Exodus 34:32

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.

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}.

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.

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

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

Exodus 34:32 describes a pivotal moment in the history of ancient Israel: the transmission of God's renewed covenant and laws from Moses to the people after his second descent from Mount Sinai.

Context of Exodus 34:32

This verse follows directly from the dramatic events of Moses' second forty-day encounter with the LORD on Mount Sinai. During this period, God graciously renewed His covenant with Israel after the devastating golden calf incident. Moses had descended with a new set of stone tablets, bearing the Ten Commandments and other divine instructions. His face was radiating with God's glory, causing the Israelites to initially fear him, requiring him to wear a veil (Exodus 34:33-35). Once Moses removed the veil, or when he was prepared to speak to them, the people "came nigh," indicating they approached him to receive the divine message. This moment signifies the formal re-establishment of the covenant relationship and the direct communication of God's will to the people through their chosen leader.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Revelation and Mediation: The verse highlights God's ongoing initiative to reveal His will to His people. Moses served as the crucial mediator, receiving God's words directly and then faithfully delivering them to the children of Israel. This underscores the importance of chosen instruments in God's plan for communication.
  • Covenant Renewal and Law: After the breach caused by idolatry, God's willingness to re-engage with Israel and provide His commandments demonstrates His enduring faithfulness and desire for a righteous relationship. These "commandments" (Hebrew: mitsvot) formed the foundation of Israel's national and spiritual life.
  • Accessibility of God's Word: Despite the initial fear, the people eventually drew near to hear what the LORD had spoken. This emphasizes that God's word, though originating from a holy and awe-inspiring source, is intended to be accessible and understood by His people for their guidance and blessing.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "came nigh" uses the Hebrew verb qarab, which means "to draw near" or "to approach." It suggests a deliberate movement towards Moses to receive the instruction, implying a readiness to listen. The word "commandment" is from the Hebrew mitsvah, referring to a specific divine precept or instruction, emphasizing the authoritative and binding nature of what Moses delivered.

Practical Application

  • Receiving God's Word: Just as the Israelites "came nigh" to hear Moses, believers today are called to actively draw near to God's Word, the Bible, to understand His will. We no longer need a physical mediator like Moses, as Christ is the mediator of a new and better covenant.
  • The Role of Leadership: This verse reminds us of the vital role of spiritual leaders in faithfully teaching and relaying God's truth to the community. Their responsibility is to communicate "all that the LORD had spoken," not their own opinions.
  • Obedience and Blessing: The purpose of God's commandments, then as now, is to guide His people into a life that honors Him and leads to blessing. Understanding and applying these truths is fundamental to a flourishing relationship with God, as encouraged in Deuteronomy 6:1-3.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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