Book of Exodus - Chapter 34 - Verse 35

After Moses spoke with God on Mount Sinai, his face began to glow with a supernatural light. This radiant glow was a physical manifestation of the spiritual presence of God that Moses had encountered. The awe-inspiring sight of Moses' shining face struck fear and reverence in the hearts of the Israelites. Because the brilliance of his face was too intense for them to bear, Moses covered his face with a veil whenever he interacted with the people. The veil served to shield them from the overwhelming glory of God's presence that radiated from Moses' face. It was a powerful symbol of the distance between humanity and the divine, highlighting the holiness and majesty of God that Moses represented. The veil also underscored the unique relationship that Moses had with God, as the chosen mediator between God and the Israelites. This verse reminds us of the profound mystery and transformative power of encountering the presence of God.

In this verse from the book of Exodus, the theological interpretation revolves around the concept of Moses as a mediator between God and the people of Israel. The shining of Moses' face symbolizes the glory of God that he had encountered during his time on Mount Sinai. The radiance on his face signifies the presence of God with him, and this extraordinary manifestation of God's power and holiness was so dazzling that the children of Israel were afraid to approach him. The putting on of the veil by Moses can be seen as a way to shield the people from the overwhelming brightness of God's glory. It also serves as a reminder of the separation between a holy God and sinful humanity, with Moses acting as the intermediary. The act of veiling and unveiling represents the temporary nature of the Old Covenant and points towards the ultimate mediator who would come to reconcile God and humanity - Jesus Christ.