“Then the LORD came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the LORD. And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, ‘The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness…’” (Exodus 34:5-6, New International Version)
Exodus 34 opens with God renewing His covenant relationship with Israel after a dramatic fracture due to their worship of the golden calf. This renewal is rich in theology and filled with insights about God’s character. God’s self-declaration in verses 6–7 is among the most beautiful expressions of His identity in all of Scripture. Notice here the emphasis on “compassionate and gracious”—the Hebrew words, רַחוּם (rachum) and חַנּוּן (chanun) carry nuanced meanings: “rachum” relates to a mother’s womb, depicting tender mercy and nurturing love, and “chanun” conveys the freely-given favor we cannot earn. This reveals God’s heart of kindness towards humanity, choosing relationship time after time despite human failure.
Cross references: - Psalm 103:8 (“The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.” New International Version) - Jonah 4:2 (Jonah quotes these exact words of God’s character, initially frustrated at His willingness to forgive even wicked Nineveh.)
This poignant passage calls us to pause and reflect: Do we genuinely experience and express the deep merciful love of God toward ourselves and others?
“…maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished…” (Exodus 34:7, New International Version)
God’s full proclamation beautifully embraces a divine tension—love and justice. This balance challenges us, as modern Western Christians, who tend to lean toward either permissive love or strict judgment, depending upon personal background. Here, biblical theology powerfully insists upon both—mercy fully available, yet sin never simply ignored.
Throughout church history, theologians and leaders, from Augustine to Calvin, wrestled with this balance, concluding it is ultimately resolved at the Cross. There, in Christ, both justice and mercy find their fullest expression (Romans 3:26; Hebrews 9:14–15). At Calvary, we see both God’s “justice served” and His mercy extended without compromise.
Following God’s declaration of Himself, He renews the covenant and emphasizes the necessary response: commitment, obedience, and holiness by avoiding idolatry and pagan influences (Exodus 34:10–26). God’s instructions reinforce the boundaries within which His people may flourish. Ancient Israelites lived constantly surrounded by pagan practices. Archaeology in the Near East reveals widespread fertility rituals, idols, and syncretic worship of countless deities. Thus, God’s warnings against assimilation into surrounding cultures weren’t arbitrary restrictions; they were guardrails for spiritual health and distinct continuation of Israel’s mission.
Notice the repeated focus on “cutting” or “making” a covenant (כָּרַת בְּרִית, karath berith; literally “to cut a covenant”). Covenant making was often symbolized by an animal sacrifice—hinting at the seriousness of the commitment (Genesis 15:10-18 explicitly demonstrates this “covenant cutting”). Such insight deepens our understanding of Christ’s new “covenant” at the Last Supper, sealed ultimately by His sacrifice on the cross (Luke 22:20).
Cross references: - Deuteronomy 12:29–31 (Warning about surrounding nations’ idolatry) - Hebrews 13:20 (The New Covenant in Christ’s blood)
“When Moses came down from Mount Sinai… he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the LORD.” (Exodus 34:29, New International Version)
Perhaps one of the most beautiful literary elements here is Moses’ glowing face. This unforgettable image impresses upon us the idea that close communion with God transforms us visibly and tangibly in our spiritual countenance. Interestingly, ancient Eastern traditions depicted deities and holy persons with radiant light or halos, highlighting sacredness or divine interaction. Moses’ glowing countenance communicates God’s holiness shared intimately with humanity.
This radiant glory (Hebrew: קָרַן עור, “qaran or”) inspired much medieval artwork, occasionally misrepresented as horns (Latin translations by Jerome rendered “qaran” ambiguously as horned). Michelangelo’s famous Moses statue displays this misunderstanding.
From Paul’s interpretation, this radiance symbolizes passing glory of the Old Covenant (2 Corinthians 3:13–18). Paul contrasts Moses’ fading glory with the transforming, ever-increasing glory given freely to believers through the permanent presence of the Holy Spirit in Christ. Our spiritual transformation in Christ should be evident to others, reflecting unwavering hope, love, and holiness.
As you meditate today: - Reflect on God’s compassionate and gracious character in your life experiences. Are you living as someone truly forgiven? - Consider areas of your life where culture subtly influences devotion to God. Seek to recommit to His holiness wholeheartedly. - Ask God specifically to cultivate within you the radiant beauty of a life spent regularly in His transformative presence through study, prayer, and reflection.
Consider singing or meditating upon these lines from “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise,” which beautifully complement Exodus 34’s depiction of God’s glorious character:
Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise.
Father, thank You for Your merciful nature, unfathomable patience, and faithful love shown powerfully in Exodus 34. Lead us closer and deeper into Your glory, transforming us by Your presence. Give us courage to live differently from the world, reflecting Your holiness. May our faces and hearts radiate the grace and truth of Your Son, Jesus Christ, to all we encounter. In His precious name, Amen.