Compare the veil in 2 Corinthians 3:13 with the veil in Exodus 34. The Historical Veil in Exodus 34 • “When Moses came down from Mount Sinai … the skin of his face shone because he had spoken with the LORD… So Moses put a veil over his face.” (Exodus 34:29–33) • Each time Moses entered the LORD’s presence, he removed the veil (v. 34). • After speaking with God, he relayed the commands to Israel, then covered his face again (v. 35). Why Moses Wore the Veil • Protection – Israel feared the radiant glory (Exodus 34:30). • Concealment – The brightness gradually faded; the veil hid that diminishing glow. • Separation – A tangible reminder that sinful people still needed mediation to approach God’s holiness. Paul’s Commentary in 2 Corinthians 3 • “We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at the end of what was fading away.” (2 Corinthians 3:13) • Paul sees the veil as a symbol of the Old Covenant’s temporary, fading glory (vv. 7–11). • He extends the picture: “Their minds were hardened; for to this day the same veil remains… It is removed in Christ.” (vv. 14–16) Side-by-Side Comparison • Location – Exodus: literal cloth on Moses’ face – 2 Corinthians: spiritual covering over hearts and minds • Purpose – Exodus: shield Israel from overwhelming light and hide its fading – 2 Corinthians: illustrates how the Law’s glory was temporary and how unbelief still obscures Christ’s glory • Duration – Exodus: veil used repeatedly but only while the glow lasted – 2 Corinthians: spiritual veil remains “to this day” on all who read the Law apart from Christ (v. 15) Fading Glory versus Lasting Glory • Old Covenant: glorious but passing (2 Corinthians 3:7, 11) • New Covenant: “ever-increasing glory” (v. 18) because it is founded on the Spirit, not engraved stone. • Hebrews 3:3 compares Jesus’ greater glory to Moses, reinforcing Paul’s point. Other Veils in Scripture That Illuminate the Theme • Temple veil torn at Jesus’ death (Matthew 27:51) – access to God opened. • Veil inside the tabernacle separating the Most Holy Place (Hebrews 9:3) – fulfilled when Christ entered “once for all” (Hebrews 9:12). • Disciples’ understanding “veiled” until Jesus “opened their minds” (Luke 24:45). Veil Removed: The Result in Believers • Freedom – “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2 Corinthians 3:17) • Transformation – “We all, with unveiled faces, contemplate the Lord’s glory and are being transformed into the same image.” (v. 18) • Bold Witness – Unlike Moses’ concealed radiance, believers reflect Christ openly (2 Corinthians 4:6). Living Unveiled Today • Come directly to God through Christ, not through fading rituals (Hebrews 10:19–20). • Rely on the Spirit for continual transformation, not mere external conformity. • Radiate the gospel openly, confident that the surpassing glory is permanent. |
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