Saturday 3 August 2024
When Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil on his face; but whenever Moses went in before the Lord to speak with him, he would take the veil off, until he came out; and when he came out, and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, the Israelites would see the face of Moses, that the skin of his face was shining. (vs 33-35)
Background
Our readings this week have been about holiness and holy things. In previous chapters Moses met God on the mountain, and only he could enter the holy presence. In chapter 33 God was angry with the people because they had melted down their ornaments and made idols. Even though the people repented and mourned, God’s presence would be too much for them, and so was withdrawn a little. Though God’s promise of a new land remained, God would not be present with them, or at least only occasionally, hidden in a cloud and beyond the edge of the community. It was dangerous to touch the things of God or come near to God’s presence.
However, Moses continued to meet with God and in today’s reading he returned from such a meeting with a new version of the Ten Commandments, including a few additional details detailing how some of these commandments were to be worked out in practice. God's presence created some form of aura around Moses' face (v. 30). The translation of the word in Hebrew is difficult. The word most often used today is ‘shining’ or ‘radiant’. Another possible meaning is 'having horns’, which may sound strange, but horns were a symbol of power in the ancient world.
The meaning is clearly that in some way Moses’ face was like the glory and holiness of God. Although the people found this difficult to cope with, Moses kept his face uncovered when giving God’s commands, only covering it afterwards, until the next time he met the Lord. Perhaps it was important that the holiness of Moses’ face should be seen by the people to give God's authority to the message. Whereas we might put on some form of garment or ornament to denote authority, in Moses’ case that authority came from God. Putting on the veil (or mask) would show that anything he then said was not from God, but was his own human utterance.
To Ponder:
- Do you find it a help or a hindrance when a minister wears vestments or other symbols of their office?
- How can we identify the holy and sacred in a generally secular world?
Prayer
Holy God, set apart by your glory yet available to us in prayer and praise, give true power and authority to your servants today so other people may see that what they do and say is of divine inspiration, not their own whim or opinion. May we reflect your glory as we speak of your word. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Pamela Cram
Pamela worked in several circuits and ecumenical posts in Wales before retiring in the Swansea Valley, where she is involved in a non-denominational community project; a church partnership with a Welsh independent church; and action for Fairtrade.