◄ Exodus 34 ►
Book Study • Verse Study • Study Que
Summary The LORD Renews the Covenant The account of Moses' radiant countenance, the renewed covenant, and the divine proclamation of God's character, underscores the transforming power of God's presence. It demonstrates that a sincere pursuit of God, steeped in obedience and reverence, can result in a divine encounter that transforms us, making our lives radiant with His glory. Instructions and Ascension (Verses 1-2) God instructs Moses to chisel out new stone tablets and ascend Mount Sinai. Moses obeys, rising early to meet God. Divine Proclamation (Verses 5-7) The LORD descends in a cloud and proclaims His character and His justice, elucidating His mercy, compassion, and judgment. Moses' Worship and Plea (Verse 8-9) Moses, deeply moved, worships God and pleads for His favor, forgiveness, and guidance. Renewal of the Covenant (Verses 10-17) God declares the renewal of the covenant, promising unprecedented wonders and deliverance from enemies if they obey His commandments. Commandments and Ordinances (Verses 18-27) God gives a set of commandments and instructions, including laws on worship, feasts, sacrifices, and lifestyle. The Radiant Encounter (Verses 28-35) Moses spends forty days and nights with the LORD. He descends, his face radiant from his divine encounter, inspiring awe and fear among the Israelites. This chapter delves into the heart of the covenantal relationship between God and His chosen people, Israel. As Moses ascends Mount Sinai a second time, new stone tablets are created, setting the stage for the renewal of God's covenant, which brings about divine manifestation, intercession, judgment, and ultimately, transformative grace. Teaching Points 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. Practical Applications 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. People 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. Places 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). Events 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) Connections to Additional Scriptures 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. Prayer Points 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. Bible Study Questions 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? Topics 1. The Renewal of the Tablets God instructs Moses to chisel out two stone tablets like the first ones, which Moses broke. This act signifies the renewal of the covenant between God and Israel. The Hebrew word for "chisel" (פָּסַל, pasal) emphasizes the act of carving or shaping, indicating the preparation for God's commandments (Exodus 34:1). 2. The Revelation of God's Character God proclaims His name and attributes to Moses, emphasizing His mercy, grace, patience, love, and faithfulness. This passage is foundational for understanding God's nature. The Hebrew words "חֶסֶד" (chesed, meaning steadfast love) and "אֱמֶת" (emet, meaning truth or faithfulness) are key to this description (Exodus 34:6-7). 3. Moses' Intercession Moses bows down and worships, asking God to forgive the people's sins and to take them as His inheritance. This demonstrates Moses' role as an intercessor and mediator for Israel (Exodus 34:8-9). 4. The Covenant Terms God outlines the terms of the covenant, including commands to destroy pagan altars, not to make treaties with the inhabitants of the land, and to worship no other gods. The Hebrew word "בְּרִית" (berit, meaning covenant) underscores the solemn agreement between God and Israel (Exodus 34:10-17). 5. The Feasts and Sabbaths Instructions are given regarding the observance of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Sabbath, and other festivals. These practices are integral to Israel's identity and worship (Exodus 34:18-24). 6. The Radiance of Moses' Face After speaking with God, Moses' face shines, reflecting God's glory. This phenomenon signifies the transformative power of God's presence. The Hebrew word "קָרַן" (qaran, meaning to shine or emit rays) describes this radiance (Exodus 34:29-35). Themes 1. Renewal of the Covenant In Exodus 34, God renews His covenant with Israel after the incident of the golden calf. This theme emphasizes God's willingness to restore His relationship with His people despite their previous disobedience. The Hebrew word for covenant, "בְּרִית" (berit), signifies a binding agreement, underscoring the seriousness and commitment involved. 2. God’s Character and Attributes Verses 6-7 describe God's nature, highlighting His mercy, grace, patience, love, and faithfulness. The Hebrew terms "רַחוּם" (rachum, compassionate) and "חַנּוּן" (chanun, gracious) are used to convey His benevolent character. This passage is foundational for understanding the divine attributes in the Old Testament. 3. Call to Worship and Obedience God commands the Israelites to worship Him alone and to obey His commandments. This theme is evident in the instructions to destroy pagan altars and not to make covenants with the inhabitants of the land (verses 12-16). The Hebrew word "שָׁמַר" (shamar, to keep/observe) is used to stress the importance of obedience. 4. Prohibition of Idolatry The chapter reiterates the prohibition against idolatry, warning the Israelites against making molten gods (verse 17). This theme is crucial as it addresses the Israelites' previous sin and emphasizes the need for exclusive devotion to Yahweh. 5. Observance of Feasts and Sabbaths Instructions regarding the observance of feasts such as the Feast of Unleavened Bread and the Sabbath are given (verses 18-23). These practices are meant to remind the Israelites of God's deliverance and provision. The Hebrew word "מוֹעֵד" (moed, appointed time/feast) highlights the sacredness of these observances. 6. God’s Glory and Moses’ Radiant Face After speaking with God, Moses' face becomes radiant, reflecting God's glory (verses 29-35). This theme illustrates the transformative power of God's presence. The Hebrew word "קָרַן" (qaran, to shine) is used to describe the radiance, symbolizing divine interaction and revelation. 7. Divine Forgiveness and Justice God declares His readiness to forgive iniquity, transgression, and sin, yet He also maintains justice by not leaving the guilty unpunished (verses 6-7). This duality of forgiveness and justice is central to understanding God's dealings with humanity. The Hebrew words "נָשָׂא" (nasa, to forgive) and "פָּקַד" (paqad, to punish) reflect this balance. Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions