Exodus 34:29-35

The Face of Moses Shines

29 Moses came down from Mount Sinai. He had the two tablets of the covenant in his hands. His face was shining because he had spoken with the Lord. But he didn't realize it.

30 Aaron and all of the people of Israel saw Moses. His face was shining. So they were afraid to come near him.

31 But Moses called out to them. So Aaron and all of the leaders of the community came to him. And Moses spoke to them.

32 After that, all of the people came near him. And he gave them all of the commands the LORD had given him on Mount Sinai.

33 Moses finished speaking to them. Then he put a veil over his face.

34 But when he would go to speak with the Lord, he would remove the veil. He would keep it off until he came out. Then he would tell the people what the LORD had commanded.

35 They would see that his face was shining. So Moses would put the veil back over his face. He would keep it on until he went in again to speak with the Lord.

Exodus 34:29-35 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO EXODUS 34

In this chapter Moses has orders to hew two tables of stone, that God might write on them the ten commands, and bring them up with him to the mount, Ex 34:1-4 where the Lord proclaimed his name, and caused his glory and his goodness to pass before him, Ex 34:5-7 when Moses took this favourable opportunity that offered to pray for the people, that God would forgive their sin, and go along with them, Ex 34:8,9 upon which he made a covenant with them, which on his part was to do wonders for them, and drive out the inhabitants of Canaan before them; and on their part, that they should have no confederacy and communion with these nations, and shun their idolatry, and everything that might lead unto it, Ex 34:10-17 and he repeated several laws before given, and urged the observance of them, which Moses was to acquaint the people with, Ex 34:18-27 and after a stay of forty days and forty nights on the mount, he came down with the two tables of the law; and the skin of his face shone so bright, that the people of Israel were afraid to come nigh him, and therefore he put a vail over his face while he conversed with them, Ex 34:28-35.