What is the main message of Exodus 34?

Exodus 34 stands as a pivotal chapter in the book of Exodus and indeed in the entire Pentateuch. It is a chapter rich with theological significance, historical context, and divine revelation. This chapter is essentially about the renewal of the covenant between God and the Israelites after the incident of the golden calf, and it encapsulates themes of divine mercy, justice, and the holiness of God.

The chapter begins with God instructing Moses to chisel out two stone tablets like the first ones, which Moses had broken in his anger when he saw the Israelites worshipping the golden calf. This act of God instructing Moses to create new tablets signifies a fresh start, a renewal of the covenant that had been shattered by Israel's idolatry (Exodus 34:1). The breaking of the first tablets symbolized the broken relationship between God and His people, and the new tablets signify God's willingness to forgive and restore that relationship.

In verses 5-7, we find one of the most profound revelations of God's character in the entire Bible. As God passes in front of Moses, He proclaims His name and attributes:

"The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation." (Exodus 34:6-7, NIV)

This self-revelation of God is foundational for understanding the nature of God in the Old Testament. It highlights God's compassion, grace, patience, love, and faithfulness. At the same time, it underscores His justice and the seriousness of sin. God's mercy and justice are not mutually exclusive but are harmoniously balanced in His character. This duality is essential for understanding the nature of God's covenant relationship with Israel.

Moses' immediate response to this revelation is one of worship and intercession. He bows to the ground and worships, then he pleads with God to go with them, forgive their wickedness, and take them as His inheritance (Exodus 34:8-9). Moses' intercession here is crucial because it shows the mediator role he plays between God and Israel, a role that foreshadows the ultimate mediator, Jesus Christ, who intercedes on behalf of humanity.

Following this, God renews the covenant with Israel. He promises to do wonders never before done in any nation in all the world (Exodus 34:10). This promise is both a reassurance of God's continued presence and a call to the Israelites to be faithful. The renewal of the covenant comes with specific stipulations that the Israelites must follow. These include commands to destroy the altars, sacred stones, and Asherah poles of the inhabitants of the land they are to possess (Exodus 34:13). This command underscores the importance of exclusive worship of Yahweh and the rejection of idolatry, which had been the cause of the broken covenant in the first place.

God also reiterates the importance of observing the Sabbath and the three annual festivals: the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the Festival of Weeks, and the Festival of Ingathering (Exodus 34:18-23). These festivals are not merely religious rituals but are vital for maintaining the community's identity and their relationship with God. They serve as reminders of God's past deliverance, His ongoing provision, and the future hope of His promises.

Another significant aspect of this chapter is the radiance of Moses' face after he comes down from Mount Sinai. When Moses descends with the new tablets, his face is radiant because he had spoken with the Lord (Exodus 34:29). This radiance signifies the glory of God and serves as a visible reminder to the Israelites of Moses' unique role as God's chosen leader and mediator. It also signifies the transformative power of God's presence. This transformation is so profound that Moses has to wear a veil over his face when speaking to the people, removing it only when he goes in to speak with the Lord (Exodus 34:33-35).

The main message of Exodus 34 can thus be summarized as a profound revelation of God's character and the renewal of the covenant relationship between God and His people. It emphasizes God's willingness to forgive and restore, His demand for exclusive worship, and the importance of obedience to His commands. The chapter also highlights the transformative power of encountering God's glory, as seen in the radiance of Moses' face.

In Christian theology, this chapter finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The attributes of God revealed to Moses—compassion, grace, patience, love, faithfulness, and justice—are fully embodied in Jesus. The new covenant, established through Jesus' death and resurrection, offers forgiveness and restoration to all who believe. The radiance of Moses' face points forward to the greater glory revealed in Christ, who is the "radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being" (Hebrews 1:3, NIV).

In summary, Exodus 34 is a chapter that beautifully encapsulates the themes of divine mercy, justice, and holiness. It reveals the character of God, the importance of covenant faithfulness, and the transformative power of God's presence. It calls the Israelites, and by extension all believers, to a life of exclusive worship, obedience, and continual renewal in the presence of God.