Exodus 34:31
And Moses called unto them; and Aaron and all the rulers of the congregation returned unto him: and Moses talked with them.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּקְרָ֤א
called
H7121
וַיִּקְרָ֤א
called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
1 of 12
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
וַיָּשֻׁ֧בוּ
returned
H7725
וַיָּשֻׁ֧בוּ
returned
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
4 of 12
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
7 of 12
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַנְּשִׂאִ֖ים
and all the rulers
H5387
הַנְּשִׂאִ֖ים
and all the rulers
Strong's:
H5387
Word #:
8 of 12
properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist
בָּֽעֵדָ֑ה
of the congregation
H5712
בָּֽעֵדָ֑ה
of the congregation
Strong's:
H5712
Word #:
9 of 12
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר
talked
H1696
וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר
talked
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
10 of 12
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
Historical Context
Barrenness was considered a curse or divine displeasure in ancient cultures (Gen 30:1-2, 1 Sam 1:5-8). God's promise here reverses the curse and grants covenant communities fruitfulness as a sign of blessing.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's sovereignty over life and death comfort you in uncertain circumstances?
- What does this promise of fullness of days teach about God's desire for abundant life for His people?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God promises to eliminate miscarriage (שָׁכַל, shakal—to lose offspring/be bereaved) and barrenness (עֲקָרָה, aqarah). Full longevity is guaranteed: 'the number of thy days I will fulfil.' In the ancient world with high infant and maternal mortality, this promise was revolutionary. It demonstrates God's sovereignty over life itself and His desire to bless covenant faithfulness with abundant life—a principle finding ultimate fulfillment in eternal life through Christ.