Understanding Exodus 34:35

Bible Verse: Exodus 34:35

“And the children of Israel saw the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses’ face shone; and Moses put the vail upon his face again, until he went in to speak with him.”

The verse describes how Moses, after speaking with God, had his face reflecting divine glory, indicating the glory and holiness of God's presence.

Summary of Meaning

The verse highlights the following themes:

• Divine Encounter: Moses' face shining symbolizes the transformative power of experiencing God's presence.
• Separation and Mediation: Moses' use of a veil signifies a separation between the divine and the people, reinforcing his role as mediator.
• Fear and Awe: The children's reaction reflects the fear and awe that accompany the manifestation of God’s glory.

Commentary Insights

This verse has been examined across various commentaries, providing a multifaceted understanding:

Matthew Henry's Commentary

Henry interprets this verse as demonstrating the glory of God that Moses reflected, which was so powerful that it caused fear in the Israelites. He points out that this reflection of glory was a temporary state, necessary for the community to maintain reverence and recognize Moses' role as a prophet.

Albert Barnes' Notes

Barnes emphasizes that the shining face of Moses serves as a visible sign of his close communion with God. He suggests that the veil also identifies Moses’ unique role—protecting the people from the full exposure to God’s unmediated glory.

Adam Clarke's Commentary

Clarke remarks on the significance of the veil, explaining that it symbolizes the temporary nature of the old covenant as it corresponds with the New Testament’s unveiling of God’s glory in Christ. He enriches the interpretation by linking it to the concept of revelation and the gradual unveiling of God's plan.

Theological Applications

This verse serves as a rich theological statement concerning:

• The Nature of God's Holiness: God's holiness is so profound that it demands a mediator, illustrated through Moses.
• The Role of the Law: The radiance of Moses' face corresponds to the authority of the Law, and the veil demonstrates the limitations of the Old Covenant.
• The foreshadowing of Christ: Just as the veil kept the Israelites from seeing Moses’ glory, the New Covenant reveals the fullness of God's glory through Jesus Christ.

Cross-References and Thematic Connections

Exodus 34:35 can be cross-referenced with several verses that illuminate its meaning and implications:

• 2 Corinthians 3:7-11: Discusses the glory of the old covenant compared to the surpassing glory of the new covenant in Christ.
• Hebrews 12:14: Highlights the need for holiness in seeing the Lord, echoing the awe present in Moses' experience.
• Numbers 12:8: Emphasizes Moses' unique relationship with God, where he spoke to God face to face.
• Matthew 17:2: References Jesus' transfiguration, where His divine glory shines through as well.
• John 1:14: States that Jesus was full of grace and truth, reflecting God's glory, similar to Moses.
• 1 John 3:2: Talks about believers being transformed to be like Him when He appears, reminiscent of Moses' shining face.
• Revelation 21:23: Describes the New Jerusalem, where God’s glory illuminates, showing the ultimate fulfillment of divine presence.

Tools for Bible Cross-Referencing

To explore the connections between Bible verses such as Exodus 34:35 and its related scriptures, various tools can assist:

• Bible concordance for thematic exploration.
• Bible cross-reference guide for comparative studies.
• Cross-reference Bible study methods for in-depth research.

How to Utilize Cross-References Effectively

Cross-referencing can enhance understanding by:

• Identifying connections between Old and New Testament teachings.
• Highlighting similarities between different biblical narratives.
• Creating a thematic map that reveals overarching messages in Scripture.

Conclusion

Exodus 34:35 serves as a profound encapsulation of the interplay of God's glory, the necessity for mediation, and foreshadowing the fuller revelation found in Christ. Understanding this verse through various theological lenses and cross-references enriches one’s study of Scripture.