and the Israelites would see that the face of Moses was radiant. So Moses would put the veil back over his face until he went in to speak with the LORD. and the Israelites would see that the face of Moses was radiant.This phrase highlights the visible transformation of Moses after speaking with God. The radiance of Moses' face signifies the glory of God reflected upon him, a result of his intimate communion with the LORD on Mount Sinai. This radiance serves as a testament to the divine authority and authenticity of Moses' leadership and the commandments he received. The Israelites' ability to see this radiance underscores the tangible impact of God's presence. This event parallels the transfiguration of Jesus in the New Testament (Matthew 17:2), where His face shone like the sun, symbolizing divine glory and authority. 2Co 3:7-8 Now if the ministry of death, which was engraved on stone…… So Moses would put the veil back over his face The use of a veil by Moses indicates a separation between the divine glory and the people, emphasizing the holiness of God and the need for mediation. The veil serves as a protective measure for the Israelites, who were not able to directly behold the glory of God. This act foreshadows the role of Christ as the mediator between God and humanity, as described in 1 Timothy 2:5. The veil also symbolizes the limitations of the Old Covenant, which is later contrasted with the New Covenant in 2 Corinthians 3:13-16, where Paul explains that in Christ, the veil is removed, allowing believers to behold the glory of the Lord with unveiled faces. 2Co 3:13-15 We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face… until he went in to speak with the LORD. This phrase indicates the ongoing relationship and communication between Moses and God. It highlights the unique role of Moses as a prophet and leader who had direct access to God, serving as an intermediary for the Israelites. The act of removing the veil when speaking with the LORD signifies the openness and intimacy of Moses' relationship with God, contrasting with the veiled interactions with the people. This direct communication is a precursor to the New Covenant, where believers have direct access to God through Jesus Christ, as seen in Hebrews 4:16, which encourages believers to approach the throne of grace with confidence. Exo 33:11 Thus the LORD would speak to Moses face to face, … 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. After spending time in God's presence on Mount Sinai, his face becomes radiant. 2. Israelites The people of Israel, who are journeying from Egypt to the Promised Land. They witness the radiance of Moses' face and are initially afraid to approach him. 3. Mount Sinai The mountain where Moses receives the Ten Commandments and where he encounters God, resulting in the transformation of his appearance. 4. The Tent of Meeting The place where Moses would speak with God and where he would cover his face with a veil after speaking with the Israelites. 5. The Veil A physical covering that Moses uses to hide the radiance of his face from the Israelites after speaking with them, symbolizing the separation between God's holiness and the people's sinfulness. Teaching Points The Transformative Power of God's PresenceSpending time in God's presence can transform us, just as it did for Moses. This transformation should be evident in our lives, reflecting God's glory to others. The Role of a Mediator Moses serves as a mediator between God and the Israelites, pointing to the ultimate mediator, Jesus Christ, who bridges the gap between God and humanity. The Veil and Spiritual Understanding The veil symbolizes the limited understanding of God's glory under the old covenant. In Christ, the veil is removed, allowing us to see and reflect God's glory more fully. Fear and Reverence for God's Holiness The Israelites' fear of Moses' radiant face reminds us of the awe and reverence we should have for God's holiness and glory. Living as Reflections of God's Glory As believers, we are called to reflect God's glory in our daily lives, allowing others to see His light through our actions and character. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Moses' radiant face after being in God's presence challenge us to consider our own time spent with God? What changes might we expect in our lives as a result?2. In what ways does the role of Moses as a mediator foreshadow the work of Jesus Christ? How does this understanding deepen our appreciation for Christ's sacrifice? 3. How can the concept of the veil in Exodus 34:35 help us understand the difference between the old and new covenants? What does it mean for us to live with "unveiled faces" today? 4. Reflect on a time when you experienced a sense of awe or reverence for God's holiness. How did that experience impact your relationship with Him? 5. What practical steps can we take to ensure that we are reflecting God's glory in our interactions with others? How can we be intentional about being a light in our communities? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Corinthians 3:7-18Paul references the veil over Moses' face to illustrate the difference between the old covenant and the new covenant in Christ. The veil represents the obscured understanding of God's glory, which is fully revealed in Christ. Exodus 33:11 This verse highlights the intimate relationship between God and Moses, where God speaks to Moses "face to face, as a man speaks with his friend," setting the context for the transformation of Moses' face. Matthew 17:1-3 The Transfiguration of Jesus, where His face shines like the sun, parallels Moses' radiant face, showing the divine glory and authority of Jesus. People Aaron, Amorites, Canaanites, Hittites, Hivite, Hivites, Israelites, Jebusites, Moses, PerizzitesPlaces Egypt, Mount Sinai, SinaiTopics Beams, Face, Forth, Moses's, Radiant, Replace, Shining, Shone, Skin, Sons, Speak, Till, Vail, VeilDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 34:355104 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 34:35 NIVExodus 34:35 NLT Exodus 34:35 ESV Exodus 34:35 NASB Exodus 34:35 KJV Exodus 34:35 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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