Exodus 34:28 – “Moses was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights without eating bread or drinking water. And he wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant—the Ten Commandments.”
Extended Explanation
Exodus 34:28 describes a pivotal moment in the relationship between God and the Israelites. Moses spends forty days and nights on Mount Sinai, fasting completely from food and water, as he communes with God. During this time, Moses receives the words of the covenant, which he writes on stone tablets—the Ten Commandments. This event marks the renewal of the covenant between God and His people after the incident of the golden calf, where the Israelites broke the first set of commandments.
Historical Context
The context of this verse is significant. After the Israelites worshiped the golden calf, Moses shattered the first set of stone tablets in anger, symbolizing the broken covenant. God, in His mercy, allowed for the covenant to be renewed, instructing Moses to carve out two new stone tablets and return to the mountain. The forty days and nights that Moses spends with God mirrors the earlier period he spent on the mountain when he first received the law (Exodus 24:18). This extended period of fasting and prayer underscores the gravity of the moment and Moses’ role as a mediator between God and the people.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse highlights the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement and renewal. The fact that Moses had to receive the commandments again after the people’s rebellion shows the depth of God’s grace and the importance of His laws in maintaining the covenant relationship. Moses’ fasting can also be seen as an act of deep intercession, reflecting the idea that true communion with God sometimes requires significant sacrifice and devotion. The writing of the Ten Commandments on stone tablets symbolizes the permanence and enduring nature of God’s laws.
Literary Analysis
The verse is rich in symbolism and structure. The phrase “forty days and forty nights” is a recurring motif in the Bible, often associated with periods of testing, judgment, and renewal (such as the flood in Noah’s time or Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness). The act of fasting without food or water emphasizes the spiritual intensity of Moses’ encounter with God. The writing of the commandments on stone tablets serves as a literary and theological anchor for the entire narrative, representing the unchanging and foundational nature of God’s covenant with His people.
Biblical Cross-References
Deuteronomy 9:9-11 recounts this same event, emphasizing Moses’ role in receiving and conveying God’s law to the people. The significance of “forty days and forty nights” is also seen in other parts of Scripture, such as Genesis 7:12 (the flood), 1 Kings 19:8 (Elijah’s journey), and Matthew 4:2 (Jesus’ temptation). The Ten Commandments themselves are reiterated in Deuteronomy 5, underscoring their central role in Israel’s covenant relationship with God.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Exodus 34:28 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of God’s Word and the seriousness with which we should approach our relationship with Him. The commitment and sacrifice demonstrated by Moses in receiving the commandments challenge us to consider how we prioritize God’s Word in our own lives. It also reminds us that, even when we fail, God is willing to renew His covenant with us, offering grace and a fresh start. The permanence of the commandments etched in stone symbolizes the enduring relevance of God’s moral law, which continues to guide our lives.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse showcases God’s love in His willingness to renew the covenant with His people despite their failures. Instead of abandoning the Israelites after they broke His commandments, God offers them another chance to live in a relationship with Him. The act of giving the commandments again, written in stone, reflects God’s desire for His people to have a clear, unchanging guide to live by. His love is seen in the way He provides structure, guidance, and opportunities for renewal and growth in the relationship.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Exodus 34:28 connects to Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate mediator of the new covenant. Just as Moses interceded on behalf of the Israelites and received the commandments that would guide their lives, Jesus stands as our mediator, bringing us into a new covenant with God. Jesus fulfills the law and the prophets, embodying the principles of the Ten Commandments and teaching us how to live in true obedience to God. Hebrews 8:6-13 speaks of Jesus establishing a new covenant, written not on stone tablets but on our hearts, making the law internal and personal for every believer.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the commitment and sacrifice of Moses challenge you in your own walk with God?
- In what ways can you ensure that God’s Word remains central in your life, guiding your decisions and actions?
- How do you respond to the idea of God offering renewal and a fresh start after failure?
- What does it mean for you to live under the new covenant established by Jesus, where the law is written on your heart?
- How can you practice deeper communion with God in your daily life, reflecting the devotion shown by Moses during his time on Mount Sinai?