Exodus Chapter 34

Exodus 34 — “The LORD, Merciful and Gracious”

Exodus 32 shattered the covenant.
Exodus 33 restored God’s presence.
Exodus 34 now renews the bond.

This chapter reveals the deepest truth of all:

God’s mercy is stronger than human sin.

1. New Tablets, Same God

“Cut for yourself two tablets of stone like the first…” (Ex 34:1)

God does not abandon His Law.
He rewrites it.

This is the heart of grace:
not erasing holiness, but restoring it.

St Augustine writes:

“God did not change His covenant; He healed the people who had broken it.”
(Sermons)

The Law remains — but mercy now surrounds it.

2. Moses Ascends Again

“Be ready in the morning…” (v. 2)

Sin does not end Moses’ calling.

Grace invites him to come back up.

This is the rhythm of repentance:
fall — return — be restored.

3. The LORD Proclaims His Name

“The LORD descended in the cloud and stood with him…” (v. 5)

Now comes the most important self-revelation of God in the Old Testament:

“The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness…” (v. 6)

This is who God says He is.

Not first judge.
Not first avenger.
But first merciful.

St Gregory the Great writes:

“This Name is the medicine of the world.”
(Moralia)

4. Mercy Does Not Deny Justice

“…yet He will by no means clear the guilty…” (v. 7)

God forgives —
but He does not lie.

Mercy heals sin; it does not pretend it is not deadly.

The Cross will fulfill both justice and mercy.

5. Moses Falls in Worship

“Moses made haste to bow his head…” (v. 8)

The proper response to mercy is not presumption —
it is adoration.

Grace creates humility.

6. Covenant Renewed

“Behold, I make a covenant…” (v. 10)

God binds Himself again to a stiff-necked people.

This is love.

This is grace.

This is the pattern of salvation history.

7. The Jealous God

“For you shall worship no other god…” (v. 14)

God’s jealousy is not insecurity.

It is love that will not share the beloved with idols.

8. A Holy People Again

God repeats the commands.

Not because He forgot them —
but because love restores responsibility.

Grace does not cancel obedience.
It makes it possible.

9. The Shining Face of Moses

“The skin of his face shone…” (v. 29)

Moses has been in the presence of God.

Glory leaves its mark.

St Paul will later say:

We are transformed by beholding the Lord.

10. The Veil

Moses veils his face.

God’s glory is too much for fallen eyes.

Only in Christ will the veil be removed.

Theological Summary

ThemeMeaning
New tabletsRestoration
God’s NameMercy
Covenant renewedGrace
JealousyExclusive love
Shining faceTransformed humanity
VeilAwaiting Christ

Christ in Exodus 34

Moses with shining face prefigures Christ transfigured.

The Law rewritten foreshadows the New Covenant.

The Name revealed foreshadows the Gospel.

St Augustine writes:

“The glory on Moses’ face pointed to the glory in Christ’s heart.”
(Sermons)

Spiritual Application

  • Return when you fall.
  • Trust God’s mercy.
  • Worship deeply.
  • Live as a renewed people.
  • Let His glory change you.

Closing Prayer

Lord God, merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and rich in love,
renew Your covenant in our hearts.
Write Your law within us,
and let Your glory transform us
through Jesus Christ,
the face of Your mercy,
who lives and reigns forever.
Amen.