What is the meaning of Exodus 34:33? When Moses had finished “When Moses had finished…” (Exodus 34:33) points us back to the event that just took place: Moses delivered God’s covenant terms to Israel after coming down from Sinai the second time. • Exodus 34:27-32 shows Moses relaying God’s words immediately, without delay, underscoring obedience and urgency. • Deuteronomy 5:1 echoes this model—leaders are responsible to communicate God’s statutes precisely. • Finishing indicates completion; nothing more needed to be added or revised, highlighting the sufficiency of God’s revelation (Psalm 19:7). speaking with them “…speaking with them,” reminds us that Moses served as mediator, relaying what he had personally heard from the LORD. • Exodus 33:11 notes, “the LORD would speak to Moses face to face” before Moses spoke to Israel, showing a direct chain of truth. • Acts 7:38 calls Moses “the one who received living words to pass on to us,” affirming the life-giving nature of the message. • This pattern anticipates Christ, “the one mediator between God and men” (1 Timothy 2:5), who also spoke what He heard from the Father (John 12:49-50). he put a veil “…he put a veil…” introduces a striking physical action. • Exodus 34:29-30 explains why: Moses’ face shone with borrowed glory from his encounter with God, and the people were afraid to come near. • 2 Corinthians 3:13 says Moses veiled himself “so that the Israelites would not gaze at the end of what was fading away,” connecting the veil with the temporary nature of the old covenant glory. • The veil both concealed and protected—shielding Israelites from overwhelming holiness while hinting that greater, unveiled access was still future (Hebrews 10:20 speaks of the veil of Christ’s flesh opening the way). over his face. “…over his face.” The location matters: the radiance was centered on Moses’ face, the very part that had been in closest communion with God. • Numbers 6:25 contains the priestly blessing, “The LORD make His face shine upon you,” showing that God’s shining face represents favor; Moses mirrored that. • Matthew 17:2 records Jesus’ transfiguration: “His face shone like the sun,” fulfilling in perfect, permanent form what Moses displayed temporarily. • Whenever Moses re-entered God’s presence the glory was renewed (Exodus 34:34-35), illustrating that true radiance flows only from abiding fellowship with the LORD (John 15:5). summary Exodus 34:33 captures the moment Moses completed God’s message, then veiled the reflected glory of God on his face to spare the people and signify that the old covenant’s splendor was temporary. The veil protected Israel from fear, preserved Moses’ role as mediator, and pointed forward to Christ, in whom the veil is removed and God’s glory is seen without obstruction (2 Corinthians 3:16-18). |
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