Epiphany · The Transfiguration of Our Lord (Last Sunday after the Epiphany) · Year B
Exodus 34:29-35
The Radiant Face of Moses
February 7, 2027
Overview & Insights
“The skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God.” (Exodus 34:29)
The Israelites received the final part of their forgiveness in the unexpected gift of Moses’ radiant face. It brought the glory of God back into Israel’s midst in a human countenance. It was a visible sign of the Lord’s forgiveness, presence, and restored communication with Israel through Moses. The accompanying sign of restoration God gave upon Moses’ return from Mount Sinai was the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands (see comment on 31:18). In contrast to his previous descent after forty days, this time Moses did not encounter idolatry, burn with anger, or break the tablets (32:15, 19). Instead, the people were in awe, his face was radiant, and he gave them the commands (vv. 30–32). At first the people were afraid to come near him .
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Commentary
Commentary on Exodus 34:29-35 Working Preacher
Luther Seminary's commentary on Moses' shining face for Transfiguration Sunday.
Exodus 34:29-35 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
A Reformed preaching commentary on the same Transfiguration text.
Exodus 34 Commentary: The Covenant Renewed Enduring Word
David Guzik's chapter commentary covering the veiling of Moses' face.
Background & Word Study
Exodus 34:29-35 Sefaria
The Hebrew text of the passage with the classic Jewish commentary library attached.
Exodus 34:29 Commentaries Bible Hub
An aggregator of classic commentaries on the verse describing Moses' radiant face.
Exodus 34:29-35, Moses' Face Shines Enter the Bible
A Luther Seminary background essay devoted specifically to this passage.
Sermons & Reflections
Questions preachers ask
Why does Moses' face shine?
Coming down from Sinai with the tablets, Moses' face is radiant from being in God's presence, so that he veils it before the people, a glory the New Testament sees surpassed in Christ.
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