Exodus 34:32

KJV

And afterward all the children of Israel came nigh: and he gave them in commandment all that the LORD had spoken with him in mount Sinai.

KJV (with Strong's)

And afterward {H310} all the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} came nigh {H5066}: and he gave them in commandment {H6680} all that the LORD {H3068} had spoken {H1696} with him in mount {H2022} Sinai {H5514}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Afterwards, all the people of Isra'el came near; and he passed on to them all the orders that ADONAI had told him on Mount Sinai.

Berean Standard Bible

And after this all the Israelites came near, and Moses commanded them to do everything that the LORD had told him on Mount Sinai.

American Standard Version

And afterward all the children of Israel came nigh: and he gave them in commandment all that Jehovah had spoken with him in mount Sinai.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 34:32 records the pivotal moment when the entire community of Israel, having overcome their initial apprehension, drew near to Moses, their divinely appointed mediator. In this significant act, Moses faithfully conveyed to them all the instructions, laws, and divine words that the LORD had spoken to him during his second forty-day sojourn on Mount Sinai. This verse underscores the re-establishment of the covenant relationship after the golden calf apostasy, highlighting God's enduring faithfulness, His chosen method of revealing His will through a human agent, and the people's renewed posture of receptivity to divine authority.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the dramatic account of Moses' second descent from Mount Sinai, where he had spent another forty days with the LORD, receiving renewed covenant tablets and experiencing a profound manifestation of God's glory that caused his face to radiate (Exodus 34:29-31). The Israelites initially feared to approach him due to this radiance. Verse 32 marks a crucial turning point: their fear subsides, and they "came nigh," indicating a willingness to receive the divine word. This act sets the stage for Moses to formally communicate the renewed covenant stipulations and laws, which would guide Israel's life and worship, leading directly into the detailed instructions for the Tabernacle's construction and its priestly service in the subsequent chapters of Exodus. It represents the re-establishment of direct communication between God, through Moses, and His people after the severe breach of the golden calf incident.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting is the wilderness journey of the Israelites, approximately a year after their liberation from Egypt, following the catastrophic golden calf idolatry detailed in [Exodus 32](/exodus/32 "Exodus 32 - The Golden Calf Incident"). This act of rebellion had shattered the initial covenant established at Mount Sinai, necessitating Moses' fervent intercession and God's gracious decision to renew the covenant (as seen in [Exodus 34](/exodus/34 "Exodus 34 - Covenant Renewal and Moses' Radiant Face")). Culturally, Moses functioned as the unique and authoritative mediator between Yahweh, the suzerain, and Israel, His vassal people. The act of "giving in commandment" reflects ancient Near Eastern treaty practices where a great king would dictate terms to his dependent, with a trusted representative conveying these authoritative stipulations. The entire scene emphasizes the foundational importance of divine law, covenant fidelity, and the role of a divinely appointed mediator for Israel's identity and relationship with their God.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 34:32 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Revelation**, emphasizing that God's will is not hidden but graciously communicated to His people through chosen instruments. Secondly, it underscores the critical role of **Mediation**, with Moses serving as the indispensable conduit between a holy God and His sinful people, a theme that anticipates later biblical theology. Thirdly, the verse reinforces the theme of **Covenant Renewal and God's Grace**, demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness and mercy in re-establishing His relationship with Israel despite their profound unfaithfulness, as seen in the events preceding this passage, particularly the golden calf incident (recounted in [Exodus 32](/exodus/32 "Exodus 32 - The Golden Calf Incident")). Finally, it speaks to the **Authority of God's Word**, as Moses delivers not his own ideas, but "all that the LORD had spoken," establishing the divine origin and binding nature of the commandments for Israel's life.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **nigh (Hebrew, _nâgash'_):** From H5066, this primitive root means "to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose)." In this context, it describes the deliberate and intentional movement of "all the children of Israel" toward Moses. This action signifies a posture of receptivity and readiness to hear and receive the divine message, overcoming their previous fear of Moses' radiant face (cf. [Exodus 34:30](/exodus/34-30 "Exodus 34:30 - Moses' Radiant Face")). It implies a willingness to re-engage with the covenant relationship.
* **commandment (Hebrew, _tsâvâh'_):** From H6680, this primitive root (intensively) means "to constitute, enjoin," or "to appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge." While the KJV translates it as "gave them in commandment," the underlying Hebrew verb emphasizes the authoritative act of Moses' enjoining or commanding based on divine instruction. It highlights that Moses was not merely suggesting but authoritatively delivering God's binding precepts and ordinances, which were to form the legal and moral framework for Israel's covenant life.
* **spoken (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** From H1696, this primitive root means "to speak," "to declare," or "to command." Its use here emphasizes the direct, verbal communication of God's will to Moses on Mount Sinai. This word underscores the divine origin and inherent authority of the message Moses conveyed, making it clear that he was not transmitting his own thoughts or interpretations but faithfully delivering the very words of the LORD, ensuring the integrity and divine authority of the revelation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And afterward all the children of Israel came nigh":** Following the initial awe and apprehension caused by Moses' radiant face (implied from the preceding verses), the entire community of Israel, representing the collective body of the covenant people, deliberately approached their mediator. This collective action signifies a crucial shift from fear to a posture of receptivity and a readiness to re-engage with the divine revelation and the covenant relationship.
* **"and he gave them in commandment all that the LORD had spoken with him in mount Sinai.":** Moses, acting as God's chosen and faithful representative, proceeded to transmit the entirety of the divine instructions. This comprehensive delivery included not only the re-inscribed Ten Commandments but also the broader body of laws, statutes, and ordinances that God had communicated to him during his second forty-day sojourn on Mount Sinai. This clause emphasizes the completeness of the revelation and Moses' unwavering fidelity in delivering it without omission or alteration, reinforcing the divine authority behind every word.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Mediation**, highlighting Moses' indispensable role as the conduit between the holy God and His people. This is reinforced by the contrast between the people's initial fear of Moses' radiant glory (implied from [Exodus 34:30-31](/exodus/34-30-31 "Exodus 34:30-31 - Moses' Radiant Face and the Veil")) and their subsequent act of "coming nigh," indicating their acceptance of his mediatorial function. There is also a strong sense of **Divine Authority** conveyed, as the content of Moses' message is explicitly stated to be "all that the LORD had spoken," underscoring that these are not human laws but divinely ordained commands. Furthermore, the scene presents a form of **Covenant Reaffirmation**, as the giving of the law echoes the initial covenant ceremony in [Exodus 19](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - Israel at Mount Sinai"), but now with the added layer of God's grace in renewing the covenant after Israel's profound failure, demonstrating God's enduring commitment despite human sin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 34:32 powerfully illustrates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, even in the face of their profound unfaithfulness. Despite the shattering of the first tablets and the idolatry of the golden calf, God mercifully re-establish His relationship with Israel, reaffirming His desire for them to live according to His righteous standards. This moment underscores the critical role of divine revelation and mediation in God's plan for humanity, demonstrating that His will is not hidden but graciously communicated for the guidance and blessing of His people. It also highlights the necessity of human receptivity and obedience to God's authoritative word as the foundation for a flourishing covenant relationship, emphasizing that true life is found in walking in God's ways.

* [Deuteronomy 4:1-2](/deuteronomy/4-1-2 "Deuteronomy 4:1-2 - Keep the Commandments and Do Not Add or Subtract")
* [Psalm 19:7-11](/psalm/19-7-11 "Psalm 19:7-11 - The Perfection and Benefit of God's Law")
* [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God's Ultimate Revelation Through His Son")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 34:32 invites us to consider our own posture towards God's revealed will. Just as the Israelites "came nigh" to Moses to receive the divine word, we are called to actively draw near to God's Word, the Bible, with a spirit of humility, eagerness to learn, and a readiness to obey. This isn't a passive act but an intentional pursuit of understanding and application, recognizing that God's commands are not burdensome but are given for our good and His glory. In a world filled with competing voices, fleeting trends, and subjective truths, the clarity and authority of God's commandments provide an unwavering and eternal guide for life. This passage also reminds us of the importance of faithful spiritual leadership, those who, like Moses, are committed to accurately and comprehensively communicating "all that the LORD has spoken," rather than their own opinions or preferences. Our spiritual flourishing is directly tied to our willingness to embrace and apply the truths revealed by God, trusting that His commands are not arbitrary but are expressions of His loving character and perfect wisdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I "come nigh" to God's Word in my daily life? Am I actively seeking to understand and apply its truths, or do I approach it passively?**
* **How does the faithfulness of Moses in delivering "all that the LORD had spoken" challenge or encourage my own commitment to accurately sharing God's truth with others?**
* **Considering God's profound mercy in renewing the covenant after Israel's profound failure, what does this passage teach me about God's enduring character and His grace towards me in my own failures?**

### FAQ
**Why was it necessary for Moses to "give them in commandment" again, if the Law was already given?**

Answer: While the foundational Law, including the Ten Commandments, was initially given in [Exodus 20](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments"), the covenant was severely broken by Israel's idolatry with the golden calf (see [Exodus 32](/exodus/32 "Exodus 32 - The Golden Calf Incident")). Moses had even shattered the original tablets in a symbolic act reflecting the broken covenant. God, in His profound mercy and unwavering commitment to His promises, chose to renew the covenant, re-inscribing the Ten Commandments on new tablets and reaffirming the other stipulations for Israel's life. Therefore, Moses' act in [Exodus 34:32](/exodus/34-32 "Exodus 34:32 - Moses Gives Commandments") was not a mere repetition but a formal re-establishment and re-delivery of the divine will, signifying God's gracious restoration of the relationship with His people despite their profound failure. It underscored the enduring validity and necessity of God's commands for their life as a covenant nation, demonstrating His steadfast love even in the face of their rebellion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 34:32, with Moses serving as the mediator delivering God's commandments, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and perfect mediation of Jesus Christ. While Moses delivered the Law, which revealed sin and demonstrated humanity's inability to perfectly keep God's standards (as highlighted in [Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - The Law Reveals Sin")), Christ came not only to perfectly fulfill the Law (as stated in [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")) but also to be the very Word of God incarnate (as declared in [John 1:1, 14](/john/1-1-14 "John 1:1, 14 - The Word Made Flesh")). Unlike Moses, who merely spoke what the LORD had spoken, Jesus *is* God's final and complete revelation, the one through whom God speaks directly to humanity in these last days (as seen in [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Speaks Through His Son")). Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Christ established a new and better covenant, not based on human obedience to a written code, but on His perfect obedience and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (as described in [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant") and elaborated in [Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6-13 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - Christ, Mediator of a Better Covenant")). Thus, the people "coming nigh" to Moses to receive the Law finds its ultimate fulfillment in believers drawing near to Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and through whom we receive not just commandments, but grace and truth in abundance ([John 1:17](/john/1-17 "John 1:17 - Grace and Truth Through Jesus Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 15:3

For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

Matthew 28:20

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.

Numbers 15:40

That ye may remember, and do all my commandments, and be holy unto your God.

1 Kings 22:14

And Micaiah said, [As] the LORD liveth, what the LORD saith unto me, that will I speak.

Exodus 24:3

And Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD, and all the judgments: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the LORD hath said will we do.

1 Corinthians 11:23

¶ For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the [same] night in which he was betrayed took bread:

Exodus 21:1

¶ Now these [are] the judgments which thou shalt set before them.