Exodus 34:30

And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh him.

And when Aaron {H175} and all the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} saw {H7200} Moses {H4872}, behold, the skin {H5785} of his face {H6440} shone {H7160}; and they were afraid {H3372} to come nigh {H5066} him.

When Aharon and the people of Isra'el saw Moshe, the skin of his face was shining; and they were afraid to approach him.

Aaron and all the Israelites looked at Moses, and behold, his face was radiant. And they were afraid to approach him.

And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh him.

Commentary

Exodus 34:30 describes a pivotal moment immediately following Moses' second encounter with God on Mount Sinai. After receiving the renewed covenant and the second set of Ten Commandments, Moses descended from the mountain, unaware that his face was emitting a divine radiance. This visible manifestation of God's glory caused Aaron and all the children of Israel to recoil in fear, unable to approach him.

Context

This event takes place after the devastating golden calf idolatry, which necessitated a renewed covenant and Moses' second forty-day stay with God on Mount Sinai. Moses had just spent an extended period in direct communion with the Lord, receiving instructions and the tablets of the Law. The shining of his face was a direct, physical byproduct of being in the immediate, holy presence of God, signifying a profound spiritual transformation and the weight of the divine encounter.

Key Themes

  • Divine Glory and Presence: The radiance on Moses' face is a powerful testament to the overwhelming glory of God. Spending time in God's presence inevitably leaves a mark, a reflection of His majesty.
  • Holiness and Awe: The Israelites' fear (similar to other biblical encounters with divine beings) underscores the profound holiness of God and the awe He inspires. It highlighted the vast chasm between the holy God and sinful humanity, even through His chosen mediator.
  • Moses as Mediator: This incident further solidifies Moses' unique role as the primary intermediary between God and Israel. He alone could withstand such direct exposure to God's presence and convey His will to the people.
  • The Glory of the Old Covenant: This visible glory, though striking, was temporary, as Moses later had to put a veil over his face (Exodus 34:33). The Apostle Paul uses this event to contrast the fading glory of the Old Covenant (of law) with the surpassing and permanent glory of the New Covenant (of grace through Christ).

Linguistic Insight

The KJV translates "shone" from the Hebrew word qaran (קרן), which means "to send out rays" or "to shine forth." While the word is related to keren, meaning "horn," the context clearly indicates a radiant glow or beams of light emanating from Moses' face, not literal horns. This linguistic nuance is important for understanding the visual impact and divine origin of the radiance.

Significance and Application

Exodus 34:30 reminds us of the transformative power of God's presence. While we may not experience a physical shining of our faces, prolonged time in prayer, worship, and study of God's Word should lead to a spiritual radiance, reflecting Christ's character in our lives. The fear of the Israelites highlights the holiness of God, prompting us to approach Him with reverence and humility. Unlike the Old Covenant, where a veil was needed due to the fading glory, believers in Christ now have direct access to God's presence through Jesus, and are being transformed into His image "from glory to glory" without a veil (2 Corinthians 3:16-18). This verse encourages us to pursue intimate communion with God, knowing that His presence changes us and equips us to bear His light to the world.

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Cross-References

  • Mark 9:3

    And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them.

  • Luke 5:8

    When Simon Peter saw [it], he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.

  • Mark 9:15

    And straightway all the people, when they beheld him, were greatly amazed, and running to [him] saluted him.

  • Numbers 12:8

    With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?
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