Exodus 34:33

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Exodus 34:33-35

Paul refers to this passage as showing forth the glory of the law, though it was but a “ministration of condemnation,” and was to be done away, in order to enhance the glory of the gospel, “the ministration of the spirit,” which is concealed by no veil from the eyes of believers, and is to last forever 2 Corinthians 3:7-15.Exodus 34:33When rather than until should be supplied. Moses did not wear the veil when he was speaking to the people, but when he was silent. See Exodus 34:35.Exodus... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Exodus 34:33

Exodus 34:33. And Moses put a veil on his face This veil signified the darkness of that dispensation; the ceremonial institutions had in them much of Christ and the gospel, but a veil was drawn over it, so that the children of Israel could not distinctly and steadfastly see those good things to come which the law had a shadow of. It was beauty veiled, gold in the mine, a pearl in the shell; but thanks be to God, by the gospel, the veil is taken away from off the Old Testament; yet still it... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Exodus 34:1-35

The covenant re-established (34:1-35)When the people first swore their faithfulness to the covenant, they promised to keep all its requirements (see 24:3-8), but in practice they failed badly. God in his grace would renew the covenant, and to this end he called Moses back up the mountain. His fresh revelation to Moses therefore emphasized his love and mercy, but it also reminded the people of his righteous justice. Moses, painfully aware of the Israelites’ weakness, appealed to the grace of... read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Exodus 34:29-35

"And it came to pass when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of the testimony in Moses' hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses knew not that the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh him. And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh him. And Moses called unto them; and Aaron and all the rulers of the congregation returned unto him.' and Moses spake to them. And... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Exodus 34:33

33. he put a veil on his face—That veil was with the greatest propriety removed when speaking with the Lord, for every one appears unveiled to the eye of Omniscience; but it was replaced on returning to the people—and this was emblematic of the dark and shadowy character of that dispensation (2 Corinthians 3:13; 2 Corinthians 3:14). read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Exodus 34:29-35

The transformation that Moses experienced as a result of his close fellowship with God showed in his physical appearance, particularly on his face (cf. Matthew 17:1-3). This change made the other Israelites uncomfortable around him. The evidence of his close relationship with God convicted them. Evidently Moses’ shining face was evidence to the Israelites that he had been in the Lord’s presence and that what he told them was an oracle from God. The purpose of the veil that Moses wore over his... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 34:1-35

The Renewal of the CovenantIn token that the people are forgiven, God renews His covenant relation with them. The conditions are the same as before. The Decalogue is inscribed on two fresh tables, and the main provisions of the ceremonial law are repeated.1. Which thou brakest] There is no reproach in these words. Moses is nowhere blamed for his righteous indignation. He was ’angry and sinned not.’ 3. See on Exodus 19:12, Exodus 19:13.5. See on Exodus 33:19. On the name of The Lord see on... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Exodus 34:33

(33) Till Moses had done speaking with them, he put a vail on his face.—This translation exactly inverts the meaning, which is that “when Moses had done speaking with them, he put a vail on his face.” The vail became part of his ordinary costume, and was worn excepting upon occasions of two kinds: (1) When Moses was alone with God, either in the temporary “tent of meeting” or in the permanent Tabernacle, he ceased to wear the vail, and spoke with God face to face; (2) when he had a message to... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - Exodus 34:1-35

Exodus 34:29 Christians that are really the most eminent saints, and therefore have the most excellent experiences,... are astonished at and ashamed of the low degrees of their love and thankfulness, and their little knowledge of God. Moses, when he had been conversing with God in the mount, and his face shone so bright in the eyes of others as to dazzle their eyes, wist not that his face shone. Jonathan Edwards, The Religious Affections (part iii.). Men of elevated minds are not their own... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - Exodus 34:1-35

CHAPTER XXXIV.THE VISION OF GOD.Exodus 34:1-35It was when God had most graciously assured Moses of His affection, that he ventured, in so brief a cry that it is almost a gasp of longing, to ask, "Show me, I pray Thee, Thy glory" (Exodus 33:18).We have seen how nobly this petition and the answer condemn all anthropomorphic misunderstandings of what had already been revealed; and also how it exemplifies the great law, that they who see most of God, know best how much is still unrevealed. The... read more

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