Exodus 34 Analysis

When we arrive to Exodus 34, we come across a narrative that is already in progress. Prior to the Exodus, we have already been introduced to the concept of divine covenant. In Genesis 12, the Lord promised Abram that He would make him a great nation, make his name great and bless others after him because of him. It is this contextual backdrop that leads to the Israelites becoming God’s chosen people. For early on in the narrative, we are made aware of the fact that God keeps His word – especially as it relates to His people. In it, we are illuminated to the importance of covenant throughout the narrative of the Old Testament. For by it and through it, God governs His relationship with His chosen.
Later in Exodus 3, Moses meets God in the form of a burning bush that is not consumed. Through this encounter, Moses’ interest is piqued by the majesty of God and it is there that …show more content…
As the narrative unfolds through various twists and turns, we are made privy to His mercy and compassion. For even after the people break the covenant, God is still merciful enough to grant Moses’ request to show him His glory (Exod. 33:18-23). But with that, He is also a God that will not let sin go undealt with. (Exod. 34:7)
In fact, this is where irony first arises in this passage, for the ontological interrogative that begs to be asked is “What happens when God’s covenant seemingly goes against His character?” In other words, “What is the relationship between mercy & judgment and how can His grace be viewed alongside His wrath?” Therein lies the main message of Exodus 34, for the God of Israel whom we yet still serve is a God who is rich in mercy and abounding in love. As a result, we are exposed to the reality that whenever there is authentic repentance, there is always an opportunity for divine