Exodus 34:8
And Moses made haste, and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshipped.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְמַהֵ֖ר
made haste
H4116
וַיְמַהֵ֖ר
made haste
Strong's:
H4116
Word #:
1 of 5
properly, to be liquid or flow easily, i.e., (by implication)
וַיִּקֹּ֥ד
and bowed his head
H6915
וַיִּקֹּ֥ד
and bowed his head
Strong's:
H6915
Word #:
3 of 5
to shrivel up, i.e., contract or bend the body (or neck) in deference
Cross References
Exodus 4:31And the people believed: and when they heard that the LORD had visited the children of Israel, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped.Genesis 17:3And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,2 Chronicles 20:18And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground: and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell before the LORD, worshipping the LORD.
Historical Context
Prostration (bowing with face to the ground) was the standard ancient Near Eastern response to encountering deity or royalty, expressing total submission and humility.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your understanding of God's character affect your worship?
- What does Moses' 'haste' to worship teach about proper priorities?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Moses' physical response demonstrates the only appropriate reaction to divine self-revelation: immediate prostration and worship. He 'made haste' (וַיְמַהֵר, vayemaher), showing urgency and holy reverence. This contrasts with Israel's hasty turn to idolatry (32:8, same Hebrew root). True worship flows from beholding God's character, not from ritual obligation.