The biblical account of Moses’ face shining after encountering God is a pivotal moment in the scriptures, found in Exodus 34:29-35 and 2 Corinthians 3:7-18. This phenomenon is deeply rooted in the theological and symbolic narratives of the Bible, conveying the awe-inspiring power of God’s presence and the transformative effect it has on those who approach Him.
When Moses descended from Mount Sinai, having spent forty days and nights in the presence of God, receiving the Ten Commandments for the second time, his face shone with a divine light. This was not just a physical reflection of his encounter but a spiritual manifestation of the glory of God. The Hebrew word used to describe this shining is “qaran,” which means “to shine” or “to send out rays,” and it signifies that Moses reflected the divine glory he had beheld.
The people of Israel were afraid to come near him because of the radiance of his face, prompting Moses to wear a veil over his face when he spoke to the people, removing it only when he entered the Tent of Meeting to speak with God. This veil served not only to protect the people from the intimidating brilliance of Moses’ face but also symbolized the veil that covers the heart of those who do not understand the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ, as later explained in 2 Corinthians 3:14.
In 2 Corinthians 3:7-18, Paul interprets the veil that Moses wore as a symbol of the hardness of heart of the Israelites, who could not look at the glory of God even in a reflected form without being overwhelmed. Paul contrasts the glory of the ministry of death (the law given through Moses) with the surpassing glory of the ministry of the Spirit (the grace given through Jesus Christ). While the glory of Moses’ face was temporary and had to be veiled, the glory of the Spirit is permanent and unveiled, bringing life and liberty to those who turn to the Lord.
The concept of Moses’ shining face touches on several profound themes within Christian theology, including the nature of God’s glory, the impact of encountering God’s presence, and the relationship between the Old and New Testaments. It symbolizes the transformative power of God’s Word and Presence, highlighting the difference between the glory of the law and the glory of grace through Jesus Christ.
In practical terms, the story of Moses’ shining face serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking God’s presence and glory. Just as Moses was transformed by his encounter with God on Mount Sinai, believers today can experience transformation through their relationship with Jesus Christ and the working of the Holy Spirit in their lives. This transformation is not merely an outward physical change but a deep, inward renewal that reflects the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ, enabling believers to live with a sense of purpose, hope, and joy, even in challenging circumstances.
The application of this biblical narrative in personal faith involves embracing the pursuit of God’s glory and presence. It encourages believers to seek a deeper understanding of God’s Word, to cultivate a life of prayer and worship, and to reflect the glory of God in their daily lives through love, kindness, and service to others. As believers gaze upon the glory of the Lord, they are transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18), reflecting the divine nature and leading others to the transformative power of God’s grace.
