MPV Commentary

The Tables Are Renewed.

1. After God had reconciled Himself to repentant Israel through Moses' intercession, measures were taken to restore the broken covenant. However, a reminder of the rupture was also given, as God instructed Moses to prepare new stone tables and re-inscribe the original characters on them.

2. Moses was told to present himself at the top of the mountain, but not necessarily at the highest peak. The cloud of the Shekinah usually dwelled on the summit, yet it descended (Ex 34:5), indicating that Moses should station himself at a point below the loftiest pinnacle.

3. No one was allowed to accompany Moses, including family members or livestock, in order to emphasize the solemnity and sanctity of renewing the law. This transaction aimed to impress the people with an awe-inspiring sense of God's holiness.

4. As Moses carried the two tables of stone, it is evident that they were lightweight and relatively small, likely flat slabs of shale or slate found in the Horeb region. Their compact size is also suggested by their being stored in the ark of the most holy place (Ex 25:10).

5. The Lord descended from the cloud, which resumed its usual position on the summit of the mountain. This shadowy presence signified that God was manifest to human senses while still veiling much about Himself. It served as a reminder to check presumption and foster awe.

6. The Lord passed by before Moses, fulfilling His promise made the previous day.

7. He proclaimed, "The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious." This declaration highlighted attributes that would be displayed in the future history of the church: God's self-existent and eternal majesty (Ex 3:14) and His grace and goodness. As God was about to republish His law, it was fitting to proclaim the extent of divine mercy, not only for Israel but also for all who offend.

8-26. Moses bowed down and worshiped in response to this proclamation.

9, 10. He then petitioned God, saying, "If now I have found favor in your sight, O Lord, let my Lord go among us." Moses' overflowing benevolence led him to request the continued presence of God with the people. God responded by renewing His promise under the form of a covenant, repeating the conditions of the former national compact.

27, 28. The Lord instructed Moses to write down these words (the ceremonial and judicial injunctions), while He Himself would re-inscribe the ten commandments on the new stone tables (compare De 10:1-4).

28. Moses remained with the Lord for forty days and forty nights, sustained by God's miraculous power for his special duties. This prolonged fast was a result of his unique circumstances.

29. Moses did not realize that the skin of his face shone while he conversed with God. This radiant glow signified his exalted presence and the glory he had witnessed (2Co 3:18). It served as a badge of his high office as God's ambassador, bearing his credentials on his very face.

30. The people were afraid to approach him due to their sense of guilt; Moses' beaming countenance made him appear as a flaming minister of heaven.

33. When speaking with the Lord, Moses did not wear a veil over his face, but it was replaced upon returning to the people – an emblematic reminder of the dark and shadowy character of that dispensation (2Co 3:13, 14).