Understanding Exodus 34:28
Exodus 34:28 states: "And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments." This verse encapsulates a significant moment in biblical history, marking Moses' communion with God and the reception of the Ten Commandments.
Summary of Meaning
This verse highlights both the physical and spiritual elements of Moses' encounter with the LORD. It illustrates Moses' commitment as he spends forty days and nights without sustenance, indicating the intensity of his experience and the necessity of divine revelation over physical needs. In this time, God imparted the foundational laws for His people, emphasizing the covenant relationship between God and Israel.
Commentary Insights
- Matthew Henry: Henry underscores the importance of Moses’ fasting as a demonstration of self-denial and devotion to God. He notes that such periods of fasting signify a deepened connection with God and a serious purpose in receiving divine instruction.
- Albert Barnes: Barnes highlights the miraculous aspect of Moses’ endurance during the forty days and nights without food or water, suggesting a divine sustenance that supported Moses through his spiritual task. He connects this event to the faithfulness of God in providing for those who serve Him.
- Adam Clarke: Clarke focuses on the written words, identifying the significance of the Ten Commandments as central to Israel's identity and law. He elaborates on the commandment's continued relevance and how they lay the groundwork for moral living in both Old and New Testaments.
Cross-References
To fully appreciate the context and implications of Exodus 34:28, here are several insightful Bible cross-references:
- Exodus 24:18: This earlier passage depicts Moses entering the cloud on the mountain to receive God's laws.
- Deuteronomy 9:9-11: Moses recalls the days when he fasted to receive the commandments, highlighting their importance.
- Matthew 4:2: This New Testament verse notes Jesus’ forty days of fasting in the wilderness, connecting it with spiritual preparation.
- Luke 4:2: Similar to Matthew, it recounts Jesus' experience, reinforcing the theme of reliance on God.
- 1 Kings 19:8: Elijah’s forty days of journeying on food provided by God parallels Moses' experience of divine sustenance.
- Acts 7:38: Stephen refers to Moses as the lawgiver, emphasizing the significance of these commandments to Israel's history.
- 2 Corinthians 3:7: Paul contrasts the old covenant, represented by the Ten Commandments, to the new covenant, illustrating its lasting impact.
Thematic Connections
The verse also shows thematic connections across the Bible:
- God’s Divine Instruction: The necessity of divine wisdom in guiding His people is reflected throughout scriptures.
- Covenantal Relationship: The concept of covenant found in Exodus is echoed in the New Testament, highlighting God's unchanging nature in His relationship with humanity.
- Spiritual Fasting: The practice of fasting to seek closeness to God is a theme visible in both the Old and New Testaments.
Conclusion
Exodus 34:28 offers rich insights into Moses' relationship with God and the importance of the commandments as guiding principles for godly living. Understanding this verse and its connections to other scriptures enhances one's grasp of the narrative and theological themes within the Bible. As believers engage in Bible cross-referencing, they unlock deeper meanings and applications of verses like Exodus 34:28, showing the cohesion and unity of God's word across disparate texts.
