Commentary on Exodus 34:28
Exodus 34:28 states, "And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments." This verse marks a significant moment in the narrative of the Israelites, detailing Moses’ interaction with God and the renewal of the covenant.
Contextual Analysis
This verse occurs after Moses' experience on Mount Sinai, where he ascends to receive the law from God once again. The backdrop includes the Israelites’ earlier sin of idolatry through the golden calf, leading to a moment of divine anger and judgment.
- The Importance of the Covenant: The covenant established God's relationship with Israel, and the Ten Commandments served as the moral foundation for the people.
- Moses' Role: As mediator, Moses’ role is pivotal; he intercedes for his people and seeks God's mercy, which is essential for understanding the dynamics of divine-human interaction.
Insights from Commentaries
Matthew Henry's Commentary
Henry emphasizes the significance of Moses’ fasting. He notes that Moses’ abstention from food and water during this time reflects his total dependence on God. This act of spiritual discipline serves to illustrate the seriousness of the covenant renewal and enhances the solemnity of the occasion.
Spiritual Implications
Henry argues that this period of fasting denotes Moses' commitment and the weight of the charge he bears. He writes, "Moses continued in the mount, without food and drink, that he might be wholly taken up with God." It exemplifies a unique communion with the divine that is rare among leaders.
Albert Barnes' Commentary
Barnes provides a detailed exposition of the text, highlighting that Moses' experience was not merely about the receiving of laws but the establishment of a deeper relationship with God. He points out that the phrase "wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant" signifies a definitive and authoritative communication from God to His people.
The Nature of Divine Commands
Barnes emphasizes that the commandments given were of utmost importance: "These commandments were to be a perpetual standard of right and wrong." He underscores how these laws formed the moral base of society, indicating how God seeks to transform His people through obedience and righteous living.
Adam Clarke's Commentary
Clarke elaborates on the significance of the forty days and nights spent in God's presence. He suggests that this protracted period of divine encounter prepared Moses for the monumental task ahead. He notes, "the Lord's communication during this time was more than mere words; it inherently changed the character of Moses."
Physical and Spiritual Sustenance
Clarke interprets the fasting as a way for Moses to gain spiritual sustenance that transcended physical needs, drawing parallels to Christ's own experiences of fasting in the wilderness. Furthermore, he connects this with the idea of divine revelation often occurring in solitude and silence, a theme prevalent in both the Old and New Testaments.
Theological Reflections
This verse invites reflection on several theological themes:
- Divine Revelation: God's law is not just rules but an expression of His character and will. The direct communication underscores God's desire for relationship with His people.
- Moses as a Type of Christ: Moses serves as a precursor to Christ, acting as mediator between God and man. His experience foreshadows the ultimate intercession by Jesus.
- Fasting and Spiritual Discipline: The necessity of fasting as a means to deepen one's spirituality is highlighted. This practice is carried forward into Christian tradition as a method of seeking God’s guidance.
Practical Applications for Today
Pastors and theologians can draw from this verse the following applications:
- Encouragement for Fasting: Teach congregants about the power of fasting, emphasizing its role in seeking God's wisdom and guidance.
- Importance of the Word: Confirm the necessity of adhering to God's commandments as a means of living in covenant relationship with Him.
- Mediation of Christ: Use Moses' role as a starting point to discuss Christ's ultimate role as mediator and Savior in a theological context.
Conclusion
Exodus 34:28 serves as a profound reminder of God’s faithful dialogue with His people and the serious nature of covenantal commitments. Through the lenses of esteemed commentators, we gain insight not only into the historical context but also into the transformative power of divine revelation and the importance of spiritual discipline.
