Meaning of Exodus 34:33

The act of Moses veiling his face after speaking with the Israelites signifies a profound spiritual transformation and the overwhelming nature of God's glory, which had been imparted to him. This action was not born of shame or a desire to hide, but rather a practical necessity stemming from the radiant, awe-inspiring light that emanated from his countenance due to his prolonged communion with the LORD on Mount Sinai. The glory was so intense that the people could not bear to look upon it directly, thus necessitating the veil as a physical barrier, a testament to the immense power and holiness of God's presence that had been made manifest in Moses.

Context and Background

Following the devastating consequences of the golden calf incident, Moses interceded for the people and subsequently ascended Mount Sinai again to receive new stone tablets and a renewed covenant from God (Exodus 34). During this second encounter, God proclaimed His name and attributes, emphasizing His mercy, faithfulness, and justice (Exodus 34:6-7). Moses spent forty days and forty nights with God, a period of intense spiritual intimacy and divine revelation. Upon descending the second time, the text explicitly states that Moses was unaware that his skin had become radiant because he had spoken with the LORD (Exodus 34:29). The veiling, therefore, occurs immediately after he has conveyed God's commands and covenant stipulations to the Israelites.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Glory and Holiness: The radiant face of Moses is a tangible manifestation of God's glory and holiness. It underscores the awesome power and presence of the divine, which is often too intense for human senses to behold directly.
• Mediatorial Role: Moses, as the mediator between God and Israel, bears the visible evidence of his divine commission. His transformed appearance reinforces his authority and the divine origin of his message.
• The Law and its Impact: The veiling occurs after the pronouncement of the Law. This can be interpreted as a foreshadowing of the limitations of the Law to fully reveal God's unadulterated glory, which is more fully apprehended through Christ.
• The Impermanence of Earthly Revelation: The need for a veil suggests that direct, unmediated apprehension of God's full glory is not possible in the current earthly state, even for a beloved prophet.

Spiritual Significance and Application

The veiling of Moses' face serves as a powerful symbol of the inaccessibility of God's full glory to sinful humanity. It highlights the need for a mediator and points towards a future fulfillment where this veil is removed. For believers, it reminds us of the awesome majesty of God and the need for reverence and humility in His presence. It also foreshadows the ultimate revelation of God's glory in Jesus Christ, who, unlike Moses, could be looked upon directly, and whose presence brought salvation rather than overwhelming awe.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This event is a crucial link in the narrative of God's interaction with humanity. It demonstrates God's faithfulness in renewing His covenant despite Israel's sin and emphasizes the significance of His Law. More importantly, it serves as a typological precursor to the New Covenant. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, explicitly draws a parallel between Moses' veiled face and the spiritual blindness that can prevent people from fully understanding the Old Covenant and its ultimate fulfillment in Christ (2 Corinthians 3:12-18). Paul argues that in Christ, the veil is taken away, allowing believers to behold the glory of the Lord with unveiled faces, experiencing a more direct and transformative encounter with God.

Analogies

One analogy for Moses' veiled face is the intense light of the sun. While essential for life, direct, prolonged exposure to unfiltered sunlight can be harmful and blinding. Similarly, God's glory, in its unmitigated intensity, is something humanity cannot withstand without a mediator or a preparatory transformation. Another analogy is a powerful radio signal. While the signal contains vast amounts of information and energy, it needs a receiver (like a radio or a phone) to translate it into something understandable and usable. Moses' face, veiled, represents the Law and the Old Covenant, which conveyed God's will but did not fully unlock the spiritual understanding that comes through Christ.

Relation to Other Verses

• Exodus 34:29-30: This immediately precedes the text in question, stating that Moses' skin shone and that the Israelites were afraid to come near him, necessitating the veiling.
• 2 Corinthians 3:12-18: As mentioned, Paul extensively uses the imagery of Moses' veil to contrast the Old Covenant with the New Covenant in Christ. He states, "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."
• Hebrews 12:18-24: This passage contrasts the terrifying experience at Mount Sinai, where God's presence was so powerful that even Moses was afraid, with the New Covenant community gathered to Mount Zion, where believers approach God through Jesus, the mediator of a better covenant.
• John 1:14: "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." This verse highlights how in Jesus, God's glory is revealed in a way that can be seen and apprehended, not necessitating a veil.