Exodus Chapter 34
Moses wanted to experience and see more of God. He asked to see the glory of God. This should be the desire of every believer, to know God more and to see Him. Moses wanted to see the face of God, but God told him that Moses was not capable of seeing His face, at least not in his earthly body. Moses could only catch glimpses of the glory of our God, just as we can only catch glimpses of Him. And each time we catch a glimpse of Him it will cause us to desire more and more of Him.
“It has been said by someone that ‘the proper study of mankind is man.’ I will not oppose the idea, but I believe it is equally true that the proper study of God’s elect is God; the proper study of a Christian is the Godhead. The highest science, the loftiest speculation, the mightiest philosophy which can ever engage the attention of a child of God, is the name, the nature, the person, the work, the doings, and the existence of the great God whom he calls his Father.” [Spurgeon]
Moses was instructed to return to the top of the mountain with two more tablets of stone so that God could write on them His commandments for the people. And again, Moses was given instructions that no one should come near. Moses would have the privilege of experiencing a bit of the glory of God while speaking with Him and that glory would be seen on the skin of Moses’ face by others.
Let's Reflect
1. As Moses climbed to the top of the mountain with the two tablets of stone, the glory of the LORD came down in the cloud. As the glory of God passed by Moses, He made a proclamation about Himself. What were some of the things we read that God proclaimed about Himself?
2. What was the immediate response of Moses as he experienced a bit of the glory of God?
3. Moses then offered a prayer of intercession on behalf of the people. What key factor in his prayer is essential to worship of and prayer requests to God? See the end of verse 9.
4. God’s answer to Moses’ prayer is contained in verse 10. What was the answer?
5. God gave the most instruction regarding the Ten Commandments to the first one. It would be imperative when the people entered the promised land that they drive out the current inhabitants. Why?
6. In verse 21 we are introduced to a couple of new feasts that the people were to keep. What were they?
7. Three time during the year the men were to come together and stand before the Lord. This was an act of loyalty and consecration to their God. God even promised to supernaturally protect their country while they met before the Lord. God would protect the women and children in their homes, and He promised what in return for their obedience and loyalty to Him? See verse 24.
8. Moses was again with God on Mount Sinai for 40 days and nights. Notice the miracle that took place in Moses’ life during that time period. What was the miracle? See verse 28.
9. When Moses came down from the mountain there was something different about his appearance. What was it?
10. What was the initial reaction of the people seeing the changed Moses?
