The Renewal of the Covenant
The LORD said to Moses, 'Chisel out two stone tablets like the originals, and I will write on them the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke.' (Exodus 34:1)
God’s willingness to renew the covenant despite Israel’s previous rebellion demonstrates His mercy and commitment to His people.

The Revelation of God’s Character
Then the LORD passed in front of Moses and called out: 'The LORD, the LORD God, is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth.' (Exodus 34:6)
This self-revelation highlights God’s attributes of compassion, grace, patience, love, and truth.

The Call to Holiness
Be careful not to make a treaty with the inhabitants of the land you are entering, lest they become a snare in your midst. (Exodus 34:12)
God instructs Israel to remain separate from pagan influences, emphasizing the importance of holiness and faithfulness.

The Radiance of Moses’ Face
When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands, he was unaware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the LORD. (Exodus 34:29)
Moses’ radiant face symbolizes the transformative power of being in God’s presence.Seek God’s Presence
Just as Moses sought God on the mountain, we should prioritize spending time in God’s presence through prayer and Scripture.

Reflect God’s Character
Strive to embody God’s attributes of compassion, grace, and truth in our daily interactions.

Pursue Holiness
Guard against influences that can lead us away from God, and commit to living a life set apart for Him.

Be Transformed
Allow encounters with God to transform us, so that His glory is evident in our lives.1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The central figure in Exodus 34, the LORD (Yahweh) is the one who commands Moses to chisel out two stone tablets like the first ones and who proclaims His name and attributes to Moses. The Hebrew name used here is יְהוָה (YHWH), which is often rendered as "LORD" in English translations.

2. Moses
Moses is the prophet and leader of the Israelites who ascends Mount Sinai to meet with the LORD. He is instructed to chisel out two new stone tablets and is the recipient of the LORD's revelation and covenant. Moses' role is pivotal as the mediator between God and the people of Israel.1. Mount Sinai
Description
This is the mountain where Moses ascends to meet with God and receive the second set of tablets containing the Ten Commandments. In Hebrew, it is referred to as "סִינַי" (Sinai). Mount Sinai is a significant location in the biblical narrative, symbolizing God's covenant with Israel.

2. The Land of Canaan
Description
While not directly mentioned by name in Exodus 34, the chapter refers to the land that God promises to the Israelites, which is understood to be Canaan. This is the land that God swore to give to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Hebrew term for Canaan is "כְּנַעַן" (Kena'an).1. The LORD Commands Moses to Chisel New Tablets
God instructs Moses to chisel out two stone tablets like the first ones, which Moses broke. This signifies the renewal of the covenant. (Exodus 34:1)

2. Moses Ascends Mount Sinai
Moses is told to come up Mount Sinai early in the morning and present himself to God on the mountain. No one else is to come with him. (Exodus 34:2-3)

3. The LORD Descends in a Cloud
The LORD descends in a cloud and stands with Moses, proclaiming His name, "The LORD." This emphasizes God's presence and His covenant faithfulness. (Exodus 34:5)

4. Proclamation of God's Character
God proclaims His attributes: compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth, maintaining loving devotion to thousands, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin, yet not leaving the guilty unpunished. (Exodus 34:6-7)

5. Moses Worships and Intercedes
Moses quickly bows to the ground and worships, asking the LORD to go with them, forgive their iniquity, and take them as His inheritance. (Exodus 34:8-9)

6. Renewal of the Covenant
God makes a covenant, promising to perform wonders never before done in any nation, and the people will see the work of the LORD. (Exodus 34:10)

7. Commandments Given
God gives specific commandments, including not making treaties with the inhabitants of the land, destroying their altars, and not worshiping other gods. (Exodus 34:11-17)

8. Feasts and Sabbaths
Instructions are given regarding the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Sabbath, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Ingathering. (Exodus 34:18-23)

9. God's Promise of Protection
God promises to drive out nations before the Israelites and expand their territory, ensuring no one covets their land during the feasts. (Exodus 34:24)

10. Instructions on Offerings
Specific instructions are given about offerings, including the firstfruits and not boiling a young goat in its mother's milk. (Exodus 34:25-26)

11. Moses Writes the Words of the Covenant
Moses stays with the LORD for forty days and nights, writing the words of the covenant—the Ten Commandments—on the tablets. (Exodus 34:27-28)

12. Moses' Radiant Face
When Moses comes down from Mount Sinai, his face is radiant because he had spoken with the LORD. This radiance signifies the glory of God reflected in Moses. (Exodus 34:29-30)

13. Moses Covers His Face
Moses calls the Israelites to him, and after speaking with them, he covers his face with a veil. He removes the veil when speaking with the LORD. (Exodus 34:31-35) God’s Faithfulness
Lamentations 3:22-23 - Because of the LORD’s loving devotion we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!

Holiness
1 Peter 1:15-16 - But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'

Transformation
2 Corinthians 3:18 - And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. Thanksgiving for God’s Mercy
Thank God for His unfailing mercy and willingness to renew His covenant with us through Jesus Christ.

Desire for Holiness
Pray for a heart that desires holiness and the strength to resist worldly influences.

Transformation by God’s Presence
Ask God to transform us through His presence, so that we reflect His glory in our lives.

Commitment to God’s Word
Pray for a renewed commitment to studying and obeying God’s Word, just as Moses received and delivered God’s commandments.

1. Reflect on God's description of Himself in verse 5. How does this portrayal influence your understanding of God's nature?

2. Moses is seen interceding for the Israelites in verse 8-9. How does this model of leadership inform our roles in our communities today?

3. Why do you think God chose to renew His covenant with the Israelites despite their disobedience?

4. Explore the commandments given in verses 18-27. How can these ancient rules guide our lives today?

5. What does the radiance of Moses' face symbolize in this passage? How can we achieve such transformation in our own lives?

6. In what ways do the laws presented mirror or differ from societal norms today?

7. How can the events on Mount Sinai teach us about the seriousness of God's covenants?

8. How does this passage challenge our understanding of God's justice?

9. What does God's instruction to Moses about the creation of the second tablets tell us about second chances?

10. How can the Israelites' reaction to Moses' radiant face guide our responses to extraordinary spiritual experiences?

11. Consider God's response to Moses' plea for favor and forgiveness. What does this tell us about God's attitude towards repentance?

12. Moses was asked to present himself alone on the mountaintop. What does this say about our personal relationship with God?

13. Moses followed God's command without question. How can we develop such absolute faith and obedience in our lives?

14. How does God's mercy and grace manifest in this chapter, and how does that impact our understanding of His character?

15. How does the notion of God as a "jealous God" align with the loving and compassionate nature presented in the same passage?

16. What are the consequences of making a treaty with the inhabitants of the land as described in this passage? How can we apply this to our modern context?

17. How does this passage instruct us on worship, and how might we apply these principles today?

18. In what ways can we identify with the Israelites' fear of Moses' radiant face? How should we react when faced with God's glory?

19. What can we learn from Moses' 40-day encounter with God, especially in the context of our spiritual disciplines?

20. Considering Moses' use of a veil, how should we manage the spiritual revelations we receive in our interactions with others?