Exodus 34:29-35 And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses' hand… Consider - I. THE SHINING OF MOSES' FACE (vers. 29, 30). (1) A result of personal communion. (2) A symbol of the glory of his dispensation (2 Corinthians 3:7). (3) A foreshadowing of the transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-8). (4) Partly a consequence of inward mental exaltation (cf. Acts 6:15). Communion with God, vision of Jesus, the joy of salvation, fulness of spiritual life, make both face and character to shine (cf. 2 Corinthians 3:18). II. THE FEAR OF THE PEOPLE (ver. 30). The beauty of the glory had something of terror in it. Symbol of the dispensation - "a ministration of death" (2 Corinthians 3:7). See sermon by Dr. John Ker on Moses and Stephen - "The Old Testament and the New" (" Sermons," p. 170). III. THE VEIL (vers. 31-33). The notable fact is that Moses did not veil his face during the time when veiling might seem to be most required, viz., while speaking to the people. The commandments were delivered with the face unveiled. When he had "done" speaking, Moses put this screen before it. The act, therefore, must be taken as symbolic. A symbol - 1. Of the veiled character of the dispensation - types, carnal ordinances, "broken lights," etc. Its "end" was not manifest. 2. Of the veiled hearts of the people. This kept them from perceiving even what might have been seen (cf. 2 Corinthians 3:12-18). The Gospel, in contrast with the law, is an unveiled system (2 Corinthians 3:14). Preachers of the gospel, bearing this in mind, should use" great plain-hess of speech" (vers. 11, 12). The later system provides further for the removal of the veil from the heart (vers. 16, 17). It ministers "the Spirit." IV. THE VEIL TAKEN OFF ON ENTERING THE SANCTUARY (vers. 34, 35). "When Moses went in before the Lord," etc. Again symbolic - 1. Of what is necessary for the removal of the veil from the heart. It must "turn to the Lord" (2 Corinthians 3:16). The instant it does so the veil will be taken away (ver. 16). 2. Of the privilege of Christian believers. They are admitted to gaze "with unveiled face" on the "glory of the Lord" (ver. 18). V. RESEMBLANCES AND CONTRASTS. Compare and contrast the privilege of Moses with that now enjoyed by believers in Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18). 1. Resemblances. (1) Both have a vision of the divine glory. (2) Both are admitted to gaze upon it with face "unveiled." (3) On both the vision exercises a transforming influence. (4) Both must "go in" to the divine presence in order to obtain it. 2. Contrasts. (1) It is a higher glory which is revealed in Christ. (2) That, the privilege of one man; this, the privilege of all - "we all." (3) That, an external transfiguration; this, spiritual. (4) That, a transitory glory; this, permanent and progressive. "From glory to glory." - J.O. Parallel Verses KJV: And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses' hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him. |
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