8-26. Moses bowed . . . and worshipped—In the East, people bow the head to royalty, and are silent when it passes by, while in the West, they take off their hats and shout. read more
In response God announced that He would restore the covenant. That is, He would establish the covenant again. Furthermore He would perform miracles never before seen, namely, driving out the Canaanites (Exodus 34:1).To remind the Israelites of their duties in the covenant relationship, God repeated two of the fundamental ordinances (chs. 21-23) that would determine their attitude toward Him.1. They were to make no covenants with the Canaanites but drive them out completely (Exodus 34:11-16).... read more
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
(11) The Amorite, and the Canaanite . . . —The same six nations are particularised in Exodus 3:8; Exodus 3:17, in Exodus 23:23, and also in Exodus 33:2. In Deuteronomy 7:1, and Joshua 3:10; Joshua 24:11, the Girgashites are added, and the number of the nations made seven. read more
(12) A snare.—Comp. Exodus 23:33; and for the nature of the snare, see Exodus 34:15-16 of the present chapter. read more
(12-16) This passage may be compared with Exodus 23:24-25; Exodus 23:32-33. It repeats, with some enlargements, the enactments there made, and traces in detail the evil consequences which would follow from a neglect of the enactments. read more
(13) Ye shall destroy their altars, break their images, and cut down their groves.—In the “Book of the Covenant” the command had been simply to “quite break down their images” (Exodus 23:24). Now, after the Israelites had displayed their idolatrous leanings, it is added that they are likewise to destroy the “altars” and the “groves.” Altars were common among all the idolatrous nations, sometimes attached to temples (1 Kings 16:32; 2 Kings 21:4-5), sometimes separate from them (Numbers 23:1;... read more
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
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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Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Exodus 34:13
Exodus 34:13. Their images— I should imagine that the original word מצבתם matzebotam, signifies pillars or something of that kind, dedicated to the צבא zaba or hosts of heaven. read more