Exo 34:29-35 | MHM | STEP | v. 29 : When Moses came down from the mountain, he carried the two tablets of the law, written by God, which was a great treasure for Israel ( ). His face was shining because he had been speaking with God. This shining was a visible sign that Moses had been in God’s presence and that God had accepted him as the people’s mediator. Moses did not realize that his face was shining. Sometimes, people who have true grace or special gifts from God do not notice it themselves, but others can see it. This teaches us to be humble, even when God gives us special honors or abilities.

‏ Exodus 34:29-35

v. 29: When Moses came down from the mountain, he carried the two tablets of the law, written by God, which was a great treasure for Israel ( ^a). His face was shining because he had been speaking with God. This shining was a visible sign that Moses had been in God’s presence and that God had accepted him as the people’s mediator. Moses did not realize that his face was shining. Sometimes, people who have true grace or special gifts from God do not notice it themselves, but others can see it. This teaches us to be humble, even when God gives us special honors or abilities.

v. 30: Aaron and the Israelites saw that Moses’ face was shining, and they were afraid to come near him ( ^b). The light from his face made them feel awe and fear, probably because they remembered their past sins and were not sure if this was a sign of God’s favor or anger. True holiness often makes others feel respect, but those who feel guilty may also be afraid of what is actually a blessing for them.

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v. 33: When Moses finished speaking with the people, he put a veil over his face ( ^c). This teaches us to be modest and not to show off the honors or gifts God gives us. We should not try to gain attention or praise from others. For leaders and teachers, it is important to communicate in ways that people can understand and handle. The veil also symbolized that the full meaning of God’s law was hidden at that time and would only be fully revealed later through Jesus Christ ( ^d).

v. 34: Whenever Moses went in before the Lord to speak with Him, he removed the veil ( ^e). In God’s presence, there is no need to hide anything, because God sees everything. This also symbolizes that, through faith in Jesus, the spiritual “veil” is removed, and we can know God more openly and clearly ( ^f). In heaven, the veil will be completely gone, and we will see God face to face.

v. 35: When Moses came out and told the Israelites what God had commanded, they saw that his face was shining, and then he would put the veil back on until the next time he spoke with God ( ^g). This pattern showed respect for the people’s fear and helped them focus on the message Moses brought from God, not just the miracle of his shining face. It also pointed forward to the greater glory and openness that would come through Christ.