Exodus 34:31 - Printer Friendly

ESV: But Moses called to them, and Aaron and all the leaders of the congregation returned to him, and Moses talked with them.

NIV: But Moses called to them; so Aaron and all the leaders of the community came back to him, and he spoke to them.

NASB: Then Moses called to them, and Aaron and all the rulers in the congregation returned to him; and Moses spoke to them.

CSB: But Moses called out to them, so Aaron and all the leaders of the community returned to him, and Moses spoke to them.

NLT: But Moses called out to them and asked Aaron and all the leaders of the community to come over, and he talked with them.

KJV: And Moses called unto them; and Aaron and all the rulers of the congregation returned unto him: and Moses talked with them.

NKJV: Then Moses called to them, and Aaron and all the rulers of the congregation returned to him; and Moses talked with them.

Exodus 34:29–35 says that after speaking with God on Sinai (Exodus 34:1–2), Moses' face was shining. This is more than an intimidating attitude or a happy expression. The text notes that Moses' actual skin was "shining." This was a result of his close encounter with God's glory (Exodus 33:18–23; 34:5–7). The people are afraid to look at him (Genesis 32:30), so Moses covers his face when speaking to them. Scripture does not indicate how long this condition lasted.

Moses obeys God's command to bring new stone tablets (Exodus 32:19) onto Mount Sinai. There, God fulfills His earlier promise to reveal more of His glory to Moses (Exodus 33:18–23). The Lord renews the covenant with Israel and gives additional details on subjects such as idolatry, the Sabbath, and certain festivals. When Moses returns, the people are intimidated by his now-shining face.

Israel quickly broke God's laws (Exodus 20:3–6) by committing idolatry (Exodus 32:1–6). This caused a rift between them and God. One consequence was a removal of God's direct presence (Exodus 33:1–3). In this chapter, the covenant is renewed. The remaining chapters (Exodus 35—40) mirror the instructions for building the tabernacle (Exodus 25—31).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.

Accessed 9/19/2025 2:56:43 PM