Exodus 34:30
And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh him.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֨רְא
saw
H7200
וַיַּ֨רְא
saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 14
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 14
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
בְּנֵ֤י
and all the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֤י
and all the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 of 14
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
5 of 14
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
ע֣וֹר
behold the skin
H5785
ע֣וֹר
behold the skin
Strong's:
H5785
Word #:
10 of 14
skin (as naked); by implication, hide, leather
פָּנָ֑יו
of his face
H6440
פָּנָ֑יו
of his face
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
11 of 14
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
וַיִּֽירְא֖וּ
and they were afraid
H3372
וַיִּֽירְא֖וּ
and they were afraid
Strong's:
H3372
Word #:
12 of 14
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
Historical Context
In the theocratic arrangement, national obedience brought corporate blessing (health, prosperity, security). Individual exceptions existed (Job), and the New Testament clarifies that suffering can accompany faithfulness (2 Cor 12:7-10, James 1:2-4).
Questions for Reflection
- How does faithful service to God bring blessing, even when physical prosperity is not guaranteed?
- In what ways does obedience to God promote overall health and flourishing?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Serving (עָבַד, avad) the LORD brings multiple covenant blessings: food, water, health. God promises to 'take sickness away' (הֲסִירֹתִי מַחֲלָה, hasiroti machalah), overturning the curse promised for disobedience (Deut 28:22, 27-28, 35, 60-61). The link between covenant faithfulness and physical blessing operates in a theocratic context—God's immediate governance of Israel—though spiritual principles extend to New Covenant believers.