Exodus 34:28

Exodus 34:28 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

So Moses was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights without eating bread or drinking water. He wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant—the Ten Commandments.

King James Version KJV

And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments.

American Standard Version ASV

And he was there with Jehovah forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And for forty days and forty nights Moses was there with the Lord, and in that time he had no food or drink. And he put in writing on the stones the words of the agreement, the ten rules of the law.

Free Bible Version FBV

Moses spent forty days and forty nights there with the Lord without eating bread or drinking water. He wrote down on the tablets the words of the agreement, the Ten Commandments.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

So hee was there with the Lord fourtie dayes and fourtie nights, and did neither eat bread nor drinke water: and hee wrote in the Tables the wordes of the couenant, euen the tenne commandements.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And he is there with Jehovah forty days and forty nights; bread he hath not eaten, and water he hath not drunk; and he writeth on the tables the matters of the covenant — the ten matters.

World English Bible WEB

He was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he neither ate bread, nor drank water. He wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant, the ten commandments.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he neither ate bread nor drank water: and he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And he was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights: he neither ate bread nor drank water, and he wrote upon the tables the ten words of the covenant.

Translation for Translators T4T

Moses/I was there on the top of the mountain with Yahweh for 40 days and nights. During that time he/I did not eat or drink anything [SYN]. He/I engraved on the stone slabs the words of the Ten Commandments, which were part of Yahweh’s solemn agreement.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights

God & Jesus

Holy Spirit

Divine Actions

Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 34:28

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Exodus 34:28 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַֽ/יְהִי שָׁ֣ם עִם יְהוָ֗ה אַרְבָּעִ֥ים יוֹם֙ וְ/אַרְבָּעִ֣ים לַ֔יְלָה לֶ֚חֶם לֹ֣א אָכַ֔ל וּ/מַ֖יִם לֹ֣א שָׁתָ֑ה וַ/יִּכְתֹּ֣ב עַל הַ/לֻּחֹ֗ת אֵ֚ת דִּבְרֵ֣י הַ/בְּרִ֔ית עֲשֶׂ֖רֶת הַ/דְּבָרִֽים

וַֽ/יְהִי hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

שָׁ֣ם shâm H8033 there Adv

עִם ʻim H5973 with Prep

יְהוָ֗ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

אַרְבָּעִ֥ים ʼarbâʻîym H705 forty Adj

יוֹם֙ yôwm H3117 day N-ms

וְ/אַרְבָּעִ֣ים ʼarbâʻîym H705 forty Conj | Adj

לַ֔יְלָה layil H3915 night N-ms

לֶ֚חֶם lechem H3899 food N-cs

לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part

אָכַ֔ל ʼâkal H398 to eat V-Qal-Perf-3ms

וּ/מַ֖יִם mayim H4325 Water (Gate) Conj | N-mp

לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part

שָׁתָ֑ה shâthâh H8354 to drink V-Qal-Perf-3ms

וַ/יִּכְתֹּ֣ב kâthab H3789 to write Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

הַ/לֻּחֹ֗ת lûwach H3871 tablet Art | N-mp

אֵ֚ת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

דִּבְרֵ֣י dâbâr H1697 Chronicles N-mp

הַ/בְּרִ֔ית bᵉrîyth H1285 covenant Art | N-fs

עֲשֶׂ֖רֶת ʻeser H6235 ten Adj

הַ/דְּבָרִֽים dâbâr H1697 Chronicles Art | N-mp

Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 34:28

וַֽ/יְהִי hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

שָׁ֣ם shâm H8033 "there" Adv

The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.

Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)

Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.

עִם ʻim H5973 "with" Prep

This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.

Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as

Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.

יְהוָ֗ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

אַרְבָּעִ֥ים ʼarbâʻîym H705 "forty" Adj

The number forty is what this Hebrew word represents, often used in the Bible to mark significant periods of time, like the 40 days of rain in Genesis or the 40 years of Israel's wilderness journey.

Definition: forty

Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: -forty. See also: Genesis 5:13; Judges 13:1; Psalms 95:10.

יוֹם֙ yôwm H3117 "day" N-ms

The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow

Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.

וְ/אַרְבָּעִ֣ים ʼarbâʻîym H705 "forty" Conj | Adj

The number forty is what this Hebrew word represents, often used in the Bible to mark significant periods of time, like the 40 days of rain in Genesis or the 40 years of Israel's wilderness journey.

Definition: forty

Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: -forty. See also: Genesis 5:13; Judges 13:1; Psalms 95:10.

לַ֔יְלָה layil H3915 "night" N-ms

Night refers to the time of darkness, opposed to day, and can also symbolize adversity or hardship. It is a period of rest, but also of potential danger or uncertainty.

Definition: 1) night 1a) night (as opposed to day) 1b) of gloom, protective shadow (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: (mid-)night (season). See also: Genesis 1:5; 2 Samuel 17:16; Psalms 1:2.

לֶ֚חֶם lechem H3899 "food" N-cs

This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.

Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)

Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.

לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

אָכַ֔ל ʼâkal H398 "to eat" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.

Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)

Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.

וּ/מַ֖יִם mayim H4325 "Water (Gate)" Conj | N-mp

This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.

Definition: This name means water, refreshment

Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.

לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

שָׁתָ֑ה shâthâh H8354 "to drink" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to drink, and it's used in many ways, like drinking from a cup or feasting. It's also used to describe being drunk or taking part in a big celebration. We see it in stories like the Last Supper in Matthew 26:27.

Definition: 1) to drink 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to drink 1a1a) of drinking cup of God's wrath, of slaughter, of wicked deeds (fig) 1a2) to feast 1b) (Niphal) to be drunk Aramaic equivalent: she.tah (שְׁתָה "to drink" H8355)

Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] assuredly, banquet, [idiom] certainly, drink(-er, -ing), drunk ([idiom] -ard), surely. (Prop. intensive of H8248 (שָׁקָה).) See also: Genesis 9:21; 2 Kings 19:24; Psalms 50:13.

וַ/יִּכְתֹּ֣ב kâthab H3789 "to write" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

To write or record something, including inscribing or engraving. It is used in various contexts, such as writing down a decree or subscribing to an agreement. This word is about putting thoughts or ideas into written form.

Definition: 1) to write, record, enrol 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to write, inscribe, engrave, write in, write on 1a2) to write down, describe in writing 1a3) to register, enrol, record 1a4) to decree 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be written 1b2) to be written down, be recorded, be enrolled 1c) (Piel) to continue writing Aramaic equivalent: ke.tav (כְּתַב "to write" H3790)

Usage: Occurs in 212 OT verses. KJV: describe, record, prescribe, subscribe, write(-ing, -ten). See also: Exodus 17:14; 1 Chronicles 9:1; Psalms 40:8.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

הַ/לֻּחֹ֗ת lûwach H3871 "tablet" Art | N-mp

This word refers to a polished tablet, possibly made of stone, wood, or metal. In the Bible, it is used to describe the tablets of stone given to Moses, and is translated as board, plate, or table in the KJV.

Definition: 1) board, slab, tablet, plank 1a) tablets (of stone) 1b) boards (of wood) 1c) plate (of metal)

Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: board, plate, table. See also: Exodus 24:12; Deuteronomy 9:15; Proverbs 3:3.

אֵ֚ת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

דִּבְרֵ֣י dâbâr H1697 "Chronicles" N-mp

A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.

Definition: This name means word, speaking

Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.

הַ/בְּרִ֔ית bᵉrîyth H1285 "covenant" Art | N-fs

A covenant is a promise or agreement between people or between God and people, like a treaty or alliance. It is first mentioned in the Bible in Genesis, where God makes a covenant with Abraham. This concept is central to the Bible.

Definition: 1) covenant, alliance, pledge 1a) between men 1a1) treaty, alliance, league (man to man) 1a2) constitution, ordinance (monarch to subjects) 1a3) agreement, pledge (man to man) 1a4) alliance (of friendship) 1a5) alliance (of marriage) 1b) between God and man 1b1) alliance (of friendship) 1b2) covenant (divine ordinance with signs or pledges) 2) (phrases) 2a) covenant making 2b) covenant keeping 2c) covenant violation

Usage: Occurs in 264 OT verses. KJV: confederacy, (con-) feder(-ate), covenant, league. See also: Genesis 6:18; Judges 20:27; Psalms 25:10.

עֲשֶׂ֖רֶת ʻeser H6235 "ten" Adj

This Hebrew word means the number ten, often used in combination with other numbers to describe larger quantities, such as in the story of the ten commandments in Exodus 20. It is commonly translated as 'ten' in the KJV.

Definition: 1) ten 1a) ten 1b) with other numbers Aramaic equivalent: a.sar (עֲשַׂר "ten" H6236)

Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ten, (fif-, seven-) teen. See also: Genesis 5:14; 1 Kings 6:3; Isaiah 5:10.

הַ/דְּבָרִֽים dâbâr H1697 "Chronicles" Art | N-mp

A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.

Definition: This name means word, speaking

Study Notes — Exodus 34:28

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Exodus 34:28 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 34:28
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 34:28
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 34:28
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 34:28
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 34:28
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 34:28
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 34:28
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 34:28
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 34:28
Sermons on Exodus 34:28

Context — The LORD Renews the Covenant

26Bring the best of the firstfruits of your soil to the house of the LORD your God. You must not cook a young goat in its mother’s milk.” 27The LORD also said to Moses, “Write down these words, for in accordance with these words I have made a covenant with you and with Israel.”

28So Moses was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights without eating bread or drinking water. He wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant—the Ten Commandments.

29And when Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands, he was unaware that his face had become radiant from speaking with the LORD. 30Aaron and all the Israelites looked at Moses, and behold, his face was radiant. And they were afraid to approach him.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Exodus 34:1	Then the LORD said to Moses, “Chisel out two stone tablets like the originals, and I will write on them the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke.
2	Exodus 24:18	Moses entered the cloud as he went up on the mountain, and he remained on the mountain forty days and forty nights.
3	Deuteronomy 9:18	Then I fell down before the LORD for forty days and forty nights, as I had done the first time. I did not eat bread or drink water because of all the sin you had committed in doing what was evil in the sight of the LORD and provoking Him to anger.
4	Deuteronomy 9:25	So I fell down before the LORD for forty days and forty nights, because the LORD had said He would destroy you.
5	Deuteronomy 4:13	He declared to you His covenant, which He commanded you to follow—the Ten Commandments that He wrote on two tablets of stone.
6	Exodus 31:18	When the LORD had finished speaking with Moses on Mount Sinai, He gave him the two tablets of the Testimony, tablets of stone inscribed by the finger of God.
7	Exodus 32:16	The tablets were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, engraved on the tablets.
8	2 Corinthians 3:7	Now if the ministry of death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at the face of Moses because of its fleeting glory,
9	Deuteronomy 9:9	When I went up on the mountain to receive the tablets of stone, the tablets of the covenant that the LORD made with you, I stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights. I ate no bread and drank no water.
10	Deuteronomy 10:2–4	And I will write on the tablets the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke; and you are to place them in the ark.” So I made an ark of acacia wood, chiseled out two stone tablets like the originals, and went up the mountain with the two tablets in my hands. And the LORD wrote on the tablets what had been written previously, the Ten Commandments that He had spoken to you on the mountain out of the fire on the day of the assembly. The LORD gave them to me,

Exodus 34:28 Summary

This verse tells us that Moses spent forty days and forty nights with the Lord, without eating or drinking, and wrote down the Ten Commandments on tablets. This shows us how much Moses loved and respected God, and how important it is to spend time with Him and follow His commands, as seen in Psalm 119:105 and Matthew 22:37-40. Just like Moses, we can prioritize time with God and seek to obey His commands, as seen in John 14:15 and 1 John 2:3-6. By doing so, we can deepen our relationship with Him and fulfill our purpose as His children, as seen in Ephesians 1:4-5 and 2 Corinthians 6:18.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of Moses being with the Lord for forty days and forty nights without eating bread or drinking water?

This demonstrates Moses' devotion and the Lord's provision, as seen in Deuteronomy 9:9, where Moses also fasted for forty days and nights while on Mount Sinai, and in Exodus 24:18, where he was on the mountain for the same period of time, highlighting the importance of this spiritual discipline in his relationship with God.

Why did Moses write on the tablets the words of the covenant—the Ten Commandments?

Moses wrote the Ten Commandments on the tablets as a reminder of the covenant between God and the Israelites, as instructed by the Lord in Exodus 34:27, emphasizing the importance of obeying God's commands, as also seen in Deuteronomy 4:13 and Deuteronomy 10:4.

What can we learn from Moses' experience of being with the Lord for an extended period?

Moses' experience teaches us the value of spending time with God, seeking His presence, and being obedient to His commands, as seen in Psalm 16:11, where David expresses his desire to abide in God's presence, and in Matthew 4:4, where Jesus emphasizes the importance of living by every word that comes from God's mouth.

How does this verse relate to the broader context of the Bible?

This verse is part of the larger narrative of God's covenant with the Israelites, as seen in Genesis 12:1-3, where God promises to make Abraham a great nation, and in Exodus 19:5-6, where God sets the Israelites apart as His treasured possession, highlighting the significance of the Ten Commandments in God's plan of redemption, as also seen in Romans 3:20 and Galatians 3:24.

Reflection Questions

What would it mean for me to spend forty days and nights in the presence of the Lord, and how can I prioritize time with Him in my daily life?
In what ways can I, like Moses, demonstrate my devotion to God through spiritual disciplines such as fasting and prayer, as seen in Matthew 6:16-18 and Luke 18:1-8?
How can I, like the Israelites, remember and obey the commands of God, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and Psalm 119:11, and what role do the Ten Commandments play in my relationship with Him?
What are some ways that I can, like Moses, be a vessel for God's words and commands to others, as seen in Exodus 4:10-12 and Jeremiah 1:4-10, and how can I share God's message with those around me?

Gill's Exposition on Exodus 34:28

And he was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights,.... These were other forty days and nights, besides those he had been with the Lord, when he came down and broke the two tables in his

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 34:28

And the LORD said unto Moses, Write thou these words: for after the tenor of these words I have made a covenant with thee and with Israel.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 34:28

He was there forty days and forty nights; as he had been before, being now to renew the broken covenant. This forty days’ fast of his is mentioned four times, , and here, and 10:10, but it is evident it was performed but twice, as the occasion of it happened only twice. He wrote, not Moses, but the Lord, as appears from , and from Deuteronomy 10, the relative pronoun being here referred to the remoter antecedent, of which there are many instances, as 27:8 .

Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 34:28

Exodus 34:28 And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments.Ver. 28. Forty days and forty nights.] Moses, Elias, and Christ - those three great fathers met glorious in mount Tabor. Abstinence merits not, but prepares the best for good duties. He wrote.] That is, God wrote, as some will have it. Weems. Exer.

Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 34:28

(28) He was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights.—As on his former ascent (Exodus 24:18). The long time is, at first sight, surprising, since there were now no instructions to be given. But we learn from Deuteronomy (Exodus 9:18-19) that it was required for an earnest and prolonged intercession by Moses on behalf of his nation, which ultimately prevailed with God, and induced Him to put away His “anger and hot displeasure.” He did neither eat bread, nor drink water.—A similar fast had been kept on the previous occasion (Deuteronomy 9:9), though it is not mentioned in Exodus. Fasts of this extraordinary duration are only recorded of Moses, of Elijah (1 Kings 19:8), and of our Lord (Matthew 4:2). They are absolutely miraculous, and modern attempts to rival them are viewed by scientific men as deriving such apparent success as may have attended them from imposture. He wrote upon the tables.—It has been concluded from this statement that Moses engraved the words upon the second tables; and the passage, if it stood alone, would certainly admit, and, indeed, naturally suggest, this meaning. But the Hebrew idiom allows us to regard Jehovah as the nominative to the verb “wrote;” and it is necessary so to do in order to bring the passage into agreement with Exodus 34:1. and with Deuteronomy 10:2; Deuteronomy 10:4. Thus the second tables are to be viewed as “written with the finger of God” no less than the first (Exodus 31:18; Exodus 32:16).

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 34:28

Verse 28. Forty days and forty nights] See Clarke on Exodus 24:18.

Cambridge Bible on Exodus 34:28

10–28. The (re-)establishment of the covenant, with the laws upon which it is based. The passage belongs in the main to E; but it has probably been enlarged in parts with hortatory additions by the compiler. We have met with some such additions before, in Exodus 20:22 to Exodus 23:33; and they are found elsewhere also in connexion with laws, as in Leviticus 18:1-5; Leviticus 18:24-29; Leviticus 20:22-24 (H), and Deuteronomy 12-26 passim.

Barnes' Notes on Exodus 34:28

He wrote - i. e. Yahweh wrote Exodus 34:1.

Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 34:28

28. Forty days and forty nights — Comp. Exodus 24:18. So that Moses passed two periods of this length with the Lord in the mount.

Sermons on Exodus 34:28

	Sermon	Description
	(Guidelines) Archaeology by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the speaker discusses how archaeology has provided evidence that supports the authenticity of the Word of God. They mention that in the past, some people denied the
	Are You a Living Epistle? by Hans R. Waldvogel	In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a dilapidated house that was bought by a new owner. The new owner completely transformed the house, fixing the foundation and makin
	Funeral Service / Mike Morrow by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of guarding the gift of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He highlights that the gospel is the most precious and powerful thing entr
	The Better Ministry of Christ. by Robert Murray M'Cheyne	Robert Murray M'Cheyne emphasizes the superiority of Christ's ministry as the ultimate high priest, contrasting it with the old covenant priesthood. He explains that while the Jewi
	The Covenants by Charles Finney	Charles Finney discusses 'The Covenants,' emphasizing the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant as outlined in Hebrews 8:13. He explains the nature of covenants, the
	(Exodus) Exodus 34:1-7 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Exodus 34:1-7, where God instructs Moses to carve two new stone tablets after breaking the first ones. The speaker emphasizes that even thoug
	Election and Reprobation #12 Concerning Jacob and Esau by John Calvin	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the power of the preaching of the gospel and how it is the means through which believers are saved. He emphasizes that when the grace of God