Exodus 34:35 – “They saw that his face was radiant. Then Moses would put the veil back over his face until he went in to speak with the Lord.”
Extended Explanation
Exodus 34:35 describes the reaction of the Israelites when they saw Moses after he had been in God’s presence. His face was shining with the radiance of God’s glory, a visible sign that he had encountered the Lord. To protect the Israelites from the overwhelming brightness of his face, Moses would put a veil over his face after speaking to them, and he would only remove it when he went back into the Lord’s presence. This practice highlights the tangible impact of Moses’ close relationship with God and the reverence with which the Israelites viewed the glory of God.
Historical Context
This event takes place after the Israelites had sinned by worshiping the golden calf, an act that broke the covenant they had with God. After their repentance, God graciously renewed the covenant, and Moses returned to Mount Sinai to receive the new tablets of the Ten Commandments. When Moses descended from the mountain, his face was radiant because he had been in the direct presence of God. The radiance of Moses’ face served as a powerful reminder to the Israelites of God’s holiness and the serious nature of their relationship with Him.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse speaks to the transformative power of being in God’s presence. Moses’ radiant face was not just a physical phenomenon; it symbolized the spiritual transformation that occurs when someone is in close communion with God. The veil that Moses wore also symbolizes the separation between God’s holiness and human sinfulness. It points to the need for a mediator who can bridge the gap between a holy God and His people. This verse emphasizes that God’s glory is something to be revered and that encountering God should leave a visible mark on a person’s life.
Literary Analysis
The verse uses the imagery of radiance and a veil to convey deep spiritual truths. The radiance of Moses’ face represents the glory of God, while the veil represents the necessary separation between that glory and the people. The structure of the verse, where Moses alternates between revealing and concealing his face, highlights the tension between revelation and concealment in God’s relationship with His people. This literary technique underscores the theme of God’s holiness and the careful balance between His desire to reveal Himself and the need to protect His people from the full intensity of His glory.
Biblical Cross-References
2 Corinthians 3:13-18 offers a New Testament reflection on this passage, where Paul explains that the veil Moses wore symbolizes the old covenant, which was temporary and ultimately fulfilled in Christ. Paul teaches that in Christ, 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 and the new covenant established by Jesus.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Exodus 34:35 serves as a reminder of the importance of spending time in God’s presence and the transformative power it has on our lives. Just as Moses’ face reflected God’s glory, our lives should reflect the character of Christ when we spend time with Him. This verse challenges us to consider how we are allowing God’s glory to shine through us in our daily interactions. It also encourages us to approach God with reverence, recognizing that His presence is both awe-inspiring and life-changing.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s love in that He allows His glory to be seen in His people. God desires to share His glory with those who seek Him, and the radiance of Moses’ face was a sign of God’s willingness to reveal Himself. God’s love is also seen in the way He protects His people from the full intensity of His glory, using the veil as a means of shielding them from something that could overwhelm them. This act shows God’s care and understanding of human frailty, ensuring that His presence is experienced in a way that draws people closer to Him rather than driving them away.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Exodus 34:35 connects to Jesus Christ as the one who removes the veil and provides direct access to God’s glory. In Christ, the barriers that once separated humanity from God’s presence are removed, allowing believers to experience the fullness of God’s glory without fear. Hebrews 10:19-22 speaks of the confidence believers have to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, who has opened a new and living way to God. Jesus embodies the glory of God and makes it possible for believers to approach God with unveiled faces, experiencing the transformative power of His presence.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How do you allow God’s glory to shine through you in your daily life? Are there areas where you could reflect His character more clearly?
- What can you learn from Moses’ practice of veiling his face that applies to your own spiritual life and relationship with God?
- How does understanding the removal of the veil in Christ change the way you approach God in prayer and worship?
- In what ways does this verse challenge you to seek deeper, more transformative encounters with God?
- How can you encourage others to experience the glory of God in their own lives and reflect it to those around them?