Meaning of Exodus 34:28

This verse describes a pivotal moment in the Old Testament where Moses, in profound communion with God, spent an extended period of forty days and forty nights on Mount Sinai, abstaining from both food and drink. During this time, he received and meticulously inscribed the covenant, specifically the Ten Commandments, onto stone tablets. This experience signifies an unparalleled period of divine revelation and covenant establishment, underscoring Moses' unique role as mediator between God and Israel. The physical endurance required for such a prolonged fast, coupled with the spiritual intensity of receiving and recording God's law, highlights the extraordinary nature of this encounter and the sacredness of the covenant being renewed.

Context and Background

Exodus 34:28 occurs in the aftermath of the Israelites' grievous sin of worshipping the golden calf (Exodus 32). Following this rebellion, Moses interceded for the people, and God, though angered, agreed not to utterly destroy them. However, the initial covenant tablets, inscribed by God Himself, were broken by Moses in his anger upon seeing the idolatry (Exodus 32:19). This present event in Exodus 34 describes Moses' second ascent of Mount Sinai to receive a new set of tablets and a renewed covenant from God. The forty days and nights mirror the earlier period of Moses' initial encounter on the mountain (Exodus 24:18) and later, Elijah's prophetic journey (1 Kings 19:8), symbolizing a time of purification, consecration, and intense divine presence.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Covenant: The central theme is the establishment and renewal of God's covenant with Israel. The Ten Commandments are the foundational stipulations of this covenant, outlining the terms of their relationship with God.
• Mediation: Moses acts as a crucial intermediary. His willingness to ascend the mountain and spend this time in God's presence, and his subsequent inscription of the law, demonstrates his role as a bridge between the divine and the human.
• Divine Presence and Revelation: The forty days and nights without sustenance emphasize the overwhelming nature of God's presence and the depth of revelation Moses received. Such an experience transcends normal human capacity, pointing to a supernatural encounter.
• Obedience and Law: The act of writing the Ten Commandments highlights the importance of God's law as the guide for covenant life. It underscores the expectation of obedience from the Israelites.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This passage speaks to the profound spiritual discipline and singular focus required for deep communion with God. For believers, it illustrates that significant spiritual breakthroughs and covenantal understanding often come through dedicated periods of prayer, fasting, and seeking God's presence, away from the distractions of the world. The Ten Commandments, while given to ancient Israel, remain a foundational expression of God's moral will, guiding believers in their pursuit of righteousness and love for God and neighbor. Moses' endurance serves as an example of dedication to God's purposes, even amidst challenging circumstances.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Exodus 34:28 is a cornerstone in the narrative of God's redemptive plan. It establishes the legal and moral framework for the nation of Israel, setting the stage for the subsequent history of their covenant faithfulness and unfaithfulness. This covenant, with its stipulations and blessings/curses, directly foreshadows the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ. While the Old Covenant was mediated by Moses and written on stone, the New Covenant is mediated by Christ and written on the hearts of believers by the Holy Spirit (Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 8:8-12). The failure of the Israelites to fully uphold the Law given on Sinai necessitated a more perfect fulfillment, which Jesus provided through His life, death, and resurrection.

Analogies

• The Foundation of a House: The Ten Commandments are like the foundational blueprint and initial construction for the house of Israel's relationship with God. Without a solid foundation, the entire structure is unstable.
• A Marriage Vow: The covenant and its commandments are akin to the sacred vows exchanged in marriage, defining the commitments and expectations between two parties.
• The Operating System of a Computer: The law of God can be seen as the fundamental operating system that governs the proper functioning of the relationship between God and humanity, dictating how the system is meant to run.

Relation to Other Verses

• Exodus 20: This chapter details God's initial pronouncement of the Ten Commandments, providing the content of what Moses inscribed on the tablets in Exodus 34:28.
• Deuteronomy 5: Moses recounts the Ten Commandments to the new generation of Israelites before they enter the Promised Land, reinforcing their importance and the covenant.
• Jeremiah 31:31-34: This prophecy speaks of a "new covenant" that will be different from the one made at Sinai, where the law will be written on the hearts of God's people.
• Hebrews 8:6-13: This New Testament passage explicitly contrasts the Old Covenant mediated by Moses with the New Covenant mediated by Jesus Christ, highlighting the superiority and fulfillment found in Christ.
• Matthew 22:36-40: Jesus summarizes the entire Law as encompassing love for God and love for neighbor, encapsulating the essence of the Ten Commandments.