34:6, 7 Moses had asked to see God’s glory (33:18), and this was God’s response. What is God’s glory? It is his character, his nature, his way of relating to his creatures. Notice that God did not give Moses a vision of his power and majesty, but rather of his love. God’s glory is revealed in his mercy, grace, longsuffering, goodness, truth, forgiveness, justice. God’s love and mercy are truly wonderful, and we benefit from them. We can respond and give glory to God when our characters resemble his.
34:6, 7 Many people think the God of the Old Testament is a God of wrath, only to be feared. These words from God revealed to Moses the very heart or essence of God’s nature (33:19). What do we learn from these assurances to Moses? God is merciful, gracious, forgiving. Don’t accept anyone’s argument that the God of the Old Testament is merely vengeful. Instead, remember that God is “longsuffering,” and his love cannot be diminished.
34:7 Why would sins affect children and grandchildren? This is no arbitrary punishment. Children still suffer for the sins of their parents. Consider child abuse or alcoholism, for example. While these sins are obvious, sins like selfishness and greed can be passed along as well. The dire consequences of sin are not limited to the individual family member. Be careful not to treat sin casually, but repent and turn from it. The sin may cause you little pain now, but it could sting in a most tender area of your life later—your children and grandchildren.
34:12-14 God told the Israelites not to join in religious rites with the sinful people around them, but to give their absolute loyalty and exclusive devotion to him. Pagan worship simply cannot be mixed with the worship of the holy God. As Jesus pointed out, “No servant can serve two masters. Ye cannot serve God and mammon” (Luke 16:13). Mammon—the love of money—is the god of this age, and many Christians attempt to “make a covenant” with this enslaving god. Are you trying to worship two gods at once? Where is your first allegiance?
34:13 “Their images” were wooden poles that stood by Baal’s altar (see Judges 6:25). The “groves” were also called “Asherah poles” and were used to worship the goddess who was the consort (wife) of Baal. She represented fertility and good luck in agriculture.
34:28-35 Moses’ face was radiant after he spent time with God. The people could clearly see God’s presence in him. How often do you spend time alone with God? Although your face may not light up a room, time spent in prayer, reading the Bible, and meditating should have such an effect on your life that people will know you have been with God.