The feast of unleavened bread shalt thou keep ,.... Which was instituted at the time of their coming out of Egypt, and on that account, and then observed, Exodus 12:15 and afterwards repeated, and the month expressed in which they were to keep it, and the reason of it, as it here follows; see Gill on Exodus 13:15 . read more
All that openeth the matrix is mine ,.... Or "the womb", and therefore to be sanctified, and set apart for his use: this also was declared, and the law concerning it given, at the time of their coming out of Egypt, and here repeated; see Gill on Exodus 13:2 , Exodus 13:12 . read more
Every firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem ,.... This goes along with the former; see Gill on Exodus 13:13 , and none shall appear before me empty ; at the grand festivals, the passover, pentecost, and tabernacles; see Gill on Exodus 13:15 . read more
Verse 19 19.All that openeth the matrix is mine. He here defines what the offering was to be, viz., that they should redeem their children as well as the unclean animals at a price; but that they should bring into the tabernacle whatsoever could be offered in sacrifice. But God would not have their own sons consecrated to Him, because He had chosen the tribe of Levi, as we shall see elsewhere; they were therefore to remain free and in their own power after a pecuniary compensation. In the same... read more
Renewal of the tables, and fourth intercession. One more mighty effort of intercession, and Moses will bear away the blessing which he seeks. It needs, however, that it be a mighty one. The covenant is not yet restored in its integrity. The people's sin is not yet perfectly forgiven. God, indeed, has promised to go with them, but he has not said, as of old, " I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God" ( Exodus 6:7 ). The new relations are not those of perfected... read more
1 . That he would go up with them; 2 . That he would pardon them; and 3 . That he would once more take them as his inheritance ( Exodus 34:9 ). Without replying separately to these requests, God formally renews the covenant; promises not only to go up with the people, but to work miracles for them ( Exodus 34:10 ), and to drive out the nations before them when they have arrived ( Exodus 34:11 ); and makes a brief summary of the chief points of positive observance, which he... read more
The covenant renewed. That God should have consented to renew the covenant with Israel after it had been violated so flagrantly is evidence of two things: 1 . His faithfulness towards his true followers, which makes him "merciful unto thousands of those that love him," and renders him tender to the children for the sake of the fathers; 2 . The value that he sets on intercessory prayer, when offered earnestly by a believer. In the renewal itself we may notice:— I. THAT THE ... read more
Revived obligations. Former instructions are renewed; only, however, so far as relates to the duties of religion. Renewal of the civil code was not required. Subject to this limit, the new book of the covenant ( Exodus 34:27 ) revives, supplements, expands, and endorses the teachings and precepts of the old one. We have in it— I. PROMISE ( Exodus 34:10 , Exodus 34:11 ). God, as on the former occasion ( Exodus 23:23-30 ), pledges himself to drive out all their enemies. The... read more
The feast of unleavened bread shalt thou keep . See Exodus 23:15 , and compare Exodus 12:14-20 , and Exodus 13:3-10 . The month Abib . See the comment on Exodus 13:4 . read more
Get Bible verse every day in your inbox
Read on Mobile
Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Exodus 34:18-27
Here is a repetition of several appointments made before, especially relating to their solemn feasts. When they had made the calf, they proclaimed a feast in honour of it; now, that they might never do so again, they are here charged with the observance of the feasts which God had instituted. Note, Men need not be drawn from their religion by the temptation of mirth, for we serve a Master that has abundantly provided for the joy of his servants: serious godliness is a continual feast, and joy... read more