Scripture: Exodus 34:1-17

Aim: To instruct the Israelites in God’s basic requirements when they went into the promised land.

Golden Text: “For thou shalt worship no other god: for the Lord, Whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God” (Exodus 34:14).

Jehovah instructed Moses to hew out two tablets of stone like the ones Jehovah had first written upon and had given to Moses. Moses broke those first tablets when he and Joshua came down from the mount when Israel sinned by worshipping the golden calf (v. 1). Jehovah instructed that Moses bring the two tables of stone and come back up Mount Sinai alone (vs. 2-3).

Moses hued out the stones and returned to the mountain (vs. 4).

I. The Lord manifested Himself to Moses (vs. 5). The Lord descended in a cloud, stood with Moses in the cloud, and “proclaimed” the name of the Lord to Moses. This establishes with certainty that the Eternal God is instructing Moses and Israel. His Word instructs us today.

II. The Lord gave Moses His message (vs. 6-7). First, the Lord passed before Moses (vs. 6).

Second, Jehovah proclaimed His identity, “Jehovah God” to Moses (vs. 6).

Third, He declared His character traits to Moses. He is merciful. He is gracious. He is long-suffering. He is abundant in goodness. He is abundant in truth. He keeps mercy for thousands. He forgives iniquity and the transgressions and sins of His people. Thank God He offers forgiveness to the repentant.

The Lord will not clear the guilty (vs. 7) unless they repent. The sins will remain unforgiven and be a means of adversity and difficulty in the life. It is a sad lot for the unforgiven. The life will be devoid of forgiveness and cleansing. What a miserable life that becomes.

III. The Lord’s man Moses (vs. 8-9). Moses is a good example of a person who humbly surrenders and submits himself to the Lord and His will.

First, Moses took the place of humble submission to the Lord. He bowed his head in reverence (vs. 8).

Second, Moses worshipped the Lord in honor and submission (vs. 8).

Third, Moses prayed for mercy from God. He desires to be in the good graces of God (vs. 9). Moses prayed that God would go with the Israelites on their journey. Moses prayed for pardon and forgiveness for the people. Moses asked God to take Israel for His inheritance.

Moses was an intercessor for the people of Israel. This is one of the great needs in our world today. May God raise up for us many intercessors!

IV. God’s covenant with Israel (vs. 10). He promises that He will do marvels (miracles) among the people. He will work in a greater and more wonderful way in Israel than He has done in any other nation.

If the people will obey the Lord, He promises to drive all the pagan nations out of the land of promise, Palestine (vs. 11).

Further, He warns that they must break down their pagan altars and destroy their pagan gods (vs. 12-13). They must worship and serve Jehovah God only. If they will be faithful to Jehovah, His blessings will be continually upon the people.

The same truth applies to God’s people today. He requires that He only be their God. He requires that only He be worshipped and served. This will result in His continual blessings today.