After the Israelites crafted a golden calf and fell into idolatry and revelry, God instructed Moses to leave the place that they had camped and go up toward the land promised to their ancestors. He declared that an angel would go before them to drive out the inhabitants of the land, but He Himself would not accompany them, as their stubbornness might provoke His wrath and lead to their destruction.
When the people heard these distressing words, they began to mourn and no one put on any ornaments. – Exodus 33:4 (NIV)
The Israelites were in mourning because they believed that God was angry with them and feared that He would destroy them. They continued to fear God and this fear led to a strained relationship rather than true devotion. When people fear someone, they often struggle with obedience.
Children often disobey their parents when they fear them because their relationship is based on avoidance rather than understanding. When fear is the driving force, children may follow rules only to escape punishment rather than truly grasping the reasons behind them. This can lead to dishonesty, secrecy, and rebellion, as they focus more on avoiding consequences than on learning right from wrong.
Similarly, if a person’s relationship with God is based purely on fear, they may follow religious teachings out of obligation rather than love and comprehension. True obedience comes when there is understanding and a heartfelt connection, just as children who feel loved and valued by their parents are more likely to respect and obey them out of trust rather than fear.
Moses Goes Back to the Garden
Moses set up a tent outside the Israelite camp, calling it the “tent of meeting,” where anyone seeking the Lord could go. Whenever Moses entered, the people stood in reverence, and the pillar of cloud descended at the entrance as God spoke with him. The people worshiped from their tents while Moses conversed with God face to face, like a friend. Afterward, Moses returned to the camp, but his aide Joshua remained in the tent.
Moses pleaded with God for assurance of His presence in leading the Israelites, emphasizing that without it, they would not be distinguished from other nations. God reassured Moses that His presence would go with them. God’s presence is Himself—His Spirit walks with us daily, guiding and strengthening us. He is within us, fostering a relationship based on love, trust, and understanding rather than fear.Seeking a deeper revelation, Moses requested to see God’s glory. God granted his request partially, allowing Moses to witness His goodness and hear His name proclaimed.
Then the LORD said, “There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. – Exodus 33:21-22 (NIV)
God calls Moses to a place near Him, much like the Garden of Eden, where mankind once walked in close fellowship with God. By returning to this sacred space, Moses experiences an intimate encounter with God. In a similar way, God appeared before Elijah on the mountain (1 Kings 19:11-13). Just as He did with Moses, God called Elijah to stand in His presence as He passed by. However, instead of appearing in powerful forces like wind, earthquake, or fire, God revealed Himself in a gentle whisper.
The Glow of His Glory
God instructed Moses to chisel out two new stone tablets to replace the ones he had broken. Moses ascended Mount Sinai, where God descended in a cloud, proclaimed His name, and revealed His compassionate and just nature. Moses worshiped and pleaded for God’s presence and forgiveness for the people. In response, God renewed His covenant, promising to perform great wonders and commanding obedience. He also warned Moses about how to deal with the inhabitants of the land they were about to enter.
Moses was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights without eating bread or drinking water. And he wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant—the Ten Commandments. – Exodus 34:28 (NIV)
When Moses descended from Mount Sinai with the tablets, his face shone radiantly because he had spoken with the LORD, though he was unaware of it. The Israelites, including Aaron, were afraid to approach him, but he reassured them and conveyed God’s commands. After speaking, Moses covered his face with a veil, removing it only when he entered God’s presence. Each time he returned, his face was radiant, and he would relay God’s message before veiling himself again.
Moses’ face was glowing because he had spent more than forty days in God’s presence on Mount Sinai. The glory of the LORD reflected on him, making his face radiant and causing the Israelites to tremble with fear. They were afraid of Moses because his radiant face was a visible sign of God’s presence, which overwhelmed them. Their fear stemmed not only from the holiness of God but also from their own sinful desires. Their attachment to sin made them dread God’s presence, fearing that His judgment could strike them down at any moment.
The Laws Restored
Moses gathered the entire Israelite community and conveyed God’s instructions regarding the Sabbath, the materials needed for the tabernacle, and the skilled craftsmen who would construct it. He provided precise measurements for the tabernacle, the ark of the covenant, the table, the lampstand, the altars, and the courtyard. Additionally, he detailed the design of the ephod, priestly garments, and breastpiece, ensuring that everything was made according to God’s command.
God commanded Moses to set up the tabernacle on the first day of the first month, arranging the ark, table, lampstand, and altar as instructed. He anointed the tabernacle and its furnishings, consecrating them as holy. Aaron and his sons were washed, dressed in sacred garments, and anointed for their priestly service.
Moses followed every command, setting up the tabernacle, placing the ark inside, hanging the shielding curtain, and arranging the bread, lamps, and incense. He established the altar, offered sacrifices, and set up the basin for washing. Finally, he completed the work by enclosing the courtyard with a curtain, fulfilling all that the LORD had commanded.
Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. Moses could not enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. – Exodus 40:34-35 (NIV)
The Glory of God
Throughout the Israelites’ journeys, they moved forward only when the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle. If the cloud remained, they stayed in place until it lifted. During the day, the LORD’s cloud rested over the tabernacle, and at night, fire was within the cloud, visible to all the Israelites as they traveled.
Just as Moses’ face shone after spending time in God’s presence, we too can reflect His glory in our lives. When we draw near to God, His Spirit transforms us from within. The more we dwell in His presence, the more His light shines through us, impacting those around us. Moses’ experience on Mount Sinai reminds us that intimacy with God changes us. His radiance was not his own but a reflection of God’s presence.
Likewise, when we walk closely with God, His love, grace, and truth will be evident in our words, actions, and character. Instead of fearing God from a distance, we are invited into a deep relationship with Him, where His presence brings peace rather than fear. Through Jesus Christ, we have access to God’s presence, and His Spirit dwells within us. As we spend time with Him daily, our lives will shine with His glory, drawing others to His light. May we, like Moses, seek God’s presence wholeheartedly, allowing His radiance to transform us and shine through us for His glory.
Discussion Questions
- What caused the Israelites to mourn?
- Did Moses ascend to Heaven, the place close to God?
- What made Moses’ face glow, and why were the Israelites afraid of him?
The Jordan Valley 
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