Exodus 34:34 – “But whenever he entered the Lord’s presence to speak with him, he removed the veil until he came out. And when he came out and told the Israelites what he had been commanded,”
Extended Explanation
Exodus 34:34 describes Moses’ practice of removing the veil from his face when he went into the presence of the Lord to speak with Him. This act symbolizes Moses’ direct and open communication with God. When Moses returned to the people after these encounters, his face would shine with the reflected glory of God, prompting him to replace the veil until the next time he entered God’s presence. This practice illustrates the unique relationship Moses had with God, where he could approach God without barriers, unlike the Israelites who needed protection from the full intensity of God’s glory.
Historical Context
This verse is part of the narrative following Moses’ second descent from Mount Sinai, where he received the new tablets of the Ten Commandments after the first set was broken. The Israelites had committed idolatry by worshiping the golden calf, and God, in His mercy, allowed Moses to intercede on their behalf and renew the covenant. Moses’ face shone with the glory of God after these encounters, which led him to cover his face with a veil when speaking to the people, but he removed it when he spoke directly with God. This practice highlighted the contrast between the direct relationship Moses had with God and the more mediated relationship the people experienced.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse emphasizes the importance of direct, unmediated access to God’s presence. Moses’ removal of the veil in God’s presence symbolizes transparency and openness in communication with the Lord. It also points to the idea that true transformation occurs when we are in God’s presence. The shining of Moses’ face was a physical manifestation of the spiritual reality that being with God changes us. The verse also suggests that while Moses had to veil his face before the people, his relationship with God was one of intimacy and directness, setting a precedent for the kind of relationship God desires with all His people.
Literary Analysis
The verse contrasts the actions of veiling and unveiling, symbolizing the difference between public and private encounters with God. The act of Moses removing the veil when he entered God’s presence indicates the importance of openness before God, while the replacement of the veil when speaking to the people suggests the need for mediation when conveying God’s glory. The structure of the verse emphasizes Moses’ role as both a servant of God and a leader of the people, balancing his direct access to God with his responsibility to communicate God’s commands to the Israelites.
Biblical Cross-References
2 Corinthians 3:16-18 offers a New Testament reflection on this verse, where Paul speaks of the removal of the veil in Christ. Paul explains that when someone turns to the Lord, the veil is removed, allowing believers to behold God’s glory with unveiled faces and be transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory. This passage connects the practice of Moses to the broader theme of spiritual transformation in Christ, where the barriers to God’s presence are removed, and believers can experience the fullness of God’s glory.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Exodus 34:34 is a reminder of the importance of seeking direct and personal communion with God. Just as Moses removed the veil in God’s presence, believers are invited to approach God openly and without barriers through Jesus Christ. This verse challenges us to prioritize time in God’s presence, knowing that it is in these moments that we are truly transformed. It also encourages us to live transparently before God, allowing His glory to shine through us in our interactions with others.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s love in that He invites His people into His presence without barriers. God desires a relationship with His people that is direct and personal, where His glory can be revealed and shared. The fact that Moses could approach God without a veil signifies God’s willingness to be known and to communicate openly with those who seek Him. God’s love is seen in His desire for intimacy with His people, providing them with the opportunity to experience His presence fully.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Exodus 34:34 connects to Jesus Christ, who removes the veil that once separated humanity from God’s presence. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus made it possible for believers to approach God directly, without fear or barriers. Hebrews 10:19-22 speaks of the confidence we have to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, with hearts sprinkled clean from a guilty conscience. In Christ, the need for a veil is removed, allowing us to experience the fullness of God’s glory and to be transformed by it, just as Moses was.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How do you approach God in your daily life? Are there “veils” that you need to remove to experience a deeper relationship with Him?
- What steps can you take to ensure that you are spending regular, intentional time in God’s presence, allowing Him to transform you?
- How does the practice of Moses removing the veil before God challenge you in your transparency and openness with the Lord?
- In what ways does understanding Jesus as the one who removes the veil between God and humanity impact your relationship with Him?
- How can you reflect God’s glory in your life, allowing others to see the impact of His presence in you?