Exodus 34:6

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Exodus 34:1 Exodus 34:2 Exodus 34:3 Exodus 34:4 Exodus 34:5 Exodus 34:6 Exodus 34:7 Exodus 34:8 Exodus 34:9 Exodus 34:10 Exodus 34:11 Exodus 34:12 Exodus 34:13 Exodus 34:14 Exodus 34:15 Exodus 34:16 Exodus 34:17 Exodus 34:18 Exodus 34:19 Exodus 34:20 Exodus 34:21 Exodus 34:22 Exodus 34:23 Exodus 34:24 Exodus 34:25 Exodus 34:26 Exodus 34:27 Exodus 34:28 Exodus 34:29 Exodus 34:30 Exodus 34:31 Exodus 34:32 Exodus 34:33 Exodus 34:34 Exodus 34:35

Exodus 34:6 KJV

And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,

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Exodus 34:6 Bible Commentary

Exodus 34:6 - Exegetical Commentary

Exodus 34:6 states: "And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth." This profound declaration by God encapsulates His nature and character, and has been a subject of deep theological inquiry and reflection throughout the history of Judeo-Christian thought.

Contextual Background

This verse occurs in the context of Moses receiving the second set of tablets after the Israelites' sin with the golden calf (Exodus 32-34). After demonstrating profound disappointment and anger, God reveals His divine attributes to Moses as a reassurance of His grace and mercy despite the people's transgressions.

The Attributes of God

In this verse, God reveals several key attributes:

  • Merciful: The term highlights God's willingness to hold back punishment and demonstrate compassion instead. According to Matthew Henry, this quality calls believers to reflect on how they extend mercy to others.
  • Gracious: This implies God's unmerited favor towards humanity. Albert Barnes emphasizes that grace is the foundation of God's relationship with His creation, showcasing His love even when it is not deserved.
  • Longsuffering: This denotes God's patience with human sinfulness. Adam Clarke points out that God endures human folly for a significant period, giving ample opportunity for repentance.
  • Abundant in Goodness: This reflects God's willingness to bestow blessings. As Henry notes, God is overflowing with kindness and benevolence toward His creation.
  • Abundant in Truth: God is not only merciful but also just. Barnes remarks that His truthfulness ensures that God's promises and edicts are reliable and faithful.

Theological Implications

The declaration of God's character in Exodus 34:6 has significant implications:

  • Understanding Divine Justice and Mercy: This passage highlights the balance of divine justice and mercy—a teaching underscored by Clarke, who states that God's grace does not negate His justice.
  • Illustration of Redemption: The attributes of God as mentioned reflect His overarching narrative of redemption. His mercy and grace are pivotal in the redemptive work fulfilled in Christ, which both Henry and Barnes explicate; God’s character allows for salvation through faith.
  • Model for Human Conduct: The compassionate attributes of God serve as a model for human behavior. Believers are called to embody these traits, as Matthew Henry advises, seeking to live out God's compassion in their interpersonal relationships.

Application in Pastoral Ministry

For pastors and ministry leaders, this verse serves as a profound foundation for preaching on God's nature and works:

  • Encouragement of Grace: Pastors can aid their congregations in comprehending that regardless of failures and shortcomings, God’s grace is always available and that repentance invites His mercy.
  • Fostering Patience: In leading congregations, ministers can draw attention to God's longsuffering nature, urging believers to mirror this patience in their dealings with others.
  • Commitment to Truth: Albert Barnes reminds pastors to prioritize truth in teaching, reflecting on God's faithful nature. This commitment to truth undergirds healthy church community life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Exodus 34:6 acts as a powerful reminder of God’s multifaceted character. It serves as a foundational text for understanding God's nature of mercy, grace, patience, goodness, and truth. As theologians and scholars explore these divine attributes, they unfold a richer tapestry of God’s interaction with humanity. By integrating these truths into pastoral care and teaching, ministers can cultivate a deeper understanding of God's fathomless love, encouraging believers to emulate these divine characteristics in their own lives.

Exodus 34 (KJV) Verse Selection

Exodus 34:1 Exodus 34:2 Exodus 34:3 Exodus 34:4 Exodus 34:5 Exodus 34:6 Exodus 34:7 Exodus 34:8 Exodus 34:9 Exodus 34:10 Exodus 34:11 Exodus 34:12 Exodus 34:13 Exodus 34:14 Exodus 34:15 Exodus 34:16 Exodus 34:17 Exodus 34:18 Exodus 34:19 Exodus 34:20 Exodus 34:21 Exodus 34:22 Exodus 34:23 Exodus 34:24 Exodus 34:25 Exodus 34:26 Exodus 34:27 Exodus 34:28 Exodus 34:29 Exodus 34:30 Exodus 34:31 Exodus 34:32 Exodus 34:33 Exodus 34:34 Exodus 34:35

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