Exodus 34:33

“And [till] Moses had done speaking with them, etc.] Not when he had done, as the Septuagint version, for then there would have been no occasion for it; but when he first began to speak to Aaron and the “rulers”, and continued to speak to the congregation until he had finished what he had to say; even he did what follows, as soon as he perceived there was a glory on his face, which they could not bear to look at: he put a vail on his face; something that covered it in a good measure, a mask, or linen cloth, or some such thing. The obscurity of the law may be signified by this vail, both of the moral and ceremonial law; the moral law, which though it makes known the mind and will of God, with…”

“he put a veil on his face--That veil was with the greatest propriety removed when speaking with the Lord, for every one appears unveiled to the eye of Omniscience; but it was replaced on returning to the people--and this was emblematic of the dark and shadowy character of that dispensation (Co2 3:13-14). Next: Exodus Chapter 35”

“Paul refers to this passage as showing forth the glory of the law, though it was but a “ministration of condemnation,” and was to be done away, in order to enhance the glory of the gospel, “the ministration of the spirit,” which is concealed by no veil from the eyes of believers, and is to last forever 2 Corinthians 3:7-15. Exodus 34:33 When rather than until should be supplied. Moses did not wear the veil when he was speaking to the people, but when he was silent. See Exodus 34:35. Exodus 34:34 Moses went in - i. e. to the tent of meeting. return to 'Top of Page' Footnotes: Copyright Statement These files are public domain. Bibliographical Information Barnes, Albert. "Commentary on Exodus…”

“And Moses put a veil upon his face - This veil signified the darkness of that dispensation; the ceremonial institutions had in them much of Christ and the gospel, but a veil was drawn over it, so that the children of Israel could not distinctly and steadfastly see those good things to come which the law had a shadow of. It was beauty veiled, gold in the mine, a pearl in the shell; but thanks be to God, by the gospel, the veil is taken away from off the old testament; yet still it remains upon the hearts of those who shut their eyes against the light. Exodus 34:34”

“34:33 covered his face with a veil: While Moses was reporting what God had said to him, he left his face unveiled. Then he covered it, perhaps because of the fright (34:30) its radiance caused during ordinary discourse (see 2 Cor 3:7-18 for Paul’s reflection on this incident).”

“a veil: Rom 10:4; Co2 3:13-18, Co2 4:4-6 Exodus 34:34”