Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Exodus 34:28
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.
He wrote – i. e. Yahweh wrote Exo 34:1.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 28. Forty days and forty nights] See Clarke on Ex 24:18.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
He was there forty days and forty nights; as he had been before, being now to renew the broken covenant. This forty days fast of his is mentioned four times, Exo 24:18, and here, and Deu 9:18; 10:10, but it is evident it was performed but twice, as the occasion of it happened only twice.
He wrote, not Moses, but the Lord, as appears from Exo 24:1, and from Deu 10, the relative pronoun being here referred to the remoter antecedent, of which there are many instances, as Gen 10:12; 1Sa 21:14; 27:8; Psa 99:6.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
28. he was there with the Lord fortydays and forty nightsas long as formerly [Ex24:18], being sustained for the execution of his special dutiesby the miraculous power of God. A special cause is assigned for hisprotracted fast on this second occasion (De9:18).
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
And he was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights,…. These were other forty days and nights, besides those he had been with the Lord, when he came down and broke the two tables in his hand, on sight of the idolatry of the people; yea, not only the Jewish writers think that he was on the mount three times forty days and forty nights, but also several learned Christian writers, as Dr. Lightfoot p and others; and it seems plain that he went up to the mountain three times, Ex 24:15 and it is not improbable that he was each time so long there; about the first and third times there can be no doubt, see Ex 24:18 and the text before us; and at the second time, when he went up to make reconciliation for the people,
Ex 32:30 he says, that he fell down before the Lord, as at the first forty days and forty nights, De 9:18 and from the seventh day of the month Sivan, the day after the giving of the law, to the tenth of Tisri, on which day he now descended, are just so many days:
he did neither eat bread nor drink water: and it is very likely slept not, he being supported without either of these by the power of God; and having such nearness of communion with God, and his mind taken up with what he heard and saw, he had no thoughts of, nor desires and cravings after such things, as well as he stood in no need of them; all which must be ascribed to the miraculous interposition of God in the support of him, [See comments on Ex 24:18]
and he wrote on the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments; not Moses, for these were tables of stone, which he could not write or engrave upon without proper instruments, which it does not appear he had with him on the mount; but it was God that wrote them, who, in Ex 34:1 says he would write them, and from
De 10:2 we are assured he did.
p Works, vol. 1. p. 715, 716.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
| The Veil of Moses. | B. C. 1491. |
28 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. 29 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. 30 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. 31 And Moses called unto them; and Aaron and all the rulers of the congregation returned unto him: and Moses talked with them. 32 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. 33 And till Moses had done speaking with them, he put a vail on his face. 34 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. 35 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.
Here is, I. The continuance of Moses in the mount, where he was miraculously sustained, v. 28. He was there in very intimate communion with God, without interruption, forty days and forty nights, and did not think it long. When we are weary of an hour or two spent in attendance upon God and adoration of him, we should think how many days and nights Moses spent with him, and of the eternal day we hope to spend in praising him. During all this time Moses did neither eat nor drink. Though he had before been kept so long fasting, yet he did not, this second time, take up so many days’ provision along with him, but believed that man lives not by bread alone, and encouraged himself with the experience he had of the truth of it. So long he continued without meat and drink (and probably without sleep too), for, 1. The power of God supported him, that he did not need it. He who made the body can nourish it without ordinary means, which he uses, but is not tied to. The life is more than meat. 2. His communion with God entertained him, so that he did not desire it. He had meat to eat which the world knew not of, for it was his meat and drink to hear the word of God and pray. The abundant satisfaction his soul had in the word of God and the visions of the Almighty made him forget the body and the pleasures of it. When God would treat his favourite Moses, it was not with meat and drink, but with his light, law, and love, with the knowledge of himself and his will; then man did indeed eat angels’ food. See what we should value as the truest pleasure. The kingdom of God is not meat and drink, neither the abundance nor delicacy of food, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. As Moses, so Elijah and Christ, fasted forty days and forty nights. The more dead we are to the delights of sense the better prepared we are for the pleasures of heaven.
II. The coming down of Moses from the mount, greatly enriched and miraculously adorned.
1. He came down enriched with the best treasure; for he brought in his hands the two tables of the law, written with the finger of God, Exo 34:28; Exo 34:29. It is a great favour to have the law given us; this favour was shown to Israel, Psa 147:19; Psa 147:20. It is a great honour to be employed in delivering God’s law to others; this honour was done to Moses.
2. He came down adorned with the best beauty; for the skin of his face shone, v. 29. This time of his being in the mount he heard only what he had heard before, but he saw more of the glory of God, which having with open face beheld, he was in some measure changed into the same image from glory to glory, 2 Cor. iii. 18. The last time he came down from the mount with the glory of a magistrate, to frown upon and chastise Israel’s idolatry; now with the glory of an angel, with tidings of peace and reconciliation. Then he came with a rod, now with the spirit of meekness. Now,
(1.) This may be looked upon, [1.] As a great honour done to Moses, that the people might never again question his mission nor think nor speak lightly of him. He carried his credentials in his very countenance, which, some think, retained, as long as he lived, some remainders of this glory, which perhaps contributed to the vigour of his old age; that eye could not wax dim which had seen God, nor that face become wrinkled which had shone with his glory. The Israelites could not look him in the face but they must there read his commission. Thus it was done to the man whom the King of kings did delight to honour. Yet, after this, they murmured against him; for the most sensible proofs will not of themselves conquer an obstinate infidelity. The shining of Moses’s face was a great honour to him; yet that was no glory, in comparison with the glory which excelled. We read of our Lord Jesus, not only that his face shone as the sun, but his whole body also, for his raiment was white and glistering, Luke ix. 29. But, when he came down from the mount, he quite laid aside that glory, it being his will that we should walk by faith, not by sight. [2.] It was also a great favour to the people, and an encouragement to them, that God put this glory upon him, who was their intercessor, thereby giving them assurance that he was accepted, and they through him. Thus the advancement of Christ, our advocate with the Father, is the great support of our faith. [3.] It was the effect of his sight of God. Communion with God, First, Makes the face to shine in true honour. Serious godliness puts a lustre upon a man’s countenance, such as commands esteem and affection. Secondly, It should make the face to shine in universal holiness. When we have been in the mount with God, we should let our light shine before men, in humility, meekness, and all the instances of a heavenly conversation; thus must the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, even the beauty of holiness, that all we converse with may take knowledge of us that we have been with Jesus, Acts iv. 13.
(2.) Concerning the shining of Moses’s face observe here, [1.] Moses was not aware of it himself: He wist not that the skin of his face shone, v. 29. Thus, First, It is the infelicity of some that, though their faces shine in true grace, yet they do not know it, to take the comfort of it. Their friends see much of God in them, but they themselves are ready to think they have no grace. Secondly, It is the humility of others that, though their faces shine in eminent gifts and usefulness, yet they do not know it, to be puffed up with it. Whatever beauty God puts upon us, we should still be filled with a humble sense of our own unworthiness, and manifold infirmities, as will make us even overlook and forget that which makes our faces shine. [2.] Aaron and the children of Israel saw it, and were afraid, v. 30. The truth of it was attested by a multitude of witnesses, who were also conscious of the terror of it. It not only dazzled their eyes, but struck such an awe upon them as obliged them to retire. Probably they doubted whether it were a token of God’s favour or of his displeasure; and, though it seemed most likely to be a good omen, yet, being conscious of guilt, they feared the worst, especially remembering the posture Moses found them in when he came last down from the mount. Holiness will command reverence; but the sense of sin makes men afraid of their friends, and even of that which really is a favour to them. [3.] Moses put a veil upon his face, when he perceived that it shone, Exo 34:33; Exo 34:35. First, This teaches us all a lesson of modesty and humility. We must be content to have our excellences obscured, and a veil drawn over them, not coveting to make a fair show in the flesh. Those that are truly desirous to be owned and accepted of God will likewise desire not to be taken notice of nor applauded by men. Qui bene latuit, bene vixit–There is a laudable concealment. Secondly, It teaches ministers to accommodate themselves to the capacities of people, and to preach to them as they are able to bear it. Let all that art and all that learning be veiled which tend to amusement rather than edification, and let the strong condescend to the infirmities of the weak. Thirdly, This veil signified the darkness of that dispensation. The ceremonial institutions had in them much of Christ, much of the grace of the gospel, but a veil was drawn over it, so that the children of Israel could not distinctly and stedfastly see those good things to come which the law had the shadow of. It was beauty veiled, gold in the mine, a pearl in the shell; but, thanks be to God, by the gospel life and immortality are brought to light, the veil is taken away from off the Old Testament; yet still it remains upon the hearts of those who shut their eyes against the light. Thus the apostle expounds this passage, 2 Cor. iii. 13-15. [4.] When Moses went in before the Lord, to speak with him in the tabernacle of meeting, he put off the veil, v. 34. Then there was no occasion for it, and, before God, every man does and must appear unveiled; for all things are naked and open before the eyes of him with whom we have to do, and it is folly for us to think of concealing or disguising any thing. Every veil must be thrown aside when we come to present ourselves unto the Lord. This signified also, as it is explained (2 Cor. iii. 16), that when a soul turns to the Lord the veil shall be taken away, and with open face it may behold his glory. And when we shall come before the Lord in heaven, to be there for ever speaking with him, the veil shall not only be taken off from the divine glory, but from our hearts and eyes, that we may see as we are seen, and know as we are known.
Fuente: Matthew Henry’s Whole Bible Commentary
28. And he was there with the Lord forty days The number of forty days is repeated, in order that the second Tables might have no less credit than the first; for we have stated that Moses was withdrawn from the common life of men, that he might bring the Law, as it were, from heaven. If he had only been kept a few days in the mount, his authority would not have been ratified by so conspicuous a miracle; but the forty days obtained full credit for his mission, so that the people might know that he was sent by God; inasmuch as the endurance of a fast for so long a period exceeded the capacity of human nature. Wherefore, in order that the majesty of the Law might be indubitable, its minister was invested with angelic glory; and hence he expressly records that “he did neither eat bread, nor drink watch” since it was requisite that he should be distinguished from other mortals, in order that his official character might be unquestionable. Now, it must be borne in mind, that this was not a mere fast of temperance or sobriety, but of special privilege, whereby exemption from the infirmity of the flesh was vouchsafed to Moses for a time, in order that his condition might be different from the rest of the human race. For neither did he feel any hunger, nor did he struggle with any longing for food, nor desire meat and drink any more than one of the angels. Therefore this instance of abstinence was never alleged as an example by the Prophets, nor did any one attempt to imitate what they all knew to be by no means accorded to them. I except Elijah, who, being sent to revive the Law, when it was almost lost, like a second Moses, abstained also from eating and drinking for forty days. The reason for the fast of Christ was similar, (Mat 4:2😉 for, in order to acquire full credit for tits Gospel, He desired to make it manifest that He was by no means inferior to Moses in this particular. Wherefore, (388) the less excusable is that error, which sprang from gross ignorance, when all, without exception, endeavored to rival the Son of God in their annual fast, as if a new promulgation of the Gospel was entrusted to them. For neither did Christ fast forty day’s more than once in His life; nor during the whole of that time, as it is clearly specified, did he experience hunger; and His heavenly Father separated Him from communion with men, when He was preparing Himself to undertake the office of teacher.
(388) For a fuller development of this argument, see Institutes, Book 4, chap. 12, sec. 20, 21; and Harm. of the Evangelists, vol. 1, p. 208. Calvin Soc. edit.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(28) He was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights.As on his former ascent (Exo. 24:18). The long time is, at first sight, surprising, since there were now no instructions to be given. But we learn from Deuteronomy (Exo. 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 put away His anger and hot displeasure.
He did neither eat bread, nor drink water.A similar fast had been kept on the previous occasion (Deu. 9:9), though it is not mentioned in Exodus. Fasts of this extraordinary duration are only recorded of Moses, of Elijah (1Ki. 19:8), and of our Lord (Mat. 4:2). They are absolutely miraculous, and modern attempts to rival them are viewed by scientific men as deriving such apparent success as may have attended them from imposture.
He wrote upon the tables.It has been concluded from this statement that Moses engraved the words upon the second tables; and the passage, if it stood alone, would certainly admit, and, indeed, naturally suggest, this meaning. But the Hebrew idiom allows us to regard Jehovah as the nominative to the verb wrote; and it is necessary so to do in order to bring the passage into agreement with Exo. 34:1. and with Deu. 10:2; Deu. 10:4. Thus the second tables are to be viewed as written with the finger of God no less than the first (Exo. 31:18; Exo. 32:16).
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
28. Forty days and forty nights Comp . Exo 24:18. So that Moses passed two periods of this length with the Lord in the mount .
He wrote According to Exo 34:1, the writer was God himself, so that these second tables, though hewn by Moses, were, like the first, “written with the finger of God . ” Compare Exo 31:18, with 32:16 .
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Exo 34:28. And he wrote upon the tables To try the patience of the people, Moses was detained a second time for forty days and forty nights in the mount with the Lord; where he, (i.e. the Lord; see Exo 34:1 and Deu 10:4.) renewing his covenant with the people, wrote upon the tables the ten commandments as before. Respecting this very long and extraordinary fast of Moses, all that need be said is, that the God who so universally sustains the human frame by the means of food, certainly can, and in the case of Moses certainly did, sustain that human frame without any animal support, by his own immediate and sole influence. See Mat 4:4.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
Was not Moses in this a type of the ever blessed Jesus? Mat 4:2 .
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Exo 34:28 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.
Ver. 28. Forty days and forty nights. ] Moses, Elias, and Christ – those three great fathers met glorious in mount Tabor. Abstinence merits not, but prepares the best for good duties.
He wrote.
a Weems. Exer.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
He = Jehovah. See Exo 34:1.
tables. See on Exo 31:18.
Two episodes, concluding the ascents and descents preparatory to the other great event of this section (Exo 15:22 – Exo 40:38), viz. the setting up of the Tabernacle, and the command that none of the work was to be done on the Sabbath.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
forty days: Exo 24:18, Deu 9:9, Deu 9:18, Deu 9:25
he wrote: Exo 34:1, Exo 31:18, Exo 32:16, Deu 4:13, Deu 10:2-4, 2Co 3:7
commandments: Heb. words
Reciprocal: Exo 32:31 – returned Num 13:25 – forty days Deu 10:4 – he wrote Deu 10:10 – I stayed 1Ki 8:9 – when 1Ki 8:21 – the covenant 1Ki 19:8 – forty days Mat 4:2 – fasted Mar 1:13 – forty Luk 4:2 – forty Heb 8:9 – the covenant
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Exo 34:28. He, God, wrote.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
34:28 And he was there with the LORD {k} 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.
(k) This miracle was to confirm the authority of the law, and should not be followed any more than other miracles.