 NASB Exodus 34:34 KJV Exodus 34:34 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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