Exodus 34

1 two tables. Preparatory to the renewal of the covenant with Israel, of which the laws contained on the two tables formed the basis.

5 proclaimed the name. That is, He declared His perfections. This was by the words uttered in vers. 6, 7.

7 keeping mercy for thousands, etc. Or, perhaps, “keeping mercy to a thousand generations; forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin; and acquitting even him who is not innocent; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third or to the fourth generation only.” The thousand generations to which mercy is extended (xx. 6, note) are put in contrast with the third and fourth generation upon which iniquity is visited.

9 stiffnecked. Jehovah had given this as His reason for not going with them (xxxiii. 3); but Moses inverts the argument; alleging that such a people peculiarly needed a leader so merciful and forgiving as God had just declared Himself to be.

13 images. Rather, “pillars” (R.V.).

groves. Heb., “Asherim”; i.e., statues, or symbols, of Ashtoreth. See Judges ii. 13; iii. 7.

15 whoring. This figure is often used to represent unfaithfulness to Jehovah as the God of Israel (Deut. xxxi. 16; Judges ii. 17; etc.).

24 thrice in the year. At the Passover, at Pentecost and at the Feast of Tabernacles (Deut. xvi. 16).

29 shone. Literally, “shot out rays.” This was, no doubt, intended to inspire the people with deeper reverence for Moses.

33. And [till]. The old versions supply “when,” instead of “till”; intimating that when delivering the Divine message Moses was unveiled.