Exodus 34:28 (KJV)

What does Exodus 34:28 mean?

Exodus 34:28 describes Moses spending forty days and forty nights with the LORD on Mount Sinai, during which he neither ate bread nor drank water. During this time, Moses wrote the words of the covenant, known as the ten commandments, on stone tablets.

In this verse, Moses is alone with God after Israel’s earlier failure with the golden calf. The verse highlights the extraordinary nature of Moses’ encounter: he goes without food or water for an extended period, emphasizing the seriousness and supernatural aspect of receiving God’s covenant. The focus is on the renewal of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, with Moses acting as the mediator.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 34:28

• LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing that Moses is in direct relationship with the God of Israel, not just a generic deity.
• forty (אַרְבָּעִים, arbaʿim): The number forty often marks periods of testing or preparation in the Bible, and here it underscores the significance and completeness of Moses’ time on the mountain.
• covenant (בְּרִית, berit): This word means a binding agreement or promise; here, it refers to the special relationship and obligations between God and Israel.
• commandments (דְּבָרִים, devarim): Literally “words,” this term highlights that what Moses receives are not just rules, but the spoken words and will of God, forming the foundation of Israel’s faith.

Why Exodus 34:28 matters

• This verse clarifies that the ten commandments are called “the words of the covenant,” showing their central role in Israel’s relationship with God.
• The detail that Moses did not eat or drink for forty days sets this event apart as miraculous and unique, emphasizing the seriousness of the covenant renewal.
• Exodus 34:28 connects back to earlier chapters where Moses first received the law, showing that despite Israel’s failure, God is willing to restore the relationship through Moses’ mediation.