Exodus 34:34

But when Moses went in before the LORD to speak with him, he took the vail off, until he came out. And he came out, and spake unto the children of Israel [that] which he was commanded.

But when Moses {H4872} went in {H935} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068} to speak {H1696} with him, he took {H5493} the vail {H4533} off {H5493}, until he came out {H3318}. And he came out {H3318}, and spake {H1696} unto the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} that which he was commanded {H6680}.

But when he went in before ADONAI for him to speak, he would take the veil off until he came out; then, when he came out, he would tell the people of Isra'el what he had been ordered.

But whenever Moses went in before the LORD to speak with Him, he would remove the veil until he came out. And when he came out, he would tell the Israelites what he had been commanded,

But when Moses went in before Jehovah to speak with him, he took the veil off, until he came out; and he came out, and spake unto the children of Israel that which he was commanded.

Commentary

Commentary on Exodus 34:34 (KJV)

This verse describes Moses' practice when interacting with the LORD and then with the people of Israel after receiving the second set of the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. It highlights his unique role as a mediator and the visible effect of being in God's presence.

Context

Exodus chapter 34 recounts Moses returning to Mount Sinai after the incident with the golden calf. The LORD renews the covenant, gives Moses a new set of stone tablets, and reveals His character. When Moses descends from the mountain, his face shines brightly because he had been speaking with God. This radiance was so intense that the people were afraid, prompting Moses to cover his face with a veil (as described in the preceding verses, Exodus 34:29-33). Verse 34 explains what happened when Moses needed to return to God's presence.

Key Themes

  • Access to God's Presence: The act of Moses taking off the veil when going "in before the LORD" signifies the necessity of approaching God without concealment, in a state of openness and readiness for divine communication.
  • Mediation: Moses serves as the crucial link between God and Israel. He receives God's commands directly and then delivers them to the people. His veiled face when speaking to the people, contrasted with his unveiled face before God, visually represents this mediating role and the difference between direct divine encounter and the delivery of the message.
  • Divine Authority: Moses speaking "that which he was commanded" emphasizes that his words to Israel were not his own ideas but the authoritative word of God received directly.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "vail" (ΧžΦ·Χ‘Φ°Χ•ΦΆΧ” - masveh) refers specifically to a covering or veil. Its use here emphasizes the physical covering Moses used to shield the people from the intense, lingering glory of God that radiated from his face. This "vail" became a significant symbol later when the Apostle Paul contrasted this temporary glory under the Old Covenant with the surpassing and permanent glory available through Christ, where the veil is removed (see 2 Corinthians 3:16).

Reflection and Application

Moses' experience highlights the awe-inspiring nature of God's presence under the Old Covenant. Only the mediator, Moses, could approach God directly without the veil. For the people, access was indirect, mediated through Moses, and even the residual glory on Moses' face was too much for them to bear directly. Today, believers have a far greater privilege. Through the finished work of Jesus Christ, the ultimate mediator, the "vail" separating humanity from God's presence has been removed (see Hebrews 10:19-20). We can now approach God's throne of grace with confidence, not needing a physical veil or an earthly mediator like Moses, but having direct access through faith in Christ. This verse reminds us of the immense value of the New Covenant and the open, unhindered communication we can have with the LORD.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Corinthians 3:16

    Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.

  • Hebrews 10:19

    ΒΆ Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,

  • Hebrews 10:22

    Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

  • Hebrews 4:16

    Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
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