Exodus 34:30 - When Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come near him.
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What does "Exodus 34:30" mean?
This verse from Exodus 34:30 describes the powerful effect Moses' encounter with God on Mount Sinai had on his physical appearance and the people around him. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"When Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone...": After Moses spent 40 days and nights on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments and God's instructions, his face emanated a radiant glow. The Hebrew word translated as "shone" or "radiant" is "qaran," which can also mean "to send out rays." This was not a mere tan or reflection of light, but an actual, visible radiance emanating from his skin.
"...and they were afraid to come near him.": The Israelites were not only amazed by Moses' radiant face, but they were also afraid. This fear stemmed from the following:
The power and holiness of God: The radiance on Moses' face was a clear indication of his close proximity to God and the divine power he had absorbed. This manifested the unapproachable holiness of God, reminding the people of their own unworthiness and sinfulness.
The unknown: They didn't understand what had happened to Moses. The supernatural glow was unfamiliar and possibly unsettling. Fear of the unknown is a common human reaction.
A sense of separation: The radiance created a visible barrier between Moses and the people. He was no longer simply Moses, their leader, but a being touched by the divine, placing him on a different plane.
In essence, this verse portrays:
The transformative power of encountering God: Moses' time with God changed him physically, making him a visible representation of divine glory.
The awe and fear of the divine: The people's fear highlights the overwhelming nature of God's presence and the respect (mixed with trepidation) it inspires.
The mediator role of Moses: Although the people were afraid, Moses was still their mediator, connecting them to God. This incident underscored the special role Moses held.
It's a powerful reminder that closeness to God can have profound effects on a person, and it emphasizes the immense holiness and power of the divine.
Exodus 34:30 - When Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come near him.
What does "Exodus 34:30" mean?
This verse from Exodus 34:30 describes the powerful effect Moses' encounter with God on Mount Sinai had on his physical appearance and the people around him. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"When Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone...": After Moses spent 40 days and nights on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments and God's instructions, his face emanated a radiant glow. The Hebrew word translated as "shone" or "radiant" is "qaran," which can also mean "to send out rays." This was not a mere tan or reflection of light, but an actual, visible radiance emanating from his skin.
"...and they were afraid to come near him.": The Israelites were not only amazed by Moses' radiant face, but they were also afraid. This fear stemmed from the following:
The power and holiness of God: The radiance on Moses' face was a clear indication of his close proximity to God and the divine power he had absorbed. This manifested the unapproachable holiness of God, reminding the people of their own unworthiness and sinfulness.
The unknown: They didn't understand what had happened to Moses. The supernatural glow was unfamiliar and possibly unsettling. Fear of the unknown is a common human reaction.
A sense of separation: The radiance created a visible barrier between Moses and the people. He was no longer simply Moses, their leader, but a being touched by the divine, placing him on a different plane.
In essence, this verse portrays:
The transformative power of encountering God: Moses' time with God changed him physically, making him a visible representation of divine glory.
The awe and fear of the divine: The people's fear highlights the overwhelming nature of God's presence and the respect (mixed with trepidation) it inspires.
The mediator role of Moses: Although the people were afraid, Moses was still their mediator, connecting them to God. This incident underscored the special role Moses held.
It's a powerful reminder that closeness to God can have profound effects on a person, and it emphasizes the immense holiness and power of the divine.