‏ Exodus 34:28

Exodus 34:28-35: The Veil of Moses

This passage describes how Moses spent forty days and nights on Mount Sinai in close communion with God. During this time, he was miraculously sustained without food or water. When he came down, he brought the two new tablets of the law. Moses’ face was shining from being with God, which amazed and even frightened the Israelites. Because of this, Moses covered his face with a veil whenever he spoke to the people, but removed it when speaking with God. This event shows both the honor given to Moses as the mediator and the limitations of the old covenant, which would later be fulfilled and surpassed by Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 3:13-18 a).

v. 28: Moses stayed on the mountain with God for forty days and forty nights without eating or drinking ( b). God’s power supported Moses, so he did not need normal food or water. This was a special experience, showing that a person’s life depends on God more than on bread ( c). The spiritual joy and satisfaction Moses received from being with God made him forget his physical needs. Moses, Elijah, and Jesus all fasted for forty days in the Bible (; d), showing the importance of focusing on God instead of earthly pleasures.

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