What is the meaning of Exodus 34:10? Behold, I am making a covenant God is personally re-establishing the covenant that Israel broke at the golden calf (Exodus 32). This renewal underscores His faithfulness despite their failure (Exodus 34:6-7). Like His earlier covenants with Noah (Genesis 9:9) and Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3), this one is initiated and guaranteed by Him. It also echoes Exodus 19:5-6, reminding Israel that obedience brings blessing and mission. The covenant sets the stage for everything that follows, assuring the people that God’s promises stand firm (Jeremiah 31:31-34). Before all your people These words highlight that what God is about to do is public and communal. The entire nation, not just Moses, will witness His actions, reinforcing that their relationship with Him is corporate (Deuteronomy 4:34). Like the plagues in Egypt, the coming works will shape Israel’s identity and memory (Deuteronomy 29:2-3). I will perform wonders that have never been done in any nation in all the world The forthcoming miracles—crossing the Jordan (Joshua 3:14-17), Jericho’s walls falling (Joshua 6:20)—will surpass anything seen before. They will confirm God’s supremacy (Exodus 3:20) and display His exclusivity (1 Kings 8:23). These wonders foreshadow the ultimate miracle of redemption through Christ, who performed works unheard of (John 9:32). All the people among whom you live will see the LORD’s work God’s purpose goes beyond Israel; surrounding nations will observe and acknowledge His power (Joshua 2:10-11). Rahab, the Gibeonites, and later the Queen of Sheba (1 Kings 10:9) testify to this. Israel is called to be a light, revealing God’s glory so that Gentiles might turn to Him (Isaiah 42:6; 1 Peter 2:9-12). For it is an awesome thing that I am doing with you “Awe” implies both wonder and holy fear. God’s deeds inspire worship (Psalm 66:5) and obedience (Psalm 111:9-10). The early church lived in similar awe after Christ’s resurrection: “Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and signs were being performed by the apostles” (Acts 2:43). The pattern remains—God’s mighty acts invite reverent response. summary Exodus 34:10 shows God graciously renewing His covenant with a repentant people, promising unprecedented wonders that will publicly reveal His glory. These acts will deepen Israel’s faith, witness to the nations, and evoke holy awe. The verse points forward to God’s ultimate covenant fulfillment in Christ, whose redemptive work is the greatest “awesome thing” ever done for His people. |
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