📅 February 21: Exodus 33, 34 - Divine Presence and Covenant Renewal

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February 21: Exodus 33, 34 - Divine Presence and Covenant Renewal

Introduction

Exodus 33 and 34 present a dramatic sequence of events where Moses intercedes on behalf of Israelites, leads them through a divine revelation and ultimately guides them into a renewal of the Covenant with God.

Exodus 33: Seeking God’s Presence

Exodus 33 details Moses’ longing for God’s presence and divine intervention, fostering a profound relationship between God and His chosen people.
Key Verse: Exodus 33:14 - “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Exodus 34: The Covenant Renewed

God makes His glory known to Moses and renews His covenant with the people, showcasing His abundant mercy and steadfast love.
Key Verse: Exodus 34:10 - “Before all your people I will do wonders never before done in any nation in all the world. The people you live among will see how awesome is the work that I, the Lord, will do for you.”

Key Themes and Reflections

1. Longing for God’s presence: Moses pleading for God’s presence is a testament to our inherent desire for spiritual connection. In today’s fast-paced world, it echoes our longing for faith-driven purpose and reassurance.
2. God’s Mercy and Covenant: The merciful nature of God and His willingness to make a covenant solidifies an unbroken promise that lasts through generations.

Today’s Application

Exodus 33 and 34 encourage us to seek intimacy with God, showing us the power of faith, prayer, and God’s mercy. In our modern world, we’re often preoccupied and disconnected from our spiritual selves—these chapters inspire us to pause, seek God’s presence, and value the promise of His steadfast love.

Hidden Gem

Did you know that Exodus 34:29-35 recounts Moses’ face glowing after speaking with God? His face was so radiant that he had to wear a veil when he was around the people, indicating the power and glory of divine presence.

Reflective Q&A:

Why did Moses insist on God’s presence?
A: Moses understood the importance of God’s presence as a source of guidance and strength. This serves as a call to us to continuously seek God in our lives.

What does God’s renewal of the covenant signify?
A: The renewal indicates God’s divine mercy and His willingness to maintain an intimate relationship with His people, offering us hope in His promises.

How can we apply the lessons from these chapters in our modern life?
A: These chapters inspire us to cultivate a genuine relationship with God, rely on His promises, and consistently seek His guidance in our lives.

Join the Discussion:

Have there been moments in your life when you have strongly felt God’s presence or His mercy? Do share your experiences with us.

[MAI]

Exodus 33,34
Following the sad incident of ecclesial compromise in the matter of the Golden Calf, Yahweh withdraws His presence and glory from Israel, on the grounds that otherwise He will exact the punishment that sin demands (ch. 33:3). It was only on the mediatorial work of Moses, the Redeemer, that he is assured of the divine blessing (vv. 14-15). Yahweh would be represented in the Angel of His presence, and it was this illustrious Being who manifested the glory of the Deity to Moses as he hid in the rock-face (v. 21-22). The rock in the wilderness represented Christ (1Cor. 10:4), and Moses was to shelter in its “clift” (from a root meaning, to quarry). The fulness of glory would be too great for human eyes to behold, so he was sheltered therefrom, and protected from harm. But the experience would never leave Moses, yet the glory he reflected to the people (2Cor. 3:7, 13-15) was of a temporal nature. The tables of the Law had been broken at the advent of the Golden Calf, and Moses had to now hew new tables for the inscription of the divine Wisdom. But before the Law was again declared (ch. 34:4), the wondrous character of Yahweh was set forth (vv. 6-9). The Law is only relevant when it is thus interpreted; when the character of the Deity shines through its ordinances. Foolish are those who discount the Law, and ignore its teaching principles. The Law was a “schoolmaster toward Christ” (Gal. 3), and as such is the divine instructor in matters dealing with worship and service. Unfortunately, Israel largely neglected to see that glory of teaching; they revelled in the ritual observances (which became a means of human pride), and failed to see the Father’s character. It was only when Messiah appeared that a re-enactment of Exodus 34 was seen in moral beauty: for his disciples “beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (Jn. 1:14). It is in the Lord Yahshua that all the ordinances, shadows, precepts, principles, commandments, types and parables of the Law, find their true reflection, and shine with pure Truth. He fulfilled them all, and in so doing, revealed the beauty of the divine qualities. The two chapters reveal: Ch. 33: [1] Yahweh refuses to go with the people: vv. 1-3. [2] Moses intercedes for the people: vv. 4-11. [3] Moses is reassured: vv. 12-17. [4] Moses is promised a revelation of divine glory: vv. 18-23. And chapter 34: [1] Moses again invited into the mount: vv. 1-3. [2] The glory revealed by the Name: vv. 4-9. [3] The covenant renewed: Yahweh demands the separation and exclusive worship of the people: vv. 10-17. [4] Feast of Unleavened Bread must be kept: v. 18. [5] Firstborn must be Yahweh’s: vv. 19-20. [6] Sabbath must be observed: v. 21. [7] Harvest festivals must be maintained: v. 22. [8] Three feasts established to be kept: vv. 23-25. [9] Firstfruits of the land in seething a kid: v. 26. [10] Ten Commandments outlined: vv. 27-28. [11] The face of Moses shines: vv. 29-35. — Logos.