Exodus 34:27

Commentary on Exodus 34:27

Exodus 34:27 is a pivotal verse in the narrative of God's covenant with Israel, marking a crucial moment in the aftermath of the golden calf incident.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse occurs during Moses' second ascent of Mount Sinai, where he is receiving a renewed set of commandments from the LORD. The first set of tablets, inscribed with the Ten Commandments, had been shattered by Moses in righteous anger upon witnessing Israel's idolatry with the golden calf (Exodus 32:8). God, in His mercy and faithfulness, calls Moses back to the mountain to renew the covenant that Israel had so quickly broken. The preceding verses (Exodus 34:10-26) outline the specific stipulations of this renewed covenant, emphasizing exclusive worship of Yahweh, observance of feasts, and separation from pagan practices. This renewal underscores God's enduring commitment to His chosen people despite their sin, providing a path to reconciliation and continued relationship.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Command and Revelation: The LORD directly commands Moses to "Write thou these words," highlighting the divine origin and authority of the Law. This act of writing ensures the permanence and accessibility of God's instructions for future generations.
• Covenant Renewal and Faithfulness: Despite Israel's profound unfaithfulness, God initiates a renewal of the covenant. This demonstrates God's unwavering faithfulness and His desire to maintain a relationship with His people, even when they fail. The phrase "after the tenor of these words I have made a covenant" signifies that the stipulations just given are the very terms upon which the relationship is re-established.
• Importance of the Written Word: The act of writing down God's words emphasizes their importance and their role as the foundation for Israel's identity and their relationship with God. It establishes a tangible record of God's will, serving as a guide for their conduct and worship.
• Foundation for Israel's Identity: The covenant outlined here was not merely a set of rules but the very blueprint for Israel's national and religious identity, defining their unique relationship with the one true God.

Linguistic Insights

• The phrase "after the tenor of these words" translates the Hebrew `al pi hadevarim ha'elleh`, which literally means "according to the mouth of these words." This emphasizes that the covenant is established precisely on the basis of the divine utterance and declarations given by God to Moses. It highlights the authoritative and binding nature of what God has spoken.
• The term "covenant" (Hebrew: berith) signifies a solemn, binding agreement between two parties, often initiated by the more powerful party. In this context, it's a suzerainty treaty, where God, the sovereign Lord, sets the terms for His vassal people, Israel.

Practical Application

Exodus 34:27 reminds us of several enduring truths:

• God's Enduring Faithfulness: Even when we fall short or break our commitments to God, His character remains faithful. He is a God of second chances, always willing to restore relationship based on His terms of grace and truth.
• The Authority of God's Word: Just as Moses was commanded to write down God's words, the Bible today serves as our authoritative guide for life and faith. It contains the terms of God's relationship with humanity and provides direction for righteous living. Psalm 119:105 declares God's word to be "a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."
• The Nature of Our Covenant with God: For believers today, while the Old Covenant was written on stone, the New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:33), established through Jesus Christ, is written on our hearts by the Holy Spirit. This verse from Exodus, however, powerfully illustrates God's initiative in setting the terms of relationship and His expectation of our obedience. It calls us to seriously consider the terms of our relationship with God and live in alignment with His revealed will.