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Exodus 34:27 Meaning, Context & Commentary

Read the Daily Bible VerseExodus 34:27 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.

Exodus 34:27 presents a significant moment in the broader narrative of Israel’s journey, its relationship with God, and the covenant that defines the people of Israel. While this verse may seem concise, it is packed with theological, historical, and spiritual implications. In this article, we will explore the context, meaning, and relevance of Exodus 34:27, drawing insights from the broader biblical narrative and offering practical applications for contemporary Christian living.

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The Context of Exodus 34:27

To fully understand Exodus 34:27, we must first consider the broader narrative of the Book of Exodus and the specific events leading up to this verse. Exodus chronicles the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, their journey through the wilderness, and the establishment of a covenant between God and His chosen people. Exodus 34, in particular, marks a pivotal moment in Israel’s relationship with God after the infamous incident of the golden calf (Exodus 32).

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The Covenant Renewed

Exodus 34 occurs after Moses had descended from Mount Sinai, carrying the tablets of the Ten Commandments, only to find that the Israelites had made and were worshipping a golden calf. This led to God’s anger, and Moses broke the original tablets in response. In Exodus 33, Moses intercedes for Israel, pleading with God to show mercy, and God agrees to renew the covenant.

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In Exodus 34, God instructs Moses to carve two new tablets of stone and return to the mountain. God’s response to Moses’ plea for mercy is a reaffirmation of His covenant with Israel, but with renewed emphasis on His holiness, justice, and the necessity of faithfulness. In this chapter, God also declares His name as “The LORD, the LORD God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth” (Exodus 34:6).

The Verse in Question

Exodus 34:27 is a command from God to Moses after the renewal of the covenant. It states:

“And the Lord said unto Moses, Write thou these words: for after the tenor of these words I have made a covenant with thee and with Israel.” (Exodus 34:27, KJV)

This verse follows God’s reaffirmation of His covenant and sets the stage for the rest of the instructions and stipulations that Moses is to communicate to the people of Israel. God instructs Moses to write down the words that define the covenant, which includes both the commandments and the promises of God.

The Meaning of Exodus 34:27

God’s Instruction to Write

The phrase “Write thou these words” emphasizes the importance of preserving and communicating God’s covenantal words. In ancient Israel, writing was not a common practice for most people, and the act of writing down a document or a law carried significant weight. Writing was a way to preserve the covenant for future generations and ensure its transmission. This instruction not only solidifies the seriousness of the covenant but also highlights the enduring nature of God’s promises.

The phrase “for after the tenor of these words” suggests that the covenant is built upon the foundational principles revealed in the law—principles that were not just for that moment but for future generations. The covenant God is making is a continuation of the covenant made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and it includes not only laws but also the relationship between God and His people.

The Covenant with Israel

God specifies that the covenant He is renewing is not just with Moses but with Israel as a whole. This reinforces the idea that the covenant was a communal relationship. The Israelites, as God’s chosen people, are to live according to His laws and worship Him exclusively. This was not a covenant limited to individual salvation, but one that defined the identity and collective mission of Israel as a nation. Their obedience to the covenant would determine their blessings and their prosperity as God’s chosen people.

The term “after the tenor of these words” also points to the nature of the covenant. It is not just a legal contract but a relational bond between a holy God and His people. The laws, commands, and promises associated with this covenant shape Israel’s identity and their interaction with the world around them.

Reaffirmation of the Relationship

In this moment, Exodus 34:27 is an important marker of God’s unwavering commitment to His people despite their failure. The golden calf incident was a serious act of rebellion, yet God, in His grace, chooses to renew the covenant and continue His relationship with Israel. This reaffirms God’s patience and His willingness to forgive, emphasizing His covenant faithfulness even in the face of human failure.

Exodus 34:27 Application in Life

While Exodus 34:27 specifically pertains to Israel’s covenant relationship with God, its principles offer valuable insights for believers today. The commands to Moses to “write these words” and to preserve the covenant are important for modern Christians in several ways.

The Importance of God’s Word

Just as God commanded Moses to preserve the covenant by writing it down, Christians today are called to preserve and uphold God’s Word. The Bible is the written record of God’s covenant with His people, and just as Moses ensured that Israel had access to the covenant, Christians today must take seriously the responsibility of transmitting and obeying the Scriptures. In an age where the Bible is often marginalized, neglected, or misinterpreted, this command reminds us of the centrality of God’s Word in the life of the believer and the church.

The Need for Covenant Faithfulness

Exodus 34:27 also speaks to the ongoing necessity of covenant faithfulness. While Christians are not under the Old Covenant law, the principles of faithfulness, obedience, and trust in God’s promises are foundational to the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ. The call to write down and preserve the covenant can be understood as a call to remember God’s promises, to live in light of those promises, and to pass them on to others.

The Role of Intercession and Repentance

Moses’ role as intercessor (Exodus 32-33) is a powerful reminder of the importance of prayer, repentance, and seeking God’s mercy on behalf of others. Just as Moses interceded for Israel, Christians are called to intercede for the world, asking God for mercy, forgiveness, and the fulfillment of His promises. This application can be particularly meaningful when we consider the brokenness of the world around us, and the responsibility Christians have to stand in the gap for their communities and nations.

Comparison with Other Biblical Texts

Exodus 34:27 is part of the broader narrative of God’s covenant with Israel, but it has parallels and connections with other scriptures throughout the Bible. Comparing Exodus 34:27 to other texts helps deepen our understanding of the principles behind it.

Exodus 19:5-6: A Kingdom of Priests

In Exodus 19:5-6, God calls Israel to be a “kingdom of priests” and a “holy nation.” This theme of a unique covenant relationship is reinforced in Exodus 34:27. The idea of Israel’s distinct role in the world is significant: they are not just chosen to receive blessings, but to be a light to the nations, reflecting God’s holiness and bringing others to Him.

Deuteronomy 6:6-9: Teaching the Law

In Deuteronomy 6:6-9, Moses instructs the Israelites to teach the commandments to their children and keep them at the forefront of their lives. This mirrors the call in Exodus 34:27 to preserve and transmit the words of the covenant. The law is not to be kept hidden or forgotten but is to shape the lives of individuals and communities.

Hebrews 8:6-13: The New Covenant

Hebrews 8:6-13 speaks of the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ, which supersedes the Old Covenant. The New Covenant is established not through written laws on tablets of stone but through the internal work of the Holy Spirit, writing God’s law on the hearts of believers. This passage offers a new understanding of what it means to be in covenant with God and points to the fulfillment of the promises God made to Israel.

Jeremiah 31:31-34: The Promise of a New Covenant

In Jeremiah 31:31-34, God promises a new covenant with Israel and Judah, one that will be marked by the law being written on their hearts. This prophecy finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who establishes a new covenant based on grace rather than law. Exodus 34:27 and the broader narrative of covenant renewal foreshadow this greater fulfillment, pointing toward the coming of Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises.

Modern-Day Relevance

The relevance of Exodus 34:27 today is evident in several key areas. First, as the world faces challenges of moral decay, cultural confusion, and spiritual apathy, the message of covenant faithfulness and God’s eternal promises continues to resonate. Just as God renewed His covenant with Israel after their failure, so too does He offer grace to individuals and nations who repent and turn to Him.

Second, the call to preserve and teach God’s Word remains crucial for the church today. In a world where many voices vie for attention, the church is called to be a pillar and foundation of truth (1 Timothy 3:15). The command to write down and preserve God’s covenant is a reminder that the transmission of Scripture and the faithful teaching of God’s truth is essential for the health and growth of the church.

A Call to Holiness

Finally, the covenant described in Exodus 34:27 is a call to holiness. For Christians today, living in covenant with God through Christ requires a commitment to holiness, both individually and corporately. This means living according to God’s will, keeping His Word at the center of our lives, and reflecting His character in the world around us.

Conclusion

Exodus 34:27 serves as a profound reminder of God’s covenant faithfulness and the ongoing responsibility of His people to preserve and live according to His Word. In this verse, we find not only the historical renewal of God’s covenant with Israel but also principles that continue to guide the Christian faith today. By embracing the lessons of this passage, Christians are reminded of the importance of God’s Word, the need for covenant faithfulness, and the role of intercession and repentance in our relationship with God.

Exodus 34:27 Commentary

Ultimately, Exodus 34:27 speaks to the unchanging nature of God’s promises and His call to His people to live in obedience to His will, both now and forevermore.

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