Overview:
Exodus 34 is a significant chapter that marks the renewal of the covenant between God and Israel after the golden calf incident. In this chapter, God instructs Moses to cut new stone tablets to replace the ones Moses had broken. God reveals His character to Moses, declaring Himself as compassionate, gracious, and forgiving, yet just. God also reiterates the commandments and lays down various instructions about worship, feasts, and holiness for the Israelites. As the chapter concludes, Moses returns from the mountain with his face shining after encountering God’s glory.
Key themes in this chapter include the mercy and justice of God, covenant renewal, the importance of obedience and holiness, and the transformative power of encountering God’s glory. Ultimately, the renewal of the covenant points forward to Jesus Christ, who establishes the New Covenant through His blood.
Historical and Literary Context:
Exodus 34 follows the events of the golden calf incident in Exodus 32 and the intercession of Moses in Exodus 33. God had initially threatened to abandon the people, but in response to Moses’ intercession, He agreed to continue with them and renew the covenant. The chapter serves as a transition from the people’s rebellion to God’s gracious reaffirmation of His covenant with Israel. It also sets the stage for the continued journey toward the Promised Land.
Literarily, this chapter is structured around God’s self-revelation, the restating of key covenant laws, and Moses’ transformation after being in God’s presence. The emphasis on God’s attributes and the renewal of the covenant underscores the tension between divine mercy and justice, as well as the need for ongoing obedience.
Key Themes and Doctrinal Points:
God’s Mercy, Compassion, and Justice:
At the heart of Exodus 34 is God’s self-revelation to Moses. God declares His name and character, emphasizing both His mercy and justice.
“And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, ‘The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation’” (Exodus 34:6-7).
This declaration reveals the heart of God’s character—He is compassionate and forgiving, yet He is also just and will hold people accountable for their sins. The tension between God’s mercy and justice is central to understanding His relationship with Israel and, ultimately, humanity. This theme is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, where God’s justice and mercy meet through the cross (Romans 3:26).
Covenant Renewal and the Call to Obedience:
God’s renewal of the covenant with Israel emphasizes the importance of obedience to His commands. He reiterates key aspects of the Law, including the prohibition of idolatry, the observance of feasts, and the practice of holiness.
“Then the Lord said: ‘I am making a covenant with you. Before all your people I will do wonders never before done in any nation in all the world… Obey what I command you today. I will drive out before you the Amorites, Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites’” (Exodus 34:10-11).
The renewal of the covenant serves as a reminder of Israel’s calling to be a holy nation, set apart for God’s purposes. Obedience is essential to maintaining the covenant relationship, and failure to obey leads to consequences. This call to obedience foreshadows the New Covenant, where believers are called to live in obedience to Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit (John 14:15-17).
The Importance of Worship and Holiness:
In restating the covenant, God gives specific instructions about worship and holiness, including the observance of the Sabbath, the dedication of the firstborn, and the celebration of the annual feasts.
“Do not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God” (Exodus 34:14).
God commands Israel to avoid idolatry and to be faithful in their worship. The festivals, such as the Feast of Unleavened Bread and the Feast of Weeks, serve as reminders of God’s deliverance and provision. Holiness in worship is a central theme, and this points forward to the New Testament’s call for believers to worship God in spirit and truth (John 4:24).
The Transformative Power of Encountering God’s Glory:
When Moses returns from the mountain after encountering God’s glory, his face shines, reflecting the transformative power of being in God’s presence.
“When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord” (Exodus 34:29).
Moses’ radiant face serves as a visible sign of his encounter with God, symbolizing the transformative effect of experiencing God’s glory. This transformation foreshadows the New Testament reality that believers are transformed by encountering Christ’s glory through the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18).
Verse-by-Verse Analysis:
Exodus 34:1-4:
“The Lord said to Moses, ‘Chisel out two stone tablets like the first ones, and I will write on them the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke. Be ready in the morning, and then come up on Mount Sinai. Present yourself to me there on top of the mountain. No one is to come with you or be seen anywhere on the mountain; not even the flocks and herds may graze in front of the mountain.’ So Moses chiseled out two stone tablets like the first ones and went up Mount Sinai early in the morning, as the Lord had commanded him; and he carried the two stone tablets in his hands.”
God commands Moses to chisel out new stone tablets, symbolizing the restoration of the broken covenant. Moses ascends Mount Sinai alone, reflecting the holiness of the encounter and the exclusivity of his role as mediator.
Exodus 34:5-7:
“Then the Lord came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the Lord. And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, ‘The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.’”
God reveals His character to Moses, declaring Himself as compassionate, gracious, and just. This self-revelation is central to understanding God’s relationship with Israel and His plan for redemption through Christ.
Exodus 34:8-9:
“Moses bowed to the ground at once and worshiped. ‘Lord,’ he said, ‘if I have found favor in your eyes, then let the Lord go with us. Although this is a stiff-necked people, forgive our wickedness and our sin, and take us as your inheritance.’”
Moses responds to God’s self-revelation with worship and intercession, pleading for God’s continued presence with Israel. His prayer acknowledges the people’s sinfulness and asks for forgiveness and mercy.
Exodus 34:10-11:
“Then the Lord said: ‘I am making a covenant with you. Before all your people I will do wonders never before done in any nation in all the world. The people you live among will see how awesome is the work that I, the Lord, will do for you. Obey what I command you today. I will drive out before you the Amorites, Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites.’”
God reaffirms His covenant with Israel, promising to do wonders and drive out their enemies if they remain obedient to His commands. This renewal of the covenant reflects God’s grace and His desire to continue His relationship with Israel despite their past rebellion.
Exodus 34:12-16:
“Be careful not to make a treaty with those who live in the land where you are going, or they will be a snare among you. Break down their altars, smash their sacred stones and cut down their Asherah poles. Do not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.”
God warns Israel against forming alliances with the pagan nations they will encounter, as such alliances would lead them into idolatry. The command to break down pagan altars and worship only God reflects the exclusive nature of the covenant and the importance of holiness in worship.
Exodus 34:17-20:
“Do not make any idols. Celebrate the Festival of Unleavened Bread… The first offspring of every womb belongs to me, including all the firstborn males of your livestock, whether from herd or flock.”
God reiterates key aspects of the Law, including the prohibition against idolatry, the celebration of feasts, and the dedication of the firstborn. These commands reflect Israel’s calling to be a holy people set apart for God.
Exodus 34:21-28:
“Six days you shall labor, but on the seventh day you shall rest… Celebrate the Festival of Weeks with the firstfruits of the wheat harvest… Write down these words, for in accordance with these words I have made a covenant with you and with Israel.”
God gives instructions regarding the observance of the Sabbath and the annual feasts, which are to serve as reminders of His provision and deliverance. The writing down of the covenant emphasizes the formal renewal of the relationship between God and Israel.
Exodus 34:29-35:
“When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord… When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, his face was radiant, and they were afraid to come near him.”
Moses’ face shines after his encounter with God, symbolizing the transformative power of being in God’s presence. The people are initially afraid, but Moses reassures them and continues to communicate God’s commands.
Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ:
Exodus 34 reveals important theological truths about God’s character, the renewal of the covenant, and the transformative power of encountering God’s presence. God’s self-revelation as compassionate and just forms the foundation of Israel’s relationship with Him. This revelation points forward to the ultimate display of God’s mercy and justice in Jesus Christ, where God’s love for humanity is fully expressed in the cross.
The renewal of the covenant emphasizes the importance of obedience and holiness in the life of God’s people. Israel is called to be set apart, avoiding idolatry and living in faithful worship of God. This call to holiness is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are called to live in obedience to Christ and be set apart from the world (1 Peter 1:15-16).
Moses’ radiant face after encountering God’s glory points to the transformative power of experiencing God’s presence. This transformation foreshadows the New Covenant, where believers are transformed into the image of Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18).
Sermon Outline and Flow:
- Introduction: The Renewal of the Covenant After Rebellion
- Set the context for Exodus 34, focusing on the renewal of the covenant after the golden calf incident and God’s declaration of His character.
- Introduce the themes of God’s mercy, covenant renewal, and the transformative power of encountering God’s presence.
- Point 1: God’s Mercy and Justice
- Discuss God’s self-revelation as compassionate and just, emphasizing the tension between His mercy and justice.
- Application: How can believers find comfort in God’s mercy while recognizing the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance?
- Point 2: The Renewal of the Covenant and the Call to Obedience
- Explore the renewal of the covenant and God’s instructions for Israel to be a holy people, set apart from idolatry.
- Application: How can believers live in obedience to Christ and avoid the idols of today’s culture?
- Point 3: The Importance of Worship and Holiness
- Highlight the commands related to worship, feasts, and the Sabbath, reflecting the need for holiness in worship.
- Application: How can believers cultivate lives of worship and holiness, honoring God in every aspect of their lives?
- Point 4: The Transformative Power of Encountering God’s Glory
- Discuss Moses’ radiant face after encountering God’s glory and the symbolism of transformation.
- Application: How does the Holy Spirit transform believers as they encounter God through prayer, Scripture, and worship?
Illustrations and Examples:
- Share a personal story or historical example of someone experiencing transformation after encountering God’s presence, drawing parallels to Moses’ radiant face.
- Use a metaphor of a sculptor shaping a piece of art to illustrate how God’s presence transforms believers into the image of Christ over time.
Application for Today’s Christian:
Exodus 34 challenges believers to embrace the tension between God’s mercy and justice, recognizing that while God is compassionate and forgiving, He also holds people accountable for their sin. Believers are called to respond to God’s mercy with repentance and obedience, living lives that reflect His holiness. The renewal of the covenant serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God’s commands, and believers are called to live in faithful worship, avoiding the idols of the world.
Moses’ transformation after encountering God’s glory points to the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. Just as Moses’ face shone after being in God’s presence, believers are transformed into the image of Christ as they spend time in prayer, Scripture, and worship. This transformation is a sign of God’s work in their lives and reflects the call to be set apart for His purposes.
Connection to the Father in Exodus 34:
God the Father’s mercy, compassion, and justice are central to Exodus 34. His willingness to renew the covenant after Israel’s rebellion reflects His steadfast love and commitment to His people. At the same time, His declaration of justice emphasizes the seriousness of sin and the need for accountability. This balance between mercy and justice reveals the Father’s character and His desire for a relationship with His people, ultimately fulfilled in the New Covenant through Christ.
Connection to Jesus Christ in Exodus 34:
Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of the themes in Exodus 34. God’s declaration of His character—compassionate, gracious, and just—finds its fullest expression in Jesus, who embodies God’s love and mercy while also fulfilling the requirements of justice through His sacrificial death on the cross (Romans 5:8, 2 Corinthians 5:21). The renewal of the covenant points forward to the New Covenant established by Christ’s blood, where believers are called to live in obedience and holiness (Luke 22:20).
Connection to the Holy Spirit in Exodus 34:
The Holy Spirit plays a central role in the ongoing transformation of believers, as symbolized by Moses’ radiant face after encountering God’s glory. Just as Moses was transformed by being in God’s presence, believers are transformed by the work of the Holy Spirit, who conforms them to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29, 2 Corinthians 3:18). The Spirit empowers believers to live holy lives and to reflect God’s glory in their worship and service.
Connection to God’s Love in Exodus 34:
God’s love is evident in His willingness to renew the covenant with Israel despite their rebellion. His declaration of compassion and forgiveness reflects His desire to restore and maintain a relationship with His people. This love is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, whose sacrificial death makes it possible for believers to experience God’s forgiveness and to live in covenant relationship with Him. Through Christ, believers encounter the fullness of God’s love and are invited to participate in His redemptive work.
Reflection Questions:
- How does God’s declaration of His character in Exodus 34 challenge you to embrace both His mercy and justice in your own life?
- In what ways can you respond to God’s covenant renewal by living in greater obedience to His commands and avoiding the idols of today’s culture?
- How can you cultivate a life of worship and holiness, reflecting God’s character in your daily actions and decisions?
- How does the transformative power of encountering God’s glory in Exodus 34 encourage you to seek a deeper relationship with God through prayer, Scripture, and worship?
- How can you allow the Holy Spirit to transform you into the image of Christ, and how does this transformation reflect God’s love to the world around you?