Exodus 34:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 34:6
6 And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,
Chapter Context
Exodus 34 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of truth, judgment, grace. 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 provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. 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 34:6
6 And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,
Analysis
God proclaims His name YHWH twice, then reveals His character in what becomes Israel's most-quoted liturgy. רַחוּם (rachum, compassionate) derives from רֶחֶם (rechem, womb), suggesting motherly compassion. חַנּוּן (chanun, gracious) means showing unmerited favor. אֶרֶךְ אַפַּיִם (erekh appayim, 'long of nostrils') literally means slow to anger—the opposite of 'flaring nostrils' in rage. רַב־חֶסֶד (rav chesed, abounding in steadfast covenant love) and אֱמֶת (emet, faithfulness/truth) form the foundation of God's covenant relationship.
Historical Context
This revelation comes immediately after Israel's golden calf apostasy, making God's gracious self-description all the more stunning. These attributes are echoed throughout Scripture (Num 14:18, Neh 9:17, Ps 86:15, Joel 2:13, Jonah 4:2).
Reflection
- Why does God emphasize mercy and grace immediately after Israel's greatest sin?
- Which of these divine attributes do you most need to understand more deeply today?
Word Studies
- Truth: אֱמֶת (Emet) H571 - Truth, faithfulness
Cross-References
- Grace: Deuteronomy 5:10, 2 Chronicles 30:9, Nehemiah 9:17, Psalms 86:5, 86:15, 145:8
- Truth: Psalms 138:2