Exodus 34: The LORD Renews the Covenant

◄ Exodus 34 ►

Book • Summary • People • Places • Events • Topics • Themes • Questions

1Then the LORD said to Moses, “Chisel out two stone tablets like the originals, and I will write on them the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke. 2Be ready in the morning, and come up on Mount Sinai to present yourself before Me on the mountaintop. 3No one may go up with you; in fact, no one may be seen anywhere on the mountain—not even the flocks or herds may graze in front of the mountain.”

4So Moses chiseled out two stone tablets like the originals. He rose early in the morning, and taking the two stone tablets in his hands, he went up Mount Sinai as the LORD had commanded him.

5And the LORD descended in a cloud, stood with him there, and proclaimed His name, the LORD. 6Then the LORD passed in front of Moses and called out:

“The LORD, the LORD God,

is compassionate and gracious,

slow to anger,

abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness,

7maintaining loving devotion to a thousand generations,a

forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin.

Yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished;

He will visit the iniquity of the fathers

on their children and grandchildren

to the third and fourth generations.”

8Moses immediately bowed down to the ground and worshiped. 9“O Lord,” he said, “if I have indeed found favor in Your sight, my Lord, please go with us. Although this is a stiff-necked people, forgive our iniquity and sin, and take us as Your inheritance.”

The LORD Renews the Covenant
(2 Corinthians 3:7–18)

10And the LORD said, “Behold, I am making a covenant. Before all your people I will perform wonders that have never been done in any nation in all the world. All the people among whom you live will see the LORD’s work, for it is an awesome thing that I am doing with you.

11Observe what I command you this day. I will drive out before you the Amorites, Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. 12Be careful not to make a treatyb with the inhabitants of the land you are entering, lest they become a snare in your midst. 13Rather, you must tear down their altars, smash their sacred stones, and chop down their Asherah poles. 14For you must not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.

15Do not make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, for when they prostitute themselves to their gods and sacrifice to them, they will invite you, and you will eat their sacrifices. 16And when you take some of their daughters as brides for your sons, their daughters will prostitute themselves to their gods and cause your sons to do the same.

17You shall make no molten gods for yourselves.

18You are to keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread.c For seven days at the appointed time in the month of Abib,d you are to eat unleavened bread as I commanded you. For in the month of Abib you came out of Egypt.

19The first offspring of every womb belongs to Me, including all the firstborn males among your livestock, whether cattle or sheep. 20You must redeem the firstborn of a donkey with a lamb; but if you do not redeem it, you are to break its neck. You must redeem all the firstborn of your sons. No one shall appear before Me empty-handed.

21Six days you shall labor, but on the seventh day you shall rest; even in the seasons of plowing and harvesting, you must rest.

22And you are to celebrate the Feast of Weekse with the firstfruits of the wheat harvest, and the Feast of Ingatheringf at the turn of the year. 23Three times a year all your males are to appear before the Lord GOD, the God of Israel. 24For I will drive out the nations before you and enlarge your borders, and no one will covet your land when you go up three times a year to appear before the LORD your God.

25Do not offer the blood of a sacrifice to Me along with anything leavened, and do not let any of the sacrifice from the Passover Feast remain until morning.

26Bring the best of the firstfruits of your soil to the house of the LORD your God.

You must not cook a young goat in its mother’s milk.”

27The LORD also said to Moses, “Write down these words, for in accordance with these words I have made a covenant with you and with Israel.”

28So Moses was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights without eating bread or drinking water. He wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant—the Ten Commandments.g

29And when Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands, he was unaware that his face had become radiant from speaking with the LORD. 30Aaron and all the Israelites looked at Moses, and behold, his face was radiant. And they were afraid to approach him.

31But Moses called out to them; so Aaron and all the leaders of the congregation returned to him, and Moses spoke to them. 32And after this all the Israelites came near, and Moses commanded them to do everything that the LORD had told him on Mount Sinai.

33When Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil over his face. 34But 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, 35and the Israelites would see that the face of Moses was radiant. So Moses would put the veil back over his face until he went in to speak with the LORD.

Footnotes:

7 a Hebrew to thousands
12 b Forms of the Hebrew berit are translated in most passages as covenant.
18 c That is, the seven-day period after the Passover during which no leaven may be eaten; see Exodus 12:14–20.
18 d Abib was the first month of the ancient Hebrew lunar calendar, usually occurring within the months of March and April; twice in this verse.
22 e That is, Shavuot, the late spring feast of pilgrimage to Jerusalem; it is also known as the Feast of Harvest (see Exodus 23:16) or the Feast of Pentecost (see Acts 2:1).
22 f That is, Sukkot, the autumn feast of pilgrimage to Jerusalem; it is later called the Feast of Tabernacles (or Booths or Shelters).
28 g Hebrew the Ten Words

Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible.

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Exodus 34 Summary

The LORD Renews the Covenant

Verses 1–4 – New Stone Tablets Prepared
Moses is told to chisel two new tablets like the first set that he shattered. Before dawn he climbs Sinai alone, carrying the blank stones so the LORD can rewrite the covenant words.

Verses 5–9 – The LORD Declares His Name
The LORD descends in a cloud, passes before Moses, and proclaims His character—“compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness” (vv. 6–7). Moses bows and pleads for continued mercy on the stubborn nation.

Verses 10–17 – Covenant Renewed and Warning Against Idolatry
God promises awesome wonders and restates His covenant. Israel must shatter Canaanite altars, refuse mixed marriages, and never shape an idol, lest they be lured into false worship.

Verses 18–26 – Calendar of Worship & Daily Life
Four key commands anchor life in the land: observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread, dedicate every firstborn male (human and animal), keep the weekly Sabbath even in harvest, and gather for the three annual pilgrim feasts. Blood must never mingle with leaven, and “you shall not boil a young goat in its mother’s milk.”

Verses 27–28 – Writing the Covenant Anew
The LORD instructs Moses to record “these words,” for they form the covenant. Moses fasts forty days and nights while God inscribes the commandments on the new tablets.

Verses 29–35 – Moses’ Radiant Face and the Veil
Coming down the mountain, Moses’ face shines from speaking with God. The people are afraid, so he covers his face. He removes the veil only when he returns to speak with the LORD, then relays the message to Israel and veils himself again.

This chapter delves into the heart of the covenantal relationship between God and His chosen people, Israel. As Moses ascends Mount Sinai a second time, new stone tablets are created, setting the stage for the renewal of God's covenant, which brings about divine manifestation, intercession, judgment, and ultimately, transformative grace.

Historical and Geographic Setting

Sinai’s rugged granite peaks create a natural fortress where Israel camps almost a year (Exodus 19:1; Numbers 10:11). Ancient travel journals from the Sinai Peninsula describe high plateaus suitable for a vast encampment and nearby wadis that could sustain flocks, matching the biblical record.

Stone Tablets in the Ancient World

• Kings in Egypt, Hatti, and Mesopotamia often carved treaties on durable stone so future generations could not alter the terms.

• The Bible’s two-tablet format resembles that practice—one copy for the Great King (the LORD) and one for the vassal (Israel), both stored in the ark (Deuteronomy 10:5).

• The demand that Moses himself chisel the blanks (34:1) stresses human responsibility, while God’s writing underscores divine authority.

The LORD’s Character Statement (vv. 6–7)

“The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious…” forms Scripture’s most quoted self-description (see Numbers 14:18; Nehemiah 9:17; Joel 2:13; Jonah 4:2; Psalm 86:15).

1. Compassionate—He feels Israel’s distress (Exodus 2:24-25).

2. Gracious—He gives favor they have not earned.

3. Slow to anger—He withholds judgment to allow repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

4. Abounding in loving devotion (hesed)—A covenant love that persists (Psalm 136).

5. Faithful—He keeps promises (Hebrews 10:23).

6. Forgiving evil, rebellion, and sin—three sweeping words covering every wrong.

7. Yet just—He “will by no means leave the guilty unpunished,” visiting consequences to “the third and fourth generation,” a reminder that sin’s ripple effects reach family lines (compare Ezekiel 18 for personal accountability).

Renewed Covenant and Ancient Treaties

Ancient Near-Eastern suzerain treaties always ended with blessings for loyalty and curses for disloyalty. Exodus 34 re-copies the foundational stipulations after the golden-calf breach (Exodus 32). The emphasis: yes, Israel broke faith, but the relationship can be restored if they walk in the renewed terms.

Tearing Down Canaanite Altars (vv. 12–17)

Archaeologists have uncovered fertility-cult altars in ancient Canaan topped with standing stones and ceramic female figurines. God orders Israel to destroy such sites to prevent syncretism. Intermarriage would knit hearts to foreign gods (1 Kings 11:1-8), so the command is both spiritual and social protection.

Feasts and Farming Rhythms (vv. 18–26)

• Feast of Unleavened Bread (spring barley harvest) commemorates the exodus (Exodus 12).

• Feast of Weeks/Pentecost (early summer wheat) celebrates firstfruits.

• Feast of Ingathering/Tabernacles (autumn) marks final harvest, recalling desert tents (Leviticus 23).

These three feasts required travel to “appear before the Lord GOD” (v. 23). The promise that no one would attack during these absences (v. 24) counters fear and calls Israel to trust divine protection, echoed in God’s later promise to guard Jerusalem during Passover pilgrimages (Psalm 121).

The Sabbath Principle (v. 21)

Rest one day in seven, even in plowing and harvest, prevents slavery to work. Jesus reaffirms the day’s humanity-centered purpose: “The Sabbath was made for man” (Mark 2:27).

Blood, Leaven, and the Kid in Milk (v. 25-26)

• Blood symbolizes life and belongs on the altar, not on the dinner table (Leviticus 17:11).

• Leaven pictures corruption during Passover; mixing with the sacred blood offering confuses the spiritual lesson.

• Boiling a kid in its mother’s milk likely mimicked a Canaanite fertility rite; God forbids it to keep Israel distinct. Jewish tradition later applied the ban to mixing meat and dairy in general.

Moses’ Shining Face (vv. 29-35)

The radiant skin signals second-hand glory—Moses reflects what he absorbs in God’s presence. Centuries later, Jesus glows from within at the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:2), a greater radiance that belongs to Him by nature. Paul draws on Exodus 34 to explain believers’ transformation: “We all…are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory” (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Archaeological Insights

• Timna Valley rock inscriptions show early Semitic miners using divine names, confirming literacy among laboring peoples like the Hebrews.

• Egyptian miners’ huts at Serabit el-Khadim reveal how a mobile community could live for long periods in Sinai’s highlands, matching Israel’s lengthy stay.

• Basalt window-sill altars from northern Israel often bear four horns at the corners, paralleling the altar design God revealed (Exodus 27:2) yet misused by pagans.

Echoes in the New Testament

• John 1:14—The Word “tabernacled” among us, recalling God descending in a cloud to stand with Moses.

• Hebrews 9:19-22—Sprinkling blood and reading the covenant echo Moses’ actions here and in Exodus 24.

• Revelation 15:3—Saints sing “the song of Moses,” celebrating God’s acts just as Exodus 34 anticipates future wonders.

Takeaways for Today

1. God’s mercy never sidelines His justice.

2. Daily worship and yearly rhythms keep hearts aligned with God’s story.

3. The pull of surrounding culture toward compromise is real; intentional boundaries guard devotion.

4. Time in God’s presence still changes people—inner radiance replaces fear and shame.

5. The covenant points forward to the unbreakable new covenant sealed by Christ’s blood (Luke 22:20).

Connections to Additional Scriptures

God’s Faithfulness
Lamentations 3:22-23 - Because of the LORD’s loving devotion we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!

Holiness
1 Peter 1:15-16 - But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'

Transformation
2 Corinthians 3:18 - And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Teaching Points

The Renewal of the Covenant
The LORD said to Moses, 'Chisel out two stone tablets like the originals, and I will write on them the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke.' (Exodus 34:1)
God’s willingness to renew the covenant despite Israel’s previous rebellion demonstrates His mercy and commitment to His people.

The Revelation of God’s Character
Then the LORD passed in front of Moses and called out: 'The LORD, the LORD God, is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth.' (Exodus 34:6)
This self-revelation highlights God’s attributes of compassion, grace, patience, love, and truth.

The Call to Holiness
Be careful not to make a treaty with the inhabitants of the land you are entering, lest they become a snare in your midst. (Exodus 34:12)
God instructs Israel to remain separate from pagan influences, emphasizing the importance of holiness and faithfulness.

The Radiance of Moses’ Face
When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands, he was unaware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the LORD. (Exodus 34:29)
Moses’ radiant face symbolizes the transformative power of being in God’s presence.

Practical Applications

Seek God’s Presence
Just as Moses sought God on the mountain, we should prioritize spending time in God’s presence through prayer and Scripture.

Reflect God’s Character
Strive to embody God’s attributes of compassion, grace, and truth in our daily interactions.

Pursue Holiness
Guard against influences that can lead us away from God, and commit to living a life set apart for Him.

Be Transformed
Allow encounters with God to transform us, so that His glory is evident in our lives.

People

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The central figure in Exodus 34, the LORD (Yahweh) is the one who commands Moses to chisel out two stone tablets like the first ones and who proclaims His name and attributes to Moses. The Hebrew name used here is יְהוָה (YHWH), which is often rendered as "LORD" in English translations.

2. Moses
Moses is the prophet and leader of the Israelites who ascends Mount Sinai to meet with the LORD. He is instructed to chisel out two new stone tablets and is the recipient of the LORD's revelation and covenant. Moses' role is pivotal as the mediator between God and the people of Israel.

Places

1. Mount Sinai
Description
This is the mountain where Moses ascends to meet with God and receive the second set of tablets containing the Ten Commandments. In Hebrew, it is referred to as "סִינַי" (Sinai). Mount Sinai is a significant location in the biblical narrative, symbolizing God's covenant with Israel.

2. The Land of Canaan
Description
While not directly mentioned by name in Exodus 34, the chapter refers to the land that God promises to the Israelites, which is understood to be Canaan. This is the land that God swore to give to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Hebrew term for Canaan is "כְּנַעַן" (Kena'an).

Events

1. The LORD Commands Moses to Chisel New Tablets
God instructs Moses to chisel out two stone tablets like the first ones, which Moses broke. This signifies the renewal of the covenant. (Exodus 34:1)

2. Moses Ascends Mount Sinai
Moses is told to come up Mount Sinai early in the morning and present himself to God on the mountain. No one else is to come with him. (Exodus 34:2-3)

3. The LORD Descends in a Cloud
The LORD descends in a cloud and stands with Moses, proclaiming His name, "The LORD." This emphasizes God's presence and His covenant faithfulness. (Exodus 34:5)

4. Proclamation of God's Character
God proclaims His attributes: compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth, maintaining loving devotion to thousands, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin, yet not leaving the guilty unpunished. (Exodus 34:6-7)

5. Moses Worships and Intercedes
Moses quickly bows to the ground and worships, asking the LORD to go with them, forgive their iniquity, and take them as His inheritance. (Exodus 34:8-9)

6. Renewal of the Covenant
God makes a covenant, promising to perform wonders never before done in any nation, and the people will see the work of the LORD. (Exodus 34:10)

7. Commandments Given
God gives specific commandments, including not making treaties with the inhabitants of the land, destroying their altars, and not worshiping other gods. (Exodus 34:11-17)

8. Feasts and Sabbaths
Instructions are given regarding the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Sabbath, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Ingathering. (Exodus 34:18-23)

9. God's Promise of Protection
God promises to drive out nations before the Israelites and expand their territory, ensuring no one covets their land during the feasts. (Exodus 34:24)

10. Instructions on Offerings
Specific instructions are given about offerings, including the firstfruits and not boiling a young goat in its mother's milk. (Exodus 34:25-26)

11. Moses Writes the Words of the Covenant
Moses stays with the LORD for forty days and nights, writing the words of the covenant—the Ten Commandments—on the tablets. (Exodus 34:27-28)

12. Moses' Radiant Face
When Moses comes down from Mount Sinai, his face is radiant because he had spoken with the LORD. This radiance signifies the glory of God reflected in Moses. (Exodus 34:29-30)

13. Moses Covers His Face
Moses calls the Israelites to him, and after speaking with them, he covers his face with a veil. He removes the veil when speaking with the LORD. (Exodus 34:31-35)

Topics

1. The Renewal of the Tablets
God instructs Moses to chisel out two stone tablets like the first ones, which Moses broke. This act signifies the renewal of the covenant between God and Israel. The Hebrew word for "chisel" (פָּסַל, pasal) emphasizes the act of carving or shaping, indicating the preparation for God's commandments (Exodus 34:1).

2. The Revelation of God's Character
God proclaims His name and attributes to Moses, emphasizing His mercy, grace, patience, love, and faithfulness. This passage is foundational for understanding God's nature. The Hebrew words "חֶסֶד" (chesed, meaning steadfast love) and "אֱמֶת" (emet, meaning truth or faithfulness) are key to this description (Exodus 34:6-7).

3. Moses' Intercession
Moses bows down and worships, asking God to forgive the people's sins and to take them as His inheritance. This demonstrates Moses' role as an intercessor and mediator for Israel (Exodus 34:8-9).

4. The Covenant Terms
God outlines the terms of the covenant, including commands to destroy pagan altars, not to make treaties with the inhabitants of the land, and to worship no other gods. The Hebrew word "בְּרִית" (berit, meaning covenant) underscores the solemn agreement between God and Israel (Exodus 34:10-17).

5. The Feasts and Sabbaths
Instructions are given regarding the observance of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Sabbath, and other festivals. These practices are integral to Israel's identity and worship (Exodus 34:18-24).

6. The Radiance of Moses' Face
After speaking with God, Moses' face shines, reflecting God's glory. This phenomenon signifies the transformative power of God's presence. The Hebrew word "קָרַן" (qaran, meaning to shine or emit rays) describes this radiance (Exodus 34:29-35).

Themes

1. Renewal of the Covenant
In Exodus 34, God renews His covenant with Israel after the incident of the golden calf. This theme emphasizes God's willingness to restore His relationship with His people despite their previous disobedience. The Hebrew word for covenant, "בְּרִית" (berit), signifies a binding agreement, underscoring the seriousness and commitment involved.

2. God’s Character and Attributes
Verses 6-7 describe God's nature, highlighting His mercy, grace, patience, love, and faithfulness. The Hebrew terms "רַחוּם" (rachum, compassionate) and "חַנּוּן" (chanun, gracious) are used to convey His benevolent character. This passage is foundational for understanding the divine attributes in the Old Testament.

3. Call to Worship and Obedience
God commands the Israelites to worship Him alone and to obey His commandments. This theme is evident in the instructions to destroy pagan altars and not to make covenants with the inhabitants of the land (verses 12-16). The Hebrew word "שָׁמַר" (shamar, to keep/observe) is used to stress the importance of obedience.

4. Prohibition of Idolatry
The chapter reiterates the prohibition against idolatry, warning the Israelites against making molten gods (verse 17). This theme is crucial as it addresses the Israelites' previous sin and emphasizes the need for exclusive devotion to Yahweh.

5. Observance of Feasts and Sabbaths
Instructions regarding the observance of feasts such as the Feast of Unleavened Bread and the Sabbath are given (verses 18-23). These practices are meant to remind the Israelites of God's deliverance and provision. The Hebrew word "מוֹעֵד" (moed, appointed time/feast) highlights the sacredness of these observances.

6. God’s Glory and Moses’ Radiant Face
After speaking with God, Moses' face becomes radiant, reflecting God's glory (verses 29-35). This theme illustrates the transformative power of God's presence. The Hebrew word "קָרַן" (qaran, to shine) is used to describe the radiance, symbolizing divine interaction and revelation.

7. Divine Forgiveness and Justice
God declares His readiness to forgive iniquity, transgression, and sin, yet He also maintains justice by not leaving the guilty unpunished (verses 6-7). This duality of forgiveness and justice is central to understanding God's dealings with humanity. The Hebrew words "נָשָׂא" (nasa, to forgive) and "פָּקַד" (paqad, to punish) reflect this balance.

Answering Tough Questions

1. (Exodus 34:1) Why does this second set of commandments differ from those in Exodus 20, and which version should be considered authoritative?

2. (Exodus 34:10) Is there any historical or archeological evidence that God performed the marvels described here in front of the Israelites?

3. (Exodus 34:14) How do we reconcile the commandment against worshiping other gods with archaeological finds suggesting Israel’s early polytheistic practices?

4. (Exodus 34:29–35) How can Moses’s radiant face be explained scientifically, and why are there no other similar reports in the Torah?

5. (Exodus 34:26) Does the prohibition of boiling a young goat in its mother’s milk align with known ancient dietary customs, or might it be anachronistic?

Bible Study Discussion Questions

1. Reflect on God's description of Himself in verse 5. How does this portrayal influence your understanding of God's nature?

2. Moses is seen interceding for the Israelites in verse 8-9. How does this model of leadership inform our roles in our communities today?

3. Why do you think God chose to renew His covenant with the Israelites despite their disobedience?

4. Explore the commandments given in verses 18-27. How can these ancient rules guide our lives today?

5. What does the radiance of Moses' face symbolize in this passage? How can we achieve such transformation in our own lives?

6. In what ways do the laws presented mirror or differ from societal norms today?

7. How can the events on Mount Sinai teach us about the seriousness of God's covenants?

8. How does this passage challenge our understanding of God's justice?

9. What does God's instruction to Moses about the creation of the second tablets tell us about second chances?

10. How can the Israelites' reaction to Moses' radiant face guide our responses to extraordinary spiritual experiences?

11. Consider God's response to Moses' plea for favor and forgiveness. What does this tell us about God's attitude towards repentance?

12. Moses was asked to present himself alone on the mountaintop. What does this say about our personal relationship with God?

13. Moses followed God's command without question. How can we develop such absolute faith and obedience in our lives?

14. How does God's mercy and grace manifest in this chapter, and how does that impact our understanding of His character?

15. How does the notion of God as a "jealous God" align with the loving and compassionate nature presented in the same passage?

16. What are the consequences of making a treaty with the inhabitants of the land as described in this passage? How can we apply this to our modern context?

17. How does this passage instruct us on worship, and how might we apply these principles today?

18. In what ways can we identify with the Israelites' fear of Moses' radiant face? How should we react when faced with God's glory?

19. What can we learn from Moses' 40-day encounter with God, especially in the context of our spiritual disciplines?

20. Considering Moses' use of a veil, how should we manage the spiritual revelations we receive in our interactions with others?

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