What does "what was glorious" refer to in 2 Corinthians 3:10? Setting the Scene “Indeed, what was once glorious has no glory now in comparison to the glory that surpasses it.” (2 Corinthians 3:10) Paul has just contrasted two ministries: • “the ministry of death, engraved in letters on stone” (v. 7) • “the ministry of the Spirit” (v. 8) He calls the first “glorious,” yet insists its glory is eclipsed by the second. What Was Glorious: The Old-Covenant Ministry • Tablets of stone received through Moses at Sinai (Exodus 31:18; 34:29). • A covenant marked by commands, sacrifices, and a veiled glory (Exodus 34:33). • Paul labels it “the ministry of condemnation” (2 Corinthians 3:9) because it exposed sin without empowering obedience (Romans 3:20). Why Paul Uses the Word “Glorious” • God’s presence descended in fire, cloud, and thunder (Exodus 19:16-19). • Moses’ face shone after speaking with the LORD (Exodus 34:30). • The tabernacle filled with visible glory (Exodus 40:34-35). • The Law reflected God’s perfect character (Psalm 19:7-9). So, “what was glorious” refers to the entire Mosaic administration—its commands, priesthood, and visible manifestations of divine majesty. Temporary by Design • The glow on Moses’ face “was fading” (2 Corinthians 3:7, 11). • Animal sacrifices had to be repeated (Hebrews 10:1-4). • The veil symbolized limited, mediated access to God (Hebrews 9:7-8). The Surpassing Glory: The New Covenant in Christ • “The ministry of righteousness” (v. 9) brings permanent right standing with God (Romans 3:21-22). • Glory unveiled—“We all, with unveiled faces, contemplate the Lord’s glory” (2 Corinthians 3:18). • Christ Himself is “the radiance of God’s glory” (Hebrews 1:3). • The Spirit now writes God’s law on hearts, not stone (Jeremiah 31:33; 2 Corinthians 3:3). Key Cross-References • Exodus 34:29-35 – Moses’ shining face and the veil. • Hebrews 8:6-13 – The old covenant obsolete, replaced by a better covenant. • John 1:17 – “For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” • Galatians 3:19-25 – The Law as a guardian until Christ came. Putting It Together “What was glorious” in 2 Corinthians 3:10 is the old covenant—God’s Law revealed through Moses, accompanied by awe-inspiring displays of divine presence. Its splendor was real but provisional, designed to point forward to the far greater, enduring glory revealed in the new covenant brought by Jesus Christ and applied by the Holy Spirit. |
    |