In Exodus 34, we encounter one of the most profound self-revelations of God in Scripture. As we conclude our journey through Exodus, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment where God chooses to show and tell His people about Himself.
The Context: A People in Rebellion
To understand the significance of this revelation, we need to catch up on the story. God had rescued the Israelites from Egypt and brought them to Mount Sinai where He wanted to reveal Himself. He spoke with a booming voice that made the mountain shake and smoke, yet His message was hopeful:
- "You're my treasure"
- "You're a kingdom of priests"
- "You are a holy nation"
God gave instructions to His people, including the commandments. He called Moses to a private meeting to share the design for a mobile palace (tabernacle) where He could dwell among His people. But while Moses was meeting with God, the Israelites grew impatient and created an idol to represent God—directly violating His command against images.
Moses pleaded with God not to destroy the nation, though some were punished for their rebellion. The ongoing problem was clear: Israel would continue to ignore God's instructions, just as we humans often do.
What Does Yahweh Mean?
Unlike us, who receive our names from others, God chose His own name: Yahweh. This Hebrew word means something like "the one who is" or "the one who causes to be." It's a name that speaks to God's self-existence and creative power.
God's Self-Revelation
In Exodus 34:6-7, God passes before Moses and proclaims His own name and character:
"Yahweh, Yahweh, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children's children, to the third and fourth generation."
This description becomes the defining revelation of God's character throughout the Bible, referenced repeatedly in other books.
What Does It Mean That God Is Merciful?
Unlike the gods of other nations, Yahweh is merciful. The way a good mother feels about her baby, God feels about His people. He's tender toward our weakness and cares deeply when we're sad. He's bothered when others take advantage of His people. Through all that we face, God gets us.
How Is God Gracious?
God doesn't merely tolerate His people—He enjoys us! He's generous and pays attention to us. Unlike some authority figures who don't have time for us, God is for us. He gives above and beyond what we ask or think.
What Does "Slow to Anger" Mean?
In Hebrew, anger is pictured as having a "hot nose." God describes Himself as "long of noses"—slow to anger. Though we let Him down and rebel against Him, He remains patient with us.
God's Steadfast Love and Faithfulness
The Hebrew word "chesed" (steadfast love) refers to loyal, covenant-keeping love. God makes promises and follows through. On good days and bad days, Yahweh still loves His people. He's also faithful—what He says is true and doesn't change.
How Does God Deal With Sin?
If God is so loving and patient, how does our sin matter? The second part of God's self-description addresses this tension.
The Hebrew Bible uses at least nine different words to describe how God deals with sin:
- Taking up our sin
- Pardoning our sin
- Covering our sin
- Atoning for our sin
- Removing our sin from us
- Wiping us clean
- Not remembering our sins against us
- Cleansing or purifying us
- Passing over sin
When God says He "takes up" our sin, it's similar to how He told the Israelites not to "take up" His name in vain. Just as we are responsible to bear His name properly, He takes responsibility for dealing with our sin.
The Tension: Forgiveness and Justice
There's a tension in God's self-description. He forgives sin but "by no means clears the guilty." How can both be true?
God can deal with our sins in ways that keep us close to Him. He is patient, doesn't remember our sins against us, separates us from our sins, pardons us, trains us to walk in His ways, and punishes rebellion when necessary.
This tension finds its ultimate resolution in Jesus Christ, who bore our punishment so we could be forgiven.
Life Application
As we reflect on God's character as revealed in Exodus 34, here are some ways to apply this truth to our lives:
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Embrace God's mercy and grace. Many of us struggle to believe that God could actually enjoy us and be for us. Take time this week to meditate on the truth that God delights in you.
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Trust God with your sin. Stop trying to handle your sin problem on your own. God has taken it up and dealt with it through Jesus Christ.
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Witness to others. Like Brooklyn challenged us in her baptism testimony, we should be witnesses of what we've seen God do. Consider who in your life needs to hear about the God who is "merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love."
Questions to Consider:
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Which aspect of God's character revealed in Exodus 34 do you find most difficult to believe about Him?
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How might your life change if you truly believed God enjoys you and is for you?
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In what ways have you witnessed God's faithfulness that you could share with others?
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Are you still trying to deal with your own sin rather than letting God take it up? What would it look like to surrender that burden?
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.