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Exodus 34

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‹ Chapter 33 Exodus — All Chapters Chapter 35 ›

1 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Chisel out two stone tablets like the originals, and I will write on them the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke. 2 Be ready in the morning, and come up on Mount Sinai to present yourself before Me on the mountaintop. 3 No one may go up with you; in fact, no one may be seen anywhere on the mountain—not even the flocks or herds may graze in front of the mountain." 4 So Moses chiseled out two stone tablets like the originals. He rose early in the morning, and taking the two stone tablets in his hands, he went up Mount Sinai as the LORD had commanded him. 5 And the LORD descended in a cloud, stood with him there, and proclaimed His name, the LORD. 6 Then the LORD passed in front of Moses and called out: “The LORD, the LORD God, is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness, 7 maintaining loving devotion to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin. Yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished; He will visit the iniquity of the fathers on their children and grandchildren to the third and fourth generations." 8 Moses immediately bowed down to the ground and worshiped. 9 “O Lord,” he said, “if I have indeed found favor in Your sight, my Lord, please go with us. Although this is a stiff-necked people, forgive our iniquity and sin, and take us as Your inheritance." 10 And the LORD said, “Behold, I am making a covenant. Before all your people I will perform wonders that have never been done in any nation in all the world. All the people among whom you live will see the LORD’s work, for it is an awesome thing that I am doing with you. 11 Observe what I command you this day. I will drive out before you the Amorites, Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. 12 Be careful not to make a treaty with the inhabitants of the land you are entering, lest they become a snare in your midst. 13 Rather, you must tear down their altars, smash their sacred stones, and chop down their Asherah poles. 14 For you must not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God. 15 Do not make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, for when they prostitute themselves to their gods and sacrifice to them, they will invite you, and you will eat their sacrifices. 16 And when you take some of their daughters as brides for your sons, their daughters will prostitute themselves to their gods and cause your sons to do the same. 17 You shall make no molten gods for yourselves. 18 You are to keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread. For seven days at the appointed time in the month of Abib, you are to eat unleavened bread as I commanded you. For in the month of Abib you came out of Egypt. 19 The first offspring of every womb belongs to Me, including all the firstborn males among your livestock, whether cattle or sheep. 20 You must redeem the firstborn of a donkey with a lamb; but if you do not redeem it, you are to break its neck. You must redeem all the firstborn of your sons. No one shall appear before Me empty-handed. 21 Six days you shall labor, but on the seventh day you shall rest; even in the seasons of plowing and harvesting, you must rest. 22 And you are to celebrate the Feast of Weeks with the firstfruits of the wheat harvest, and the Feast of Ingathering at the turn of the year. 23 Three times a year all your males are to appear before the Lord GOD, the God of Israel. 24 For I will drive out the nations before you and enlarge your borders, and no one will covet your land when you go up three times a year to appear before the LORD your God. 25 Do not offer the blood of a sacrifice to Me along with anything leavened, and do not let any of the sacrifice from the Passover Feast remain until morning. 26 Bring the best of the firstfruits of your soil to the house of the LORD your God. You must not cook a young goat in its mother’s milk." 27 The LORD also said to Moses, “Write down these words, for in accordance with these words I have made a covenant with you and with Israel." 28 So Moses was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights without eating bread or drinking water. He wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant—the Ten Commandments. 29 And when Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands, he was unaware that his face had become radiant from speaking with the LORD. 30 Aaron and all the Israelites looked at Moses, and behold, his face was radiant. And they were afraid to approach him. 31 But Moses called out to them; so Aaron and all the leaders of the congregation returned to him, and Moses spoke to them. 32 And after this all the Israelites came near, and Moses commanded them to do everything that the LORD had told him on Mount Sinai. 33 When Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil over his face. 34 But whenever Moses went in before the LORD to speak with Him, he would remove the veil until he came out. And when he came out, he would tell the Israelites what he had been commanded, 35 and the Israelites would see that the face of Moses was radiant. So Moses would put the veil back over his face until he went in to speak with the LORD.

‹ Chapter 33 Exodus — All Chapters Chapter 35 ›

Study Notes — Exodus 34

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Chapter Summary

Exodus 34 begins with God instructing Moses to cut two new stone tablets to replace the ones Moses broke when he saw the Israelites worshiping the golden calf (Exodus 34:1-4). God then descends in a cloud and proclaims His name, declaring His mercy, grace, patience, and justice (Exodus 34:5-7). Moses bows down and worships, asking God to go with them and forgive their sins (Exodus 34:8-9). God makes a covenant with Moses, giving the Israelites instructions on how to distinguish themselves from other nations, including not making molten gods, keeping the Sabbath, and dedicating the firstborn to God (Exodus 34:10-26). The chapter concludes with Moses spending 40 days and nights with God, resulting in his face shining, and the Israelites being afraid to come near him (Exodus 34:27-35).

Context for the Chapter

Exodus 34 follows the incident of the golden calf (Exodus 32), where the Israelites rebelled against God, and Moses interceded for them. This chapter is part of the larger narrative of the Exodus, where God delivers His people from slavery and establishes them as a holy nation. The covenant restoration in Exodus 34 is crucial for the continuation of God's plan to dwell among His people and to fulfill His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Heart Application

The restoration of the covenant in Exodus 34 reminds us of God's mercy and patience towards His people. It encourages us to reflect on our own relationship with God, recognizing the importance of worship, obedience, and intercession. As we consider God's character and the conditions of the covenant, we are called to examine our hearts and ensure we are living in accordance with God's commands, trusting in His grace and forgiveness.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Exodus 34 is about God forgiving the Israelites for worshiping a golden calf and making a new agreement with them. God tells Moses about His character, saying He is kind, gracious, and patient (Exodus 34:6). The Israelites are given rules to follow, like keeping the Sabbath and not worshiping idols (Exodus 34:17, 21), to show they are God's special people. This chapter shows how much God loves and wants to be with His people, even when they make mistakes.

Voices from the Church

“The Lord's descent upon Mount Sinai to proclaim His name was a marvelous display of His condescension and grace, and it is a type of the greater revelation of God in Jesus Christ.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“In this chapter, we see the great mercy of God, who, after the people's grievous sin, not only receives them into favor again but also renews the covenant of His grace with them.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. Preparation for the Covenant (Exodus 34:1-4) — God instructs Moses to cut new stone tablets to replace the ones broken due to the golden calf incident, symbolizing a new beginning for the covenant.
  2. The Proclamation of God's Name (Exodus 34:5-7) — God descends in a cloud and proclaims His name, highlighting His mercy, grace, patience, and justice, which are foundational to the covenant.
  3. Moses' Intercession and Worship (Exodus 34:8-9) — Moses responds to God's proclamation by bowing down and worshiping, asking God to go with them and forgive their sins, demonstrating his role as an intercessor for the people.
  4. The Covenant Conditions (Exodus 34:10-26) — God establishes the conditions for the covenant, including not making molten gods, keeping the Sabbath, and dedicating the firstborn to God, which distinguish the Israelites as His people.
  5. Moses' Time with God (Exodus 34:27-35) — Moses spends 40 days and nights with God, resulting in his face shining, symbolizing the impact of being in God's presence and the authority with which Moses returns to the people.

Core Doctrines

Divine Mercy
Exodus 34 demonstrates God's mercy and patience towards His people, even after they have sinned, as seen in His proclamation of His name and the restoration of the covenant (Exodus 34:6-7).
Covenant Theology
The chapter teaches about the covenant between God and the Israelites, including its conditions and the importance of obedience, highlighting the exclusivity of worshiping the one true God (Exodus 34:10-26).
Worship and Idolatry
Exodus 34 emphasizes the correct way to worship God, excluding idolatry and emphasizing the Sabbath and the dedication of the firstborn, which distinguish the Israelites as God's people (Exodus 34:17, 21).
Intercession
Moses' role as an intercessor is highlighted, demonstrating the importance of prayer and intercession for the people of God, as seen in his worship and request for God's presence and forgiveness (Exodus 34:8-9).

Lessons from Exodus 34

  1. The Importance of Worship — Exodus 34 teaches us about the correct way to worship God, excluding idolatry and emphasizing the Sabbath and the dedication of the firstborn, which distinguish believers as God's people.
  2. God's Mercy and Patience — The chapter demonstrates God's mercy and patience towards His people, even after they have sinned, highlighting the importance of trusting in His grace and forgiveness.
  3. The Role of Intercession — Moses' role as an intercessor serves as a model for our prayer life and relationship with God, emphasizing the importance of prayer and intercession for the people of God.
  4. Covenant Responsibilities — The covenant conditions in Exodus 34:10-26 teach us about our responsibilities as believers, including obedience to God's commands and trust in His promises.
  5. The Significance of the Sabbath — The emphasis on keeping the Sabbath in Exodus 34:21 highlights its importance as a day of rest and worship, distinguishing believers as God's people and emphasizing their exclusive worship of the one true God.

Themes from Exodus 34

  1. God's Character — Exodus 34:6 provides a profound insight into God's character, highlighting His mercy, grace, patience, and justice, which are foundational to the covenant and our relationship with Him.
  2. Covenant and Obedience — The chapter teaches about the importance of obedience to God's commands as part of the covenant, emphasizing the exclusivity of worshiping the one true God and the conditions for the covenant to be fulfilled.
  3. Worship and Idolatry — Exodus 34 emphasizes the correct way to worship God, excluding idolatry and emphasizing the Sabbath and the dedication of the firstborn, which distinguish believers as God's people.
  4. Intercession and Prayer — Moses' role as an intercessor serves as a model for our prayer life and relationship with God, highlighting the importance of prayer and intercession for the people of God.
  5. Restoration and Forgiveness — The restoration of the covenant in Exodus 34 points forward to the new covenant in Christ, emphasizing God's mercy, forgiveness, and the possibility of restoration and salvation for all who believe.

Questions for Meditation

  1. How does God's character, as proclaimed in Exodus 34:6, impact our understanding of His relationship with humanity?
  2. What are the implications of the covenant conditions in Exodus 34:10-26 for the Israelites and for believers today?
  3. How does Moses' intercession in Exodus 34:8-9 serve as a model for our prayer life and relationship with God?
  4. In what ways does the restoration of the covenant in Exodus 34 point forward to the new covenant in Christ, and what are the implications for our salvation and worship?
  5. How can we apply the principles of worship and obedience outlined in Exodus 34 to our daily lives, ensuring we are living in accordance with God's commands and trusting in His grace and forgiveness?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. Preparation for the Covenant (Exodus 34:1-4)

34:1 God instructs Moses to cut two new stone tablets like the first ones, to replace those broken due to the golden calf incident.
34:2 Moses is told to be ready in the morning, and God will come down in the sight of the people on Mount Sinai.

2. The Proclamation of God's Name (Exodus 34:5-7)

34:5 God comes down in a cloud and stands with Moses, proclaiming His name, the Lord.
34:6 The Lord passes before Moses, proclaiming His character as compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love and faithfulness.

3. Moses' Intercession and Worship (Exodus 34:8-9)

34:8 Moses quickly bows his head toward the earth and worships, recognizing God's mercy and grace.
34:9 Moses asks God to go with them and forgive their sins, acknowledging their need for God's presence and pardon.

4. The Covenant Conditions (Exodus 34:10-26)

34:10 God says He will drive out the nations before the Israelites and give them the land, but warns against making a covenant with the inhabitants of the land.
34:17 God commands the Israelites not to make molten gods, emphasizing the exclusivity of worshiping the one true God.

5. Moses' Time with God (Exodus 34:27-35)

34:27 The Lord tells Moses to write down the words of the covenant on the tablets, including the commands and the promise to drive out the nations.
34:28 Moses is with the Lord 40 days and 40 nights, without eating bread or drinking water, and writes down the words of the covenant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of God proclaiming His name in Exodus 34:5-7?

God proclaiming His name is a declaration of His character and nature, emphasizing His mercy, grace, patience, and justice, which are foundational to the covenant with the Israelites (Exodus 34:6).

Why is it important for the Israelites to keep the Sabbath?

Keeping the Sabbath is part of the covenant conditions, distinguishing the Israelites as God's people and emphasizing rest and worship as essential to their relationship with Him (Exodus 34:21).

What is the role of Moses in Exodus 34?

Moses acts as an intercessor for the Israelites, worshiping God and asking for His presence and forgiveness (Exodus 34:8-9), and he spends time with God, receiving the words of the covenant (Exodus 34:27-28).

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 Exodus 34:6 → John 1:1 The proclamation of God's name in Exodus 34:6 is echoed in John 1:1, where Jesus is described as the Word, emphasizing His divine nature and role in creation.
2 Exodus 34:10 → Deuteronomy 7:1 The command to drive out the nations before the Israelites is repeated in Deuteronomy 7:1, emphasizing God's promise to give them the land and warning against making covenants with the inhabitants.
3 Exodus 34:17 → Leviticus 19:4 The command not to make molten gods is reiterated in Leviticus 19:4, highlighting the importance of worshiping the one true God and avoiding idolatry.
4 Exodus 34:21 → Exodus 20:8-11 The command to keep the Sabbath is first given in Exodus 20:8-11 and is reiterated in Exodus 34:21, emphasizing its importance as part of the covenant conditions.
5 Exodus 34:27 → Deuteronomy 31:9 The Lord tells Moses to write down the words of the covenant on the tablets, which is similar to the instructions given to Moses in Exodus 24:4 and Deuteronomy 31:9.
6 Exodus 34:28 → Deuteronomy 9:18 Moses' 40-day fast in Exodus 34:28 is also mentioned in Deuteronomy 9:18, highlighting his devotion and intercession for the Israelites.
7 Exodus 34:29 → 2 Corinthians 3:7-18 The shining of Moses' face in Exodus 34:29 is referenced in 2 Corinthians 3:7-18, where Paul discusses the glory of the old covenant and the surpassing glory of the new covenant in Christ.
8 Exodus 34:35 → Matthew 17:2 The transformation of Moses' face in Exodus 34:35 foreshadows the transfiguration of Jesus in Matthew 17:2, where His face shines like the sun, revealing His divine glory.
9 Exodus 34:6 → Psalm 103:8 The description of God as compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love and faithfulness in Exodus 34:6 is echoed in Psalm 103:8, which praises God for His mercy and forgiveness.
10 Exodus 34:10 → Hebrews 8:6-13 The covenant made in Exodus 34:10 is referenced in Hebrews 8:6-13, where the author discusses the new covenant in Christ, which supersedes the old covenant and brings a better hope.

Sermons on Exodus 34

SermonDescription
Andrew Strom How to Experience Personal Revival by Andrew Strom In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of experiencing revival in one's life. He explains that revival is a state of continuous, close communion with God. The founda
Warren Wiersbe A Worm's Eye View of Missions by Warren Wiersbe In this sermon, the preacher discusses the lessons Jonah learned about God in the first three chapters of the book of Jonah. In chapter one, Jonah learns about God's providence and
Leonard Ravenhill Intimacy With God - Prayer Meeting (Cd Quality) by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing the word of God to understand His glory and majesty. He refers to Acts chapter 4 verse 13, where it is mentioned th
J. Oswald Sanders Intimacy With God by J. Oswald Sanders In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of spending time alone with God. He uses the example of Moses, who spent six days alone with God on the mountain and became ra
Duncan Campbell The Sacrifice That Is Pleasing to God by Duncan Campbell In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the concept of God's second chance. He highlights that after death, there is no second chance, but in life, God gives us the opportunity to c
David Wilkerson Where Do I Stand With God by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the speaker discusses a scene from the Bible where Israel is at its lowest point after committing a blasphemous sin against God. Moses, who had seen the wrath of Go
Leonard Ravenhill Baptismal of Fire by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher describes a powerful testimony given by a woman named Lizzy Smith. Despite her small stature, Lizzy's testimony transformed the atmosphere of the meeti
A.W. Tozer Attributes of God (Series 1): The Mercy of God by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the compassion and mercy of God. He starts by highlighting how God's compassion is not just a feeling, but an active response to the needs o
Warren Wiersbe The Man Who Didn't Want the Job by Warren Wiersbe In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the challenges and criticisms faced by Moses during his ministry. Despite the difficulties, Moses remained focused on the glory of God. The
David Wilkerson Jehovah Raphi-the Lord That Heals by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that there is something of God that will not let go of us. He speaks of God's love, mercy, and compassion, and how He sends His servants to

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Exodus 34

In Exodus 34, we see the great mercy of God in restoring the covenant with the Israelites after their grievous sin. The proclamation of God's name, highlighting His compassion, grace, and patience, is a marvelous display of His condescension and grace. The conditions of the covenant, including the Sabbath and the dedication of the firstborn, distinguish the Israelites as God's people and emphasize their exclusive worship of the one true God. The chapter concludes with Moses' time with God, resulting in his face shining, symbolizing the impact of being in God's presence. This narrative points forward to the greater revelation of God's nature in Jesus Christ and the establishment of the new covenant, which brings salvation to all who believe. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

God's Initiative in Restoration

It is God who takes the initiative to restore the covenant, showing His desire to be in a relationship with His people despite their sin. This is seen in His instruction to Moses to cut new stone tablets (Exodus 34:1).

The Importance of Worship

The chapter emphasizes the correct way to worship God, excluding idolatry and emphasizing the Sabbath and the dedication of the firstborn (Exodus 34:17, 21).

Moses' Intercession

Moses' role as an intercessor is highlighted as he asks God to go with them and forgive their sins (Exodus 34:8-9), demonstrating his concern for the people and his understanding of their need for God's presence.

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