How does 2 Corinthians 3:13-18 connect to Moses' experience in Exodus 34:29? The Scene on Sinai Exodus 34:29: “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 because he had spoken with the LORD.” • Moses’ face literally blazed with God’s glory. • Israel saw the brightness, feared, and kept their distance (vv. 30–31). • After delivering God’s words, Moses covered his shining face with a veil (vv. 33–35). • Each time he re-entered God’s presence, the veil came off; after speaking to the people, the veil went back on. Paul’s Reflection 13 “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.” 14 “But their minds were closed. For to this day the same veil remains at the reading of the old covenant. It has not been lifted, because only in Christ can it be removed.” 15 “Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts.” 16 “But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.” 17 “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” 18 “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” Key Connections • Literal event, spiritual pattern—Paul treats Moses’ shining face as historical fact and draws a Spirit-revealed lesson from it. • Fading vs. permanent glory—Moses’ brightness dwindled; the new-covenant glory never fades (cf. Hebrews 8:13). • External veil vs. internal veil—Moses covered skin; unbelief now covers hearts. • Removal through turning—As Moses uncovered before God, so sinners who “turn to the Lord” find the heart-veil lifted (Isaiah 25:7-9). • Fear vs. freedom—Israel backed away from the radiance; believers step in boldly because “where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” (see Hebrews 4:16). From Law to Spirit • Old Covenant: written on stone, glorious yet condemning (2 Corinthians 3:7-9). • New Covenant: written on hearts, surpassing glory, life-giving (Jeremiah 31:33; Ezekiel 36:26-27). • Result: believers behold Christ openly and “are being transformed” (Romans 8:29). Living Unveiled Today • Approach God openly—no curtain, no veil, full access (Ephesians 2:18). • Expect transformation—continual increase in Christ-likeness, not a one-time flash. • Reflect His light—carry the unfading glory into a veiled world (Matthew 5:14-16). |
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