How does 2 Corinthians 3:15 connect to the story of Moses? Reading the Key Verse “Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts.” (2 Corinthians 3:15) Tracing the Veil Back to Exodus • Exodus 34:29-35 records Moses coming down from Sinai with his face shining after speaking with the LORD. • Because the Israelites were afraid of the radiance, “Moses put a veil over his face” when he addressed them (v. 33). • Each time Moses re-entered God’s presence, he removed the veil; when he came out to speak to the people, he covered his face again (vv. 34-35). • The physical covering became a visible picture of something deeper: access to God’s glory was limited under the old covenant. Paul’s Point in 2 Corinthians 3 • Paul draws on that historical scene to illustrate a spiritual reality among many of his contemporaries. • When the Law (“Moses”) is read, a spiritual “veil” still lies over hearts that have not turned to Christ (vv. 14-15). • This veil prevents clear sight of the Law’s ultimate purpose—pointing to the Messiah (Galatians 3:24; John 5:46). • By contrast, “whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away” (2 Corinthians 3:16). The openness Moses enjoyed in the tent of meeting now belongs to every believer through the Spirit (v. 18). Old Covenant Glory vs. New Covenant Glory • Paul calls the Mosaic ministry “glorious” yet “fading” (2 Corinthians 3:7, 11, 13). • Moses’ veil symbolized that transitory splendor. • In Christ the greater glory is permanent and unveiled (v. 11). • Believers “reflect” and are “being transformed” into that same image “with ever-increasing glory” (v. 18). Key Connections to Other Scriptures • Exodus 33:18-23—Moses’ request to see God’s glory; God grants a partial, veiled revelation. • Hebrews 10:19-22—Through Jesus’ blood the curtain (another veil) is opened, giving bold entry into God’s presence. • Luke 24:27—Jesus explains “Moses and all the Prophets,” lifting the veil for the disciples. • 2 Corinthians 4:6—God shines in our hearts “to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” Bringing It All Together • Moses’ literal veil in Exodus becomes Paul’s metaphor for spiritual blindness. • The same Law that once shone on Moses’ face still radiates God’s truth, but without Christ its purpose is obscured. • Turning to the Lord removes the veil, granting full, unveiled access to God’s enduring glory. |
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