Exodus 34:28 - Meaning and Application

Here we see, first, how long Moses stayed on the mountain, where God wonderfully kept him alive (Exodus 34:28). He was in close fellowship with God for forty days and forty nights, with no break, and he did not think the time dragged on. When we grow tired after an hour or two of worship and prayer, we should remember Moses and also look ahead to the endless day we hope to spend praising God.

During all that time, Moses ate and drank nothing. He had already fasted that long before, yet this time he did not even bring provisions with him. He trusted that people do not live by bread alone, and his past experience had taught him that this was true. He stayed without food and drink, and likely without sleep as well, for two reasons.

First, God’s power sustained him, so he did not need ordinary nourishment. The One who made the body can keep it alive without the usual means, even though he often uses those means. Life is more than food. Second, his fellowship with God satisfied him, so he did not crave food. He had food the world did not know about, because his true nourishment was hearing God’s word and praying. The deep joy of God’s word and the vision of the Almighty made him forget bodily comfort.

When God gave special honor to Moses, he did it not with food and drink, but with light, law, and love. He gave Moses knowledge of himself and of his will, and in that sense Moses truly ate the food of angels. This shows what we should count as our deepest pleasure. God’s kingdom is not about food and drink, or about plenty and fine meals, but about righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Moses, Elijah, and Christ all fasted forty days and forty nights. The less attached we are to the pleasures of the body, the more ready we are for the joys of heaven.

Second, Moses came down from the mountain greatly enriched and wonderfully changed. He brought down the two stone tablets of the law, written by the finger of God (Exodus 34:28, 34:29). It is a great mercy to receive God’s law, as Israel did (Psalm 147:19, 147:20). It is also a great honor to be used to give God’s law to others, and that honor was given to Moses.

He also came down with a different kind of beauty, because the skin of his face shone (Exodus 34:29). During this stay on the mountain, he heard the same words as before, but he saw more of God’s glory. As he had looked on that glory with an open face, he was changed in some measure into the same likeness, from one degree of glory to another (2 Corinthians 3:18). The last time he came down, he came with the authority of a judge, ready to confront and punish Israel’s idolatry. Now he came with the glory of an angel, bringing peace and reconciliation. Then he came with a rod, now with a spirit of gentleness.

This shining face was, first, a great honor to Moses. It would keep the people from doubting his calling or speaking lightly of him. He carried his proof in his own face. Some think he kept traces of that glory as long as he lived, and that it may have helped his strength in old age. An eye that had seen God would not easily grow dim, and a face that had shone with God’s glory would not quickly wrinkle. The Israelites could not look steadily at him without being reminded of his commission. So God honored the man he chose to honor. Even so, after all this, they later complained against him, because the clearest signs do not by themselves overcome stubborn unbelief.

This shining was also a blessing to the people and a comfort to them. God put this glory on their intercessor, their one who pleaded for them, so they could see that he was accepted, and that they were accepted through him. In the same way, Christ’s exaltation as our advocate with the Father is a great support to our faith.

It was also the effect of Moses’ view of God. Fellowship with God, first, gives a true honor that shows on the face. Sincere godliness gives a person a look that wins respect and affection. Second, it should lead to holiness in every part of life. When we have been on the mountain with God, we should let our light shine before others through humility, gentleness, and all the marks of heavenly living. The beauty of the Lord our God should be on us, even the beauty of holiness, so that those around us can tell that we have been with Jesus (Acts 4:13).

About the shining of Moses’ face, notice that he did not know it himself (Exodus 34:29). This shows, first, the sadness of some people who really do have grace, but do not see it and so cannot enjoy its comfort. Others can see much of God in them, but they themselves think they have no grace at all. Second, it shows the humility of others who have clear gifts and much usefulness, but do not dwell on them or become proud. Whatever beauty God gives us, we should still remember our unworthiness and weakness, and that will make us forget even the things that make our faces shine.

Aaron, Moses’ brother, and the people of Israel saw it and were afraid (Exodus 34:30). Many witnesses confirmed that it was real, and they also felt the fear it caused. It did more than dazzle their eyes. It filled them with awe and made them step back. They may have wondered whether it was a sign of God’s favor or his anger. It seemed more likely to be a good sign, but their guilt made them fear the worst, especially when they remembered the condition Moses had found them in the last time he came down the mountain. Holiness commands respect, but a guilty conscience makes people afraid even of friends, and even of what is really meant as a blessing.

Moses put a veil over his face when he noticed that it shone (Exodus 34:33, 34:35). This teaches us, first, modesty and humility. We should be willing for our good qualities to be hidden, rather than wanting to make a display of ourselves. Those who truly want God’s approval will also not long for human applause. There is such a thing as a worthy hiddenness. Second, it teaches ministers to fit their teaching to the people’s understanding, and to speak in ways they can bear. Anything that serves display more than help should be covered up, and those who are strong should make room for the weakness of others.

This veil also showed the darkness of that old covenant. The ceremonial laws held much of Christ and much of gospel grace, but these truths were partly hidden. The children of Israel could not clearly and steadily see the good things to come, which the law only pictured in shadow. It was beauty under a covering, gold hidden in the mine, a pearl still in the shell.

Thanks be to God, the gospel has brought life and immortality into the light, and the veil has been removed from the Old Testament. Yet the veil still remains on the hearts of those who refuse the light. The apostle explains this passage that way in (2 Corinthians 3:13-15).

When Moses went in before the Lord, to speak with him in the tabernacle of meeting, he took the veil off (Exodus 34:34). There was no need for it there. Before God, every person stands uncovered, because all things are naked and open before the eyes of him with whom we have to do. It is foolish to think we can hide or disguise anything from him.

Every veil must be set aside when we come before the Lord. This also points to the truth explained in (2 Corinthians 3:16), that when a soul turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away, and with open face it can behold his glory. And when we come before the Lord in heaven, and speak with him forever, the veil will be removed not only from God's glory as we see it, but also from our own hearts and eyes, so that we may see as we are seen, and know as we are known.