King James Version
Exodus 34
35 verses with commentary
New Stone Tablets
And the LORD said unto Moses, Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first: and I will write upon these tables the words that were in the first tables, which thou brakest.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
God commands Moses to hew two tablets (שְׁנֵי־לֻחֹת, shenei luchot) like the first, which Moses broke in righteous anger at Israel's idolatry (32:19). This second set demonstrates divine grace—God does not abandon His covenant despite Israel's sin. The phrase 'which thou brakest' carries no rebuke; God acknowledges Moses' appropriate response to apostasy while providing restoration.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
XXXIV.
PREPARATIONS FOR A RENEWAL OF THE COVENANT.
(1-4) Before the covenant could be formally reestablished, before Israel could be replaced in the position forfeited by the idolatry of the golden calf, it was necessary that the conditions on which God consented to establish His covenant with them should be set forth afresh. Moses had asked for the return of God’s favour, but had said nothing of ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**23-33. Take thou also ... principal spices, &c.--**Oil is frequently mentioned in Scripture as an emblem of sanctification, and anointing with it a means of designating objects as well as persons to the service of God. Here it is prescribed by divine authority, and the various ingredients in their several proportions described which were to compose the oil used in consecrating the furniture ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 34
Chapter Outline
The tables of the law renewed.(1-4)
The name of the Lord proclaimed, The entreaty of Moses.(5-9)
God's covenant.(10-17)
The festivals.(18-27)
The vail of Moses.(28-35)
**Verses 1-4**
When God made man in his own image, the moral law was written in his heart, by the finger of God, without outward means. But since the covenant then made with m...
Read full commentary →And be ready in the morning, and come up in the morning unto mount Sinai, and present thyself there to me in the top of the mount.
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KJV Study Commentary
Moses must prepare himself and ascend Sinai alone in the morning. The solitary encounter emphasizes the mediatorial role—only Moses can approach God's presence on behalf of the people. This prefigures Christ, the ultimate Mediator (1 Tim 2:5). The specific timing ('ready in the morning') suggests divine appointment and the need for spiritual preparation.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **Be ready in the morning.**—It was necessary to allow an interval for the hewing of the stones.
**In the top of the mount**—*i.e.*, in the same place as before. (Comp. Exodus 19:20; Exodus 24:12; Exodus 24:18.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**23-33. Take thou also ... principal spices, &c.--**Oil is frequently mentioned in Scripture as an emblem of sanctification, and anointing with it a means of designating objects as well as persons to the service of God. Here it is prescribed by divine authority, and the various ingredients in their several proportions described which were to compose the oil used in consecrating the furniture ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 34
Chapter Outline
The tables of the law renewed.(1-4)
The name of the Lord proclaimed, The entreaty of Moses.(5-9)
God's covenant.(10-17)
The festivals.(18-27)
The vail of Moses.(28-35)
**Verses 1-4**
When God made man in his own image, the moral law was written in his heart, by the finger of God, without outward means. But since the covenant then made with m...
Read full commentary →And no man shall come up with thee, neither let any man be seen throughout all the mount; neither let the flocks nor herds feed before that mount.
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KJV Study Commentary
The prohibition extends beyond humans to include flocks and herds—absolute solitude is required. Even throughout the mountain, nothing may approach. This underscores God's transcendent holiness and the danger of presumptuous approach to His presence. The severe restriction demonstrates that covenant renewal, like covenant-making, requires divine initiative and proper mediation.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **No man shall come up with thee . . . —**These stringent commands were new. On the previous occasion, Aaron, Hur, and the elders had ascended the mount part of the way (Exodus 24:9-11); and Joshua had accompanied his master almost to the summit (Exodus 24:13), and had apparently remained in some part of the mountain during the whole time of Moses’ stay (Exodus 32:17). Now Moses was to be quit...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**23-33. Take thou also ... principal spices, &c.--**Oil is frequently mentioned in Scripture as an emblem of sanctification, and anointing with it a means of designating objects as well as persons to the service of God. Here it is prescribed by divine authority, and the various ingredients in their several proportions described which were to compose the oil used in consecrating the furniture ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 34
Chapter Outline
The tables of the law renewed.(1-4)
The name of the Lord proclaimed, The entreaty of Moses.(5-9)
God's covenant.(10-17)
The festivals.(18-27)
The vail of Moses.(28-35)
**Verses 1-4**
When God made man in his own image, the moral law was written in his heart, by the finger of God, without outward means. But since the covenant then made with m...
Read full commentary →And he hewed two tables of stone like unto the first; and Moses rose up early in the morning, and went up unto mount Sinai, as the LORD had commanded him, and took in his hand the two tables of stone.
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KJV Study Commentary
Moses' obedience is immediate and complete—he hews the tablets himself, demonstrating that restoration requires both divine grace and human response. The phrase 'as the LORD had commanded' appears throughout Exodus, marking faithful covenant partnership. Moses rises early, showing eagerness for restored fellowship with God. The two tablets parallel the two parties of covenant: God and His people.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**34-38. the Lord said unto Moses, Take unto thee sweet spices--**These were:
**stacte--**the finest myrrh;
**onycha--**supposed to be an odoriferous shell;
**galbanum--**a gum resin from an umbelliferous plant.
**frankincense--**a dry, resinous, aromatic gum, of a yellow color, which comes from a tree in Arabia, and is obtained by incision of the bark. This incense was placed within the s...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 34
Chapter Outline
The tables of the law renewed.(1-4)
The name of the Lord proclaimed, The entreaty of Moses.(5-9)
God's covenant.(10-17)
The festivals.(18-27)
The vail of Moses.(28-35)
**Verses 1-4**
When God made man in his own image, the moral law was written in his heart, by the finger of God, without outward means. But since the covenant then made with m...
Read full commentary →And the LORD descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD.
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KJV Study Commentary
The LORD descends in the cloud (עָנָן, anan)—the visible manifestation of divine presence (Shekinah glory). God takes the initiative to 'stand with him there' and proclaims His own name (שֵׁם יְהוָה, shem YHWH). This self-revelation is unprecedented—God defines Himself not merely in power but in character. The cloud signifies both revelation and concealment; God makes Himself known while preservin...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
MOSES ALLOWED TO SEE GOD’S GLORY.
(5-8) The present ascent of Moses to the top of Sinai had two objects:—(1) The repair of the loss occasioned by his breaking the first tables; and (2) the accomplishment of the promise made to him that (under certain restrictions) he should “see God’s glory.” Combined with this promise were two minor ones—that God would make His “goodness” pass before him, and tha...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**34-38. the Lord said unto Moses, Take unto thee sweet spices--**These were:
**stacte--**the finest myrrh;
**onycha--**supposed to be an odoriferous shell;
**galbanum--**a gum resin from an umbelliferous plant.
**frankincense--**a dry, resinous, aromatic gum, of a yellow color, which comes from a tree in Arabia, and is obtained by incision of the bark. This incense was placed within the s...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-9**
The Lord descended by some open token of his presence and manifestation of his glory in a cloud, and thence proclaimed his NAME; that is, the perfections and character which are denoted by the name JEHOVAH. The Lord God is merciful; ready to forgive the sinner, and to relieve the needy. Gracious; kind, and ready to bestow undeserved benefits. Long-suffering; slow to anger, givin...
Read full commentary →And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering , and abundant in goodness and truth,
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KJV Study Commentary
God proclaims His name YHWH twice, then reveals His character in what becomes Israel's most-quoted liturgy. רַחוּם (rachum, compassionate) derives from רֶחֶם (rechem, womb), suggesting motherly compassion. חַנּוּן (chanun, gracious) means showing unmerited favor. אֶרֶךְ אַפַּיִם (erekh appayim, 'long of nostrils') literally means slow to anger—the opposite of 'flaring nostrils' in rage. רַב־חֶסֶד ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **The Lord passed by before him.**—In this brief phrase we have the entire historical narrative of the manifestation to Moses of God’s glory. For details we must refer to the terms of the promise (Exodus 33:21-23), which are also characterised by brevity, but still add something to the bare statements of the present passage. Moses was, no doubt, hidden and protected by God’s hand in a “clift o...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**34-38. the Lord said unto Moses, Take unto thee sweet spices--**These were:
**stacte--**the finest myrrh;
**onycha--**supposed to be an odoriferous shell;
**galbanum--**a gum resin from an umbelliferous plant.
**frankincense--**a dry, resinous, aromatic gum, of a yellow color, which comes from a tree in Arabia, and is obtained by incision of the bark. This incense was placed within the s...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-9**
The Lord descended by some open token of his presence and manifestation of his glory in a cloud, and thence proclaimed his NAME; that is, the perfections and character which are denoted by the name JEHOVAH. The Lord God is merciful; ready to forgive the sinner, and to relieve the needy. Gracious; kind, and ready to bestow undeserved benefits. Long-suffering; slow to anger, givin...
Read full commentary →Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.
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KJV Study Commentary
God extends mercy to thousands (אֲלָפִים, alaphim) but visits iniquity to three or four generations—mercy outweighs judgment 250:1. Yet God 'will by no means clear the guilty' (נַקֵּה לֹא יְנַקֶּה, naqeh lo yenaqeh)—an emphatic Hebrew construction meaning judgment is certain. This tension between mercy and justice finds resolution only at Calvary, where God's righteousness and love meet (Ps 85:10)...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**34-38. the Lord said unto Moses, Take unto thee sweet spices--**These were:
**stacte--**the finest myrrh;
**onycha--**supposed to be an odoriferous shell;
**galbanum--**a gum resin from an umbelliferous plant.
**frankincense--**a dry, resinous, aromatic gum, of a yellow color, which comes from a tree in Arabia, and is obtained by incision of the bark. This incense was placed within the s...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-9**
The Lord descended by some open token of his presence and manifestation of his glory in a cloud, and thence proclaimed his NAME; that is, the perfections and character which are denoted by the name JEHOVAH. The Lord God is merciful; ready to forgive the sinner, and to relieve the needy. Gracious; kind, and ready to bestow undeserved benefits. Long-suffering; slow to anger, givin...
Read full commentary →And Moses made haste, and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshipped.
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KJV Study Commentary
Moses' physical response demonstrates the only appropriate reaction to divine self-revelation: immediate prostration and worship. He 'made haste' (וַיְמַהֵר, vayemaher), showing urgency and holy reverence. This contrasts with Israel's hasty turn to idolatry (32:8, same Hebrew root). True worship flows from beholding God's character, not from ritual obligation.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **Moses made haste, and bowed his head.**—As the Divine glory passed before him, Moses bowed his head in adoration, worshipping God, and not daring to look until the glory had gone by. It is thus seen that with his ardent desire to look into the things of God he combined the highest and deepest reverence.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**34-38. the Lord said unto Moses, Take unto thee sweet spices--**These were:
**stacte--**the finest myrrh;
**onycha--**supposed to be an odoriferous shell;
**galbanum--**a gum resin from an umbelliferous plant.
**frankincense--**a dry, resinous, aromatic gum, of a yellow color, which comes from a tree in Arabia, and is obtained by incision of the bark. This incense was placed within the s...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-9**
The Lord descended by some open token of his presence and manifestation of his glory in a cloud, and thence proclaimed his NAME; that is, the perfections and character which are denoted by the name JEHOVAH. The Lord God is merciful; ready to forgive the sinner, and to relieve the needy. Gracious; kind, and ready to bestow undeserved benefits. Long-suffering; slow to anger, givin...
Read full commentary →And he said, If now I have found grace in thy sight, O Lord, let my Lord, I pray thee, go among us; for it is a stiffnecked people; and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for thine inheritance.
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KJV Study Commentary
Moses intercedes based on God's revealed character, citing the divine attributes just proclaimed. He acknowledges Israel's 'stiffnecked' (קְשֵׁה־עֹרֶף, qesheh-oreph) nature—stubborn as oxen resisting the yoke—yet appeals for pardon (סָלַח, salach) and inheritance (נָחַל, nachal). Moses asks God to 'go among us' despite their sin, trusting mercy over judgment. His prayer models intercession grounde...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
THE COVENANT RENEWED, AND THE DECALOGUE A SECOND TIME GIVEN.
(9) **If now, I have found grace in thy sight.**—Rather, *Since now, &c. *The evidences of God’s favour towards him—which Moses had now experienced, emboldened him to prefer fresh requests on behalf of the people. God has promised to go up in the midst of them; will He not also promise to forgive their iniquity and sin if they offend Him...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-9**
The Lord descended by some open token of his presence and manifestation of his glory in a cloud, and thence proclaimed his NAME; that is, the perfections and character which are denoted by the name JEHOVAH. The Lord God is merciful; ready to forgive the sinner, and to relieve the needy. Gracious; kind, and ready to bestow undeserved benefits. Long-suffering; slow to anger, givin...
Read full commentary →The Covenant Renewed
And he said, Behold, I make a covenant: before all thy people I will do marvels, such as have not been done in all the earth, nor in any nation: and all the people among which thou art shall see the work of the LORD: for it is a terrible thing that I will do with thee.
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KJV Study Commentary
God responds with 'Behold, I make a covenant' (בְּרִית אֲנִי כֹּרֵת, berit ani koret—literally 'I cut a covenant'). This covenant renewal includes promises of unprecedented wonders (נִפְלָאֹת, nifla'ot) before all nations. God emphasizes that these acts are 'terrible' (נוֹרָא, nora—awesome, fear-inspiring), designed to display His power to both Israel and surrounding nations. Covenant faithfulness...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) **I make a covenant**—i.e., “I lay down afresh the terms of the covenant which I am content to make with Israel. I will go with them, and drive out the nations before them (Exodus 34:11), and work miracles on their behalf (Exodus 34:10), and enlarge their borders (Exodus 34:24), and prevent their enemies from desiring their land at the festival seasons (Exodus 34:24); they, on their part, mus...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-17**
The Israelites are commanded to destroy every monument of idolatry, however curious or costly; to refuse all alliance, friendship, or marriage with idolaters, and all idolatrous feasts; and they were reminded not with idolaters, and all idolatrous feats; and they were reminded not to repeat the crime of making molten images. Jealously is called the rage of a man, Pr 6:34; but ...
Read full commentary →Observe thou that which I command thee this day: behold, I drive out before thee the Amorite, and the Canaanite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, and the Hivite, and the Jebusite.
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KJV Study Commentary
The covenant begins with 'Observe thou' (שְׁמָר־לְךָ, shomar-lekha)—a command to careful, vigilant obedience. God promises to drive out six nations before Israel (Amorites, Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, Jebusites). This divine warfare is not ethnic cleansing but judgment on nations whose iniquity has 'come to the full' (Gen 15:16). God fights for His people, but they must not compromi...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **The Amorite, and the Canaanite . . . —**The same six nations are particularised in Exodus 3:8; Exodus 3:17, in Exodus 23:23, and also in Exodus 33:2. In Deuteronomy 7:1, and Joshua 3:10; Joshua 24:11, the Girgashites are added, and the number of the nations made seven.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 31 Ex 31:1-18. Bezaleel and Aholiab.
**2. See, I have called--**Though the instructions about the tabernacle were privately communicated to Moses, it was plainly impossible that he could superintend the work in person, amid the multiplicity of his other duties. A head director or builder was selected by God Himself; and the nomination by such high authority removed all ground of jealousy ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-17**
The Israelites are commanded to destroy every monument of idolatry, however curious or costly; to refuse all alliance, friendship, or marriage with idolaters, and all idolatrous feasts; and they were reminded not with idolaters, and all idolatrous feats; and they were reminded not to repeat the crime of making molten images. Jealously is called the rage of a man, Pr 6:34; but ...
Read full commentary →Take heed to thyself, lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land whither thou goest, lest it be for a snare in the midst of thee:
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KJV Study Commentary
God warns against making covenants (בְּרִית, berit) with Canaan's inhabitants, calling such alliances a 'snare' (מוֹקֵשׁ, moqesh—a hunter's trap). Covenant with God demands exclusive loyalty; political/religious treaties with idolatrous nations would inevitably lead to syncretism. This principle applies to believers today regarding 'unequal yokes' (2 Cor 6:14-18).
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12-16) This passage may be compared with Exodus 23:24-25; Exodus 23:32-33. It repeats, with some enlargements, the enactments there made, and traces in detail the evil consequences which would follow from a neglect of the enactments.
(12) **A snare.**—Comp. Exodus 23:33; and for the nature of the snare, see Exodus 34:15-16 of the present chapter.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3-5. I have filled him with the spirit of God--**It is probable that he was naturally endowed with a mechanical genius, and had acquired in Egypt great knowledge and skill in the useful, as well as liberal, arts so as to be a first-class artisan, competent to take charge of both the plain and ornamental work, which the building of the sacred edifice required. When God has any special work to be ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-17**
The Israelites are commanded to destroy every monument of idolatry, however curious or costly; to refuse all alliance, friendship, or marriage with idolaters, and all idolatrous feasts; and they were reminded not with idolaters, and all idolatrous feats; and they were reminded not to repeat the crime of making molten images. Jealously is called the rage of a man, Pr 6:34; but ...
Read full commentary →But ye shall destroy their altars, break their images, and cut down their groves: images: Heb. statues
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KJV Study Commentary
God commands destruction of Canaanite worship sites: altars (מִזְבְּחֹת, mizbechot), pillars (מַצֵּבוֹת, matsevot—standing stones), and Asherim (אֲשֵׁרִים, asherim—wooden poles representing the goddess Asherah). This is not mere iconoclasm but spiritual warfare against demonic forces masquerading as deities (1 Cor 10:20-21). Half-measures in destroying idolatry lead to spiritual compromise.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **Ye shall destroy their altars, break their images, and cut down their groves.**—In the “Book of the Covenant” the command had been simply to “quite break down their images” (Exodus 23:24). Now, after the Israelites had displayed their idolatrous leanings, it is added that they are likewise to destroy the “altars” and the “groves.” Altars were common among all the idolatrous nations, sometim...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3-5. I have filled him with the spirit of God--**It is probable that he was naturally endowed with a mechanical genius, and had acquired in Egypt great knowledge and skill in the useful, as well as liberal, arts so as to be a first-class artisan, competent to take charge of both the plain and ornamental work, which the building of the sacred edifice required. When God has any special work to be ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-17**
The Israelites are commanded to destroy every monument of idolatry, however curious or costly; to refuse all alliance, friendship, or marriage with idolaters, and all idolatrous feasts; and they were reminded not with idolaters, and all idolatrous feats; and they were reminded not to repeat the crime of making molten images. Jealously is called the rage of a man, Pr 6:34; but ...
Read full commentary →For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:
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KJV Study Commentary
The command 'worship no other god' leads to profound theological truth: 'the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God' (קַנָּא שְׁמוֹ, qanna shemo). Divine jealousy is not petty envy but righteous zeal for covenant fidelity. God's jealousy is His passionate commitment to His people and His glory. Just as marital jealousy protects the marriage covenant, God's jealousy guards His relationship w...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **For thou shalt worship no other god.**—The images, altars, and groves would, if retained, lead on to the worship of the gods to whom they were dedicated—indeed, they could be retained for no other purpose. Thus their destruction followed, as a corollary, from the second commandment.
**Whose name is Jealous.**—Comp. Exodus 20:5, and see Note 2 on that passage. Many attempts have been made to...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3-5. I have filled him with the spirit of God--**It is probable that he was naturally endowed with a mechanical genius, and had acquired in Egypt great knowledge and skill in the useful, as well as liberal, arts so as to be a first-class artisan, competent to take charge of both the plain and ornamental work, which the building of the sacred edifice required. When God has any special work to be ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-17**
The Israelites are commanded to destroy every monument of idolatry, however curious or costly; to refuse all alliance, friendship, or marriage with idolaters, and all idolatrous feasts; and they were reminded not with idolaters, and all idolatrous feats; and they were reminded not to repeat the crime of making molten images. Jealously is called the rage of a man, Pr 6:34; but ...
Read full commentary →Lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and they go a whoring after their gods, and do sacrifice unto their gods, and one call thee, and thou eat of his sacrifice;
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
God reiterates the warning against covenants with Canaanites, explaining the mechanism of apostasy: social covenant leads to worship participation, which leads to sexual/spiritual prostitution (זָנָה, zanah—the term for both literal and spiritual harlotry). The phrase 'gods of the land' emphasizes the territorial nature of ancient paganism. Eating sacrificial meals created covenant bonds with the ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15, 16) **Lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants.**—If a covenant were made with the idolatrous nations of Canaan, and they were allowed to dwell in the land together with the Israelites (Exodus 23:33), the danger would be, in the first place, that Israel would be induced to partake in the idol-feasts; secondly, that intermarriages would take place; and thirdly, that such Israelites as ma...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6. I have given with him Aholiab--**He belonged to the tribe of Dan, one of the least influential and honorable in Israel; and here, too, we can trace the evidence of wise and paternal design, in choosing the colleague or assistant of Bezaleel from an inferior tribe (compare 1Co 12:14-25; also Mr 6:7).
**all that are wise-hearted I have put wisdom--**At that period, when one spirit pervaded al...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-17**
The Israelites are commanded to destroy every monument of idolatry, however curious or costly; to refuse all alliance, friendship, or marriage with idolaters, and all idolatrous feasts; and they were reminded not with idolaters, and all idolatrous feats; and they were reminded not to repeat the crime of making molten images. Jealously is called the rage of a man, Pr 6:34; but ...
Read full commentary →And thou take of their daughters unto thy sons, and their daughters go a whoring after their gods, and make thy sons go a whoring after their gods.
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KJV Study Commentary
Intermarriage (taking Canaanite wives) would lead to idolatry spreading to the next generation. Foreign wives would 'make your sons go a whoring after their gods'—exactly what happened to Solomon (1 Kings 11:1-8). This principle extends to the New Testament prohibition on believers marrying unbelievers (2 Cor 6:14). The concern is not ethnic but spiritual—preservation of covenant faithfulness.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-17**
The Israelites are commanded to destroy every monument of idolatry, however curious or costly; to refuse all alliance, friendship, or marriage with idolaters, and all idolatrous feasts; and they were reminded not with idolaters, and all idolatrous feats; and they were reminded not to repeat the crime of making molten images. Jealously is called the rage of a man, Pr 6:34; but ...
Read full commentary →Thou shalt make thee no molten gods.
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KJV Study Commentary
The command against 'molten gods' (אֱלֹהֵי מַסֵּכָה, elohei masekah) directly addresses the golden calf incident (32:4). Cast metal idols represent human craftsmanship claiming divine status—the ultimate hubris. This prohibition recalls the second commandment and emphasizes that God cannot be represented by human art. All idolatry reduces the infinite to the finite, the spiritual to the material.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) **Thou shalt make thee no molten gods.**—It is just possible that the Israelites when they worshipped the golden calf may have conceived that they were not breaking the second commandment, which forbade the adoration of any “graven image.” An express law was therefore made against “molten images.”
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-17**
The Israelites are commanded to destroy every monument of idolatry, however curious or costly; to refuse all alliance, friendship, or marriage with idolaters, and all idolatrous feasts; and they were reminded not with idolaters, and all idolatrous feats; and they were reminded not to repeat the crime of making molten images. Jealously is called the rage of a man, Pr 6:34; but ...
Read full commentary →The feast of unleavened bread shalt thou keep. Seven days thou shalt eat unleavened bread, as I commanded thee, in the time of the month Abib: for in the month Abib thou camest out from Egypt.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The Feast of Unleavened Bread (חַג מַצּוֹת, chag matsot) commemorates the Exodus when Israel left Egypt 'in haste' without time for bread to rise. Observed in Abib (אָבִיב, aviv—later called Nisan), the month of barley harvest and Israel's redemption. Eating unleavened bread for seven days symbolizes separation from Egypt (leaven representing sin, corruption). This feast points forward to Christ, ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18) **The feast of unleavened bread shalt thou keep.**—Comp. Exodus 12:15-20; Exodus 13:3-10; Exodus 23:15.
**The month Abib.**—See Note on Exodus 13:4.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 18-27**
Once a week they must rest, even in ploughing time, and in harvest. All worldly business must give way to that holy rest; even harvest work will prosper the better, for the religious observance of the sabbath day in harvest time. We must show that we prefer our communion with God, and our duty to him, before the business or the joy of harvest. Thrice a year they must appear be...
Read full commentary →All that openeth the matrix is mine; and every firstling among thy cattle, whether ox or sheep, that is male. sheep: or, kid
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KJV Study Commentary
The principle of firstborn consecration establishes that all life belongs to God—He has 'opening rights' to every womb (פֶּטֶר רֶחֶם, peter rechem). Firstborn males of both humans and livestock must be dedicated to God, though human firstborn are redeemed (פָּדָה, padah) rather than sacrificed. This principle commemorates God's sparing of Israel's firstborn in Egypt and points to Christ, God's Fir...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19) **All that openeth the matrix is mine.**—Comp. Exodus 13:12, where the sanctification of the firstborn and the law of redemption had already been declared. For the exact mode of redemption sanctioned, see Numbers 18:15-16.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 18-27**
Once a week they must rest, even in ploughing time, and in harvest. All worldly business must give way to that holy rest; even harvest work will prosper the better, for the religious observance of the sabbath day in harvest time. We must show that we prefer our communion with God, and our duty to him, before the business or the joy of harvest. Thrice a year they must appear be...
Read full commentary →But the firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb: and if thou redeem him not, then shalt thou break his neck. All the firstborn of thy sons thou shalt redeem. And none shall appear before me empty. lamb: or, kid
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KJV Study Commentary
Donkeys (חֲמוֹר, chamor), being unclean animals, could not be sacrificed but must be redeemed with a lamb or have their necks broken. The redemption price parallels human firstborn redemption—unclean man must be redeemed by a clean substitute (the Lamb of God, John 1:29). The command not to 'appear before me empty' requires bringing an offering, acknowledging God's provision and lordship.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(20) **The firstling of an ass.**—See Notes 1-3 on Exodus 13:13.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 18-27**
Once a week they must rest, even in ploughing time, and in harvest. All worldly business must give way to that holy rest; even harvest work will prosper the better, for the religious observance of the sabbath day in harvest time. We must show that we prefer our communion with God, and our duty to him, before the business or the joy of harvest. Thrice a year they must appear be...
Read full commentary →Six days thou shalt work, but on the seventh day thou shalt rest: in earing time and in harvest thou shalt rest.
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KJV Study Commentary
Even during crucial agricultural seasons (plowing and harvest), the Sabbath must be observed. The Sabbath principle transcends economic concerns—trust in God's provision overrides anxiety about productivity. This command confronts the idolatry of work and the fear of loss, calling Israel to rest in God's sovereignty. The Sabbath anticipates eternal rest in Christ (Heb 4:9-11).
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(21) The law of the Sabbath meets us at every turn in Exodus. It was so fundamental to the entire polity, that it naturally held a place in every section of the legislation. We have already found it (1) propounded at the giving of the manna (Exodus 16:22-30); (2) reasserted in the fourth commandment (Exodus 20:8-11); (3) introduced into the “Book of the Covenant” (Exodus 23:12); and (4) appended t...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**12-17. Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep--**The reason for the fresh inculcation of the fourth commandment at this particular period was, that the great ardor and eagerness, with which all classes betook themselves to the construction of the tabernacle, exposed them to the temptation of encroaching on the sanctity of the appointed day of rest. They might suppose that the erection of the tabernacl...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 18-27**
Once a week they must rest, even in ploughing time, and in harvest. All worldly business must give way to that holy rest; even harvest work will prosper the better, for the religious observance of the sabbath day in harvest time. We must show that we prefer our communion with God, and our duty to him, before the business or the joy of harvest. Thrice a year they must appear be...
Read full commentary →And thou shalt observe the feast of weeks, of the firstfruits of wheat harvest, and the feast of ingathering at the year's end. year's end: Heb. revolution of the year
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KJV Study Commentary
The Feast of Weeks (שָׁבֻעֹת, shavuot—Pentecost) celebrates the wheat harvest seven weeks after Passover, offering firstfruits (בִּכּוּרִים, bikkurim) to God. The Feast of Ingathering (אָסִף, asip—Tabernacles/Sukkot) concludes the agricultural year with fall harvest. Both feasts acknowledge God as provider and sustainer. Pentecost later commemorates giving the Law (Jewish tradition) and outpouring...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(22) **The feast of weeks.**—Called in Exodus 23:16, “the feast of harvest,” and in the New Testament “the day of Pentecost”—seven weeks after the first day of unleavened bread. (See Note 1 on Exodus 23:16.) The special offering to be made at the feast consisted of “two wave loaves of fine flour, baken with leaven” (Leviticus 23:17), which were “the first-fruits of the wheat harvest.”
**And the fe...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**12-17. Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep--**The reason for the fresh inculcation of the fourth commandment at this particular period was, that the great ardor and eagerness, with which all classes betook themselves to the construction of the tabernacle, exposed them to the temptation of encroaching on the sanctity of the appointed day of rest. They might suppose that the erection of the tabernacl...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 18-27**
Once a week they must rest, even in ploughing time, and in harvest. All worldly business must give way to that holy rest; even harvest work will prosper the better, for the religious observance of the sabbath day in harvest time. We must show that we prefer our communion with God, and our duty to him, before the business or the joy of harvest. Thrice a year they must appear be...
Read full commentary →Thrice in the year shall all your men children appear before the Lord GOD, the God of Israel.
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KJV Study Commentary
Three times annually, every male must 'appear before the Lord GOD' (הָאָדֹן יְהוָה, ha-adon YHWH). This command established corporate worship rhythm and covenant renewal. The threefold pattern structures the year around God's redemption (Passover/Unleavened Bread), provision (Weeks), and protection (Tabernacles). Appearing 'before the LORD' meant coming to the sanctuary, the designated meeting pla...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(23) **Thrice in the year shall all your men-children appear before the Lord.**—On this requirement, and the political value of the three great festivals, see Note on Exodus 23:14-17.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**12-17. Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep--**The reason for the fresh inculcation of the fourth commandment at this particular period was, that the great ardor and eagerness, with which all classes betook themselves to the construction of the tabernacle, exposed them to the temptation of encroaching on the sanctity of the appointed day of rest. They might suppose that the erection of the tabernacl...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 18-27**
Once a week they must rest, even in ploughing time, and in harvest. All worldly business must give way to that holy rest; even harvest work will prosper the better, for the religious observance of the sabbath day in harvest time. We must show that we prefer our communion with God, and our duty to him, before the business or the joy of harvest. Thrice a year they must appear be...
Read full commentary →For I will cast out the nations before thee, and enlarge thy borders: neither shall any man desire thy land, when thou shalt go up to appear before the LORD thy God thrice in the year.
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KJV Study Commentary
Two seemingly unrelated commands: (1) No leaven with blood sacrifices—leaven (fermentation/corruption) must not mix with atoning blood, symbolizing the purity required in approaching God; (2) Passover sacrifice must not remain until morning—it must be fully consumed, preventing decay and emphasizing complete participation in redemption. Both commands stress the holiness and immediacy of covenant w...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(24) **I will . . . enlarge thy borders.**—The promise of “a land” for his posterity made by God to Abraham was twofold. At first it was the “land of Canaan” alone which they were to receive (Genesis 12:5-7); but subsequently the promise was extended, and made to include the entire tract of territory between “the river of Egypt” (the Nile) and “the great river, the river Euphrates” (Genesis 15:18)...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**12-17. Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep--**The reason for the fresh inculcation of the fourth commandment at this particular period was, that the great ardor and eagerness, with which all classes betook themselves to the construction of the tabernacle, exposed them to the temptation of encroaching on the sanctity of the appointed day of rest. They might suppose that the erection of the tabernacl...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 18-27**
Once a week they must rest, even in ploughing time, and in harvest. All worldly business must give way to that holy rest; even harvest work will prosper the better, for the religious observance of the sabbath day in harvest time. We must show that we prefer our communion with God, and our duty to him, before the business or the joy of harvest. Thrice a year they must appear be...
Read full commentary →Thou shalt not offer the blood of my sacrifice with leaven; neither shall the sacrifice of the feast of the passover be left unto the morning.
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KJV Study Commentary
Firstfruits (בִּכּוּרִים רֵאשִׁית, bikkurim reishit) of the land must be brought to God's house, acknowledging Him as source of all blessing and giving Him priority. The command not to 'seethe a kid in his mother's milk' prohibits a Canaanite fertility ritual that perverted natural relationships. This command separates Israel's worship from pagan practice and later becomes the basis for kosher law...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(25) **Thou shalt not offer the blood of my sacrifice with leaven.**—Comp. Exodus 23:18, and the Notes *ad loc.*
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**12-17. Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep--**The reason for the fresh inculcation of the fourth commandment at this particular period was, that the great ardor and eagerness, with which all classes betook themselves to the construction of the tabernacle, exposed them to the temptation of encroaching on the sanctity of the appointed day of rest. They might suppose that the erection of the tabernacl...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 18-27**
Once a week they must rest, even in ploughing time, and in harvest. All worldly business must give way to that holy rest; even harvest work will prosper the better, for the religious observance of the sabbath day in harvest time. We must show that we prefer our communion with God, and our duty to him, before the business or the joy of harvest. Thrice a year they must appear be...
Read full commentary →The first of the firstfruits of thy land thou shalt bring unto the house of the LORD thy God. Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother's milk.
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KJV Study Commentary
God promises to send His 'angel' (מַלְאָכִי, mal'akhi) before Israel to guard and guide them to the Promised Land. This angel carries divine authority ('my name is in him'), likely referring to the Angel of the LORD—a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. The command to 'obey his voice' and 'provoke him not' indicates this is no ordinary angel but one bearing God's own presence and authority.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(26) **The first of the firstfruits.**—Comp. Exodus 23:19.
**Thou shalt not seethe a kid.**—See Note 3 on Exodus 23:19.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**12-17. Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep--**The reason for the fresh inculcation of the fourth commandment at this particular period was, that the great ardor and eagerness, with which all classes betook themselves to the construction of the tabernacle, exposed them to the temptation of encroaching on the sanctity of the appointed day of rest. They might suppose that the erection of the tabernacl...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 18-27**
Once a week they must rest, even in ploughing time, and in harvest. All worldly business must give way to that holy rest; even harvest work will prosper the better, for the religious observance of the sabbath day in harvest time. We must show that we prefer our communion with God, and our duty to him, before the business or the joy of harvest. Thrice a year they must appear be...
Read full commentary →And the LORD said unto Moses, Write thou these words: for after the tenor of these words I have made a covenant with thee and with Israel.
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KJV Study Commentary
The angel requires strict obedience—he 'will not pardon your transgressions' because God's name (authority and character) is in him. This is not contradicting God's mercy proclaimed in v. 6-7, but emphasizing that divine presence demands holiness. Rebellion against God's messenger is rebellion against God Himself. Obedience to the angel-guide ensures covenant blessing; disobedience brings judgment...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(27) **Write thou these words.**—Heb., *Write for thee these words, *i.e., put them in writing for thine own use and the use of thy people. This express command accounts for the assignment of so much space to what is mainly repetition. The requirement of the repetition can only be explained by the importance of the laws laid down under the circumstances of the Hebrew nation, and the power of repet...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**18. tables of stone, written with the finger of God--**containing the ten commandments (Ex 24:12), called "tables of testimony," because God testified His will in them.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 18-27**
Once a week they must rest, even in ploughing time, and in harvest. All worldly business must give way to that holy rest; even harvest work will prosper the better, for the religious observance of the sabbath day in harvest time. We must show that we prefer our communion with God, and our duty to him, before the business or the joy of harvest. Thrice a year they must appear be...
Read full commentary →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. commandments: Heb. words
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KJV Study Commentary
Obedience to God's voice brings total victory over enemies—God Himself becomes Israel's enemy's enemy (אֹיֵב אֹיְבֶיךָ, oyev oyvekha). The angel-led conquest is comprehensive: Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hivites, Jebusites (six nations) will be 'cut off' (כָּחַד, kachad—destroyed/made to perish). Covenant obedience activates covenant protection and blessing.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(28) **He was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights.**—As on his former ascent (Exodus 24:18). The long time is, at first sight, surprising, since there were now no instructions to be given. But we learn from Deuteronomy (Exodus 9:18-19) that it was required for an earnest and prolonged intercession by Moses on behalf of his nation, which ultimately prevailed with God, and induced Him to...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 28-35**
Near and spiritual communion with God improves the graces of a renewed and holy character. Serious godliness puts a lustre upon a man's countenance, such as commands esteem and affection. The vail which Moses put on, marked the obscurity of that dispensation, compared with the gospel dispensation of the New Testament. It was also an emblem of the natural vail on the hearts of ...
Read full commentary →The Radiance of Moses' Face
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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KJV Study Commentary
Prohibition against bowing to or serving (עָבַד, avad) foreign gods, or following their practices. Instead, Israel must 'utterly overthrow' (הָרֵס תְּהָרְסֵם, hares teharesem—intensive form) and 'quite break down' (שַׁבֵּר תְּשַׁבֵּר, shaber teshabber) their pillars. No syncretism, no cultural accommodation, no tolerance of idolatry—complete destruction is required. Half-measures lead to spiritual...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
THE DESCENT OF MOSES FROM MOUNT SINAI WITH THE SECOND TABLES.
(29) **The skin of his face shone.**—That an actual physical phenomenon is intended appears from the entire narrative, as well as from St. Paul’s comment upon it in 2Corinthians 3:7-18. According to some commentators, a radiance like that here described was a part of man’s original heritage, a feature of that “image of God” wherein he w...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 32 Ex 32:1-35. The Golden Calf.
**1. when the people saw that Moses delayed--**They supposed that he had lost his way in the darkness or perished in the fire.
**the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron--**rather, "against" Aaron in a tumultuous manner, to compel him to do what they wished. The incidents related in this chapter disclose a state of popular sentiment and feeling ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 28-35**
Near and spiritual communion with God improves the graces of a renewed and holy character. Serious godliness puts a lustre upon a man's countenance, such as commands esteem and affection. The vail which Moses put on, marked the obscurity of that dispensation, compared with the gospel dispensation of the New Testament. It was also an emblem of the natural vail on the hearts of ...
Read full commentary →And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh him.
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KJV Study Commentary
Serving (עָבַד, avad) the LORD brings multiple covenant blessings: food, water, health. God promises to 'take sickness away' (הֲסִירֹתִי מַחֲלָה, hasiroti machalah), overturning the curse promised for disobedience (Deut 28:22, 27-28, 35, 60-61). The link between covenant faithfulness and physical blessing operates in a theocratic context—God's immediate governance of Israel—though spiritual princi...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(30) **They were afraid.**—The supernatural appearance terrified them. Compare the feelings of Ezekiel (Ezekiel 1:18) and St. John (Revelation 1:17).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2. Aaron said, ... Break off ... earrings--**It was not an Egyptian custom for young men to wear earrings, and the circumstance, therefore, seems to point out "the mixed rabble," who were chiefly foreign slaves, as the ringleaders in this insurrection. In giving direction to break their earrings, Aaron probably calculated on gaining time; or, perhaps, on their covetousness and love of finery pro...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 28-35**
Near and spiritual communion with God improves the graces of a renewed and holy character. Serious godliness puts a lustre upon a man's countenance, such as commands esteem and affection. The vail which Moses put on, marked the obscurity of that dispensation, compared with the gospel dispensation of the New Testament. It was also an emblem of the natural vail on the hearts of ...
Read full commentary →And Moses called unto them; and Aaron and all the rulers of the congregation returned unto him: and Moses talked with them.
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KJV Study Commentary
God promises to eliminate miscarriage (שָׁכַל, shakal—to lose offspring/be bereaved) and barrenness (עֲקָרָה, aqarah). Full longevity is guaranteed: 'the number of thy days I will fulfil.' In the ancient world with high infant and maternal mortality, this promise was revolutionary. It demonstrates God's sovereignty over life itself and His desire to bless covenant faithfulness with abundant life—a...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3. all the people brake off the golden earrings--**The Egyptian rings, as seen on the monuments, were round massy plates of metal; and as they were rings of this sort the Israelites wore, their size and number must, in the general collection, have produced a large store of the precious metal.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 28-35**
Near and spiritual communion with God improves the graces of a renewed and holy character. Serious godliness puts a lustre upon a man's countenance, such as commands esteem and affection. The vail which Moses put on, marked the obscurity of that dispensation, compared with the gospel dispensation of the New Testament. It was also an emblem of the natural vail on the hearts of ...
Read full commentary →And afterward all the children of Israel came nigh: and he gave them in commandment all that the LORD had spoken with him in mount Sinai.
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KJV Study Commentary
God will send His 'terror' (אֵימָה, eimah—dread/fear) before Israel, destroying (הָמַם, hamam—throw into confusion) enemies and causing them to flee in panic. This is psychological/spiritual warfare—God fights not just through Israel's armies but by breaking the will of their enemies. The 'back of the neck' (עֹרֶף, oreph) depicts fleeing enemies. Victory comes from God, not military might.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4. fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf--**The words are transposed, and the rendering should be, "he framed with a graving tool the image to be made, and having poured the liquid gold into the mould, he made it a molten calf." It is not said whether it was of life size, whether it was of solid gold or merely a wooden frame covered with plates of gold. This idol s...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 28-35**
Near and spiritual communion with God improves the graces of a renewed and holy character. Serious godliness puts a lustre upon a man's countenance, such as commands esteem and affection. The vail which Moses put on, marked the obscurity of that dispensation, compared with the gospel dispensation of the New Testament. It was also an emblem of the natural vail on the hearts of ...
Read full commentary →And till Moses had done speaking with them, he put a vail on his face.
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KJV Study Commentary
God will send 'hornets' (צִרְעָה, tsir'ah—literally hornets/wasps) before Israel to drive out enemies. This may be literal insects, metaphorical for plague/panic, or symbolic of Egyptian/Assyrian military campaigns that weakened Canaan before conquest. Regardless of interpretation, the point is clear: God uses natural and supernatural means to accomplish His purposes. Israel's task is to follow, n...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(33) **Till Moses had done speaking with them, he put a vail on his face.**—This translation exactly inverts the meaning, which is that “*when *Moses had done speaking with them, he put a vail on his face.” The vail became part of his ordinary costume, and was worn excepting upon occasions of two kinds: (1) When Moses was alone with God, either in the temporary “tent of meeting” or in the permanen...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**5-6. Aaron made proclamation, and said, To-morrow is a feast to the Lord--**a remarkable circumstance, strongly confirmatory of the view that they had not renounced the worship of Jehovah, but in accordance with Egyptian notions, had formed an image with which they had been familiar, to be the visible symbol of the divine presence. But there seems to have been much of the revelry that marked the...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 28-35**
Near and spiritual communion with God improves the graces of a renewed and holy character. Serious godliness puts a lustre upon a man's countenance, such as commands esteem and affection. The vail which Moses put on, marked the obscurity of that dispensation, compared with the gospel dispensation of the New Testament. It was also an emblem of the natural vail on the hearts of ...
Read full commentary →But when Moses went in before the LORD to speak with him, he took the vail off, until he came out. And he came out, and spake unto the children of Israel that which he was commanded.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Gradual conquest, not immediate—'little by little' (מְעַט מְעַט, me'at me'at)—until Israel multiplies to inherit fully. God's patient timing considers practical realities: sudden depopulation would allow wild beasts (חַיַּת הַשָּׂדֶה, chayat hasadeh) to multiply dangerously. This reveals God's wisdom in progressive sanctification—we are not perfected instantly but 'little by little' as we grow in ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**5-6. Aaron made proclamation, and said, To-morrow is a feast to the Lord--**a remarkable circumstance, strongly confirmatory of the view that they had not renounced the worship of Jehovah, but in accordance with Egyptian notions, had formed an image with which they had been familiar, to be the visible symbol of the divine presence. But there seems to have been much of the revelry that marked the...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 28-35**
Near and spiritual communion with God improves the graces of a renewed and holy character. Serious godliness puts a lustre upon a man's countenance, such as commands esteem and affection. The vail which Moses put on, marked the obscurity of that dispensation, compared with the gospel dispensation of the New Testament. It was also an emblem of the natural vail on the hearts of ...
Read full commentary →And the children of Israel saw the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses' face shone: and Moses put the vail upon his face again, until he went in to speak with him.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Moses was with God 'forty days and forty nights' without eating or drinking—sustained supernaturally during extended communion with God. He wrote the covenant words (the Decalogue) on tablets. When descending, Moses' face radiated (קָרַן, qaran—shone/had horns of light) from being in God's presence. The verb qaran creates a wordplay: Moses' face had 'horns' (rays) of light from beholding God's glo...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7-14. the Lord said unto Moses, Go, get thee down--**Intelligence of the idolatrous scene enacted at the foot of the mount was communicated to Moses in language borrowed from human passions and feelings, and the judgment of a justly offended God was pronounced in terms of just indignation against the gross violation of the so recently promulgated laws.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 28-35**
Near and spiritual communion with God improves the graces of a renewed and holy character. Serious godliness puts a lustre upon a man's countenance, such as commands esteem and affection. The vail which Moses put on, marked the obscurity of that dispensation, compared with the gospel dispensation of the New Testament. It was also an emblem of the natural vail on the hearts of ...
Read full commentary →