Exodus 34:28
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 34:28
28 And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments.
Chapter Context
Exodus 34 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of truth, holiness, worship. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-35: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 34:28
28 And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments.
Analysis
Obedience to God's voice brings total victory over enemies—God Himself becomes Israel's enemy's enemy (אֹיֵב אֹיְבֶיךָ, oyev oyvekha). The angel-led conquest is comprehensive: Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hivites, Jebusites (six nations) will be 'cut off' (כָּחַד, kachad—destroyed/made to perish). Covenant obedience activates covenant protection and blessing.
Historical Context
These six nations (sometimes seven with Girgashites) inhabited various parts of Canaan. Their destruction was not ethnic hatred but divine judgment on societies thoroughly corrupted by idolatry and moral depravity (Lev 18:24-30).
Reflection
- How does God fight for those who obey His voice?
- What 'enemies' in your spiritual life will God vanquish if you fully trust and obey Him?
Word Studies
- Word: דָּבָר (Davar) H1697 - Word, thing, matter
Cross-References
- Covenant: Deuteronomy 4:13
- References Lord: Deuteronomy 9:18, 9:25
- Word: Exodus 34:1
- Parallel theme: Exodus 24:18, 31:18, 32:16, 2 Corinthians 3:7