And after this all the Israelites came nearThis phrase follows the event where Moses descends from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law. The Israelites coming near signifies their readiness to receive God's commandments. This gathering reflects the communal nature of Israel's covenant relationship with God, emphasizing the importance of collective obedience and accountability. The Israelites' approach also indicates their reverence and recognition of Moses as God's chosen mediator.
and Moses commanded them
Moses acts as the intermediary between God and the Israelites, a role he consistently fulfills throughout the Exodus narrative. His authority to command comes directly from his encounters with God, highlighting the importance of leadership that is grounded in divine instruction. This mirrors the role of prophets and leaders throughout the Old Testament who convey God's will to His people.
to do everything that the LORD had told him
This underscores the comprehensive nature of God's commandments, which cover all aspects of life, including moral, ceremonial, and civil laws. The emphasis on "everything" indicates that partial obedience is insufficient; the Israelites are called to full compliance. This reflects the covenantal relationship where blessings are contingent upon obedience, as seen inDeuteronomy 28.
on Mount Sinai
Mount Sinai is a significant location in biblical history, serving as the site where God reveals His law to Moses. It is a place of divine encounter and revelation, symbolizing God's holiness and the establishment of His covenant with Israel. The mountain is traditionally identified with Jebel Musa in the Sinai Peninsula, though its exact location remains debated. Sinai represents a type of Christ as the mediator of a new covenant, as seen inHebrews 12:18-24, where the contrast between the old and new covenants is drawn.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe central figure in this passage, Moses is the leader of the Israelites and the mediator between God and His people. He receives the commandments from God on Mount Sinai and communicates them to the Israelites.
2.
The IsraelitesThe people of God who have been delivered from slavery in Egypt. They are gathered to hear the commandments that Moses has received from God.
3.
Mount SinaiThe mountain where Moses meets with God and receives the Law. It is a place of divine revelation and covenant-making.
4.
The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel who gives the Law to Moses. He is the ultimate authority and source of the commandments.
5.
The CommandmentsThe laws and instructions given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai, which form the basis of the covenant relationship between God and Israel.
Teaching Points
The Importance of ObedienceJust as Moses commanded the Israelites to obey God's instructions, we are called to live in obedience to God's Word today. Obedience is a demonstration of our faith and commitment to God.
The Role of MediatorsMoses acted as a mediator between God and the Israelites. In the New Testament, Jesus is our ultimate mediator, bridging the gap between God and humanity.
The Significance of Divine RevelationMount Sinai represents a place of divine revelation where God communicates His will. We should seek to understand and apply God's revelations in our lives through Scripture.
Community and AccountabilityThe gathering of the Israelites to hear God's commandments highlights the importance of community in the faith journey. We are called to support and hold each other accountable in our walk with God.
The Continuity of God's LawWhile the context and application may differ, the moral and ethical principles of God's Law remain relevant. We should strive to understand how these principles apply in our lives today.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Exodus 34:32?
2.How does Exodus 34:32 emphasize the importance of sharing God's commands with others?
3.What can we learn from Moses' role in communicating God's laws to Israel?
4.How does Exodus 34:32 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20?
5.In what ways can we apply Moses' example of leadership in our lives?
6.How can we ensure we faithfully convey God's teachings to our community today?
7.What does Exodus 34:32 reveal about Moses' leadership and communication with the Israelites?
8.How does Exodus 34:32 reflect the importance of obedience to God's commandments?
9.Why is the context of Exodus 34:32 significant in understanding the covenant renewal?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 34?
11.Why did Aaron create the golden calf for worship?
12.What truths does 'Unveiled Face' reveal about identity?
13.(Exodus 34:29-35) How can Moses's radiant face be explained scientifically, and why are there no other similar reports in the Torah?
14.What lessons does Moses' life teach us?What Does Exodus 34:32 Mean
And after thisThe phrase “Afterward” anchors us in real time, right after Moses descended from Sinai with the renewed tablets (Exodus 34:29–31).
• It signals continuity—God’s covenant wasn’t theoretical; it moved straight into daily life (cf.Exodus 24:3, “Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD… and all the people answered with one voice”).
• It highlights grace after failure. Israel had just recovered from the golden-calf fiasco (Exodus 32). The LORD gave them a fresh start, proving that His mercy truly “goes on for a thousand generations” (Exodus 34:6–7).
all the Israelites came nearIsrael gathers as one congregation.
• Their approach shows restored relationship; earlier they had backed away in fear (Exodus 20:18–19). Now they draw near because the mediator’s face shines with reflected glory (Exodus 34:30).
• Corporate nearness matters. God’s covenant was never merely with individual believers but with a redeemed nation (Deuteronomy 4:10;Hebrews 10:24–25 reminds today’s church not to neglect assembling).
and Moses commanded themMoses acts as faithful shepherd and mouthpiece.
• Obedience to revelation is never optional (Deuteronomy 4:1–2;John 14:15).
• The authority rests not in Moses’ personality but in God’s word entrusted to him. Centuries later, Jesus mirrored this pattern, teaching only what the Father gave Him (John 12:49).
to do everythingThe call is comprehensive.
• Selective obedience is disobedience (James 2:10).
• God’s covenant instructions covered worship, ethics, justice, and community life—demonstrating that every sphere belongs to Him (Psalm 24:1).
• Jesus’ Great Commission echoes this breadth: “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:20).
that the LORD had told him on Mount SinaiMount Sinai is the source, underscoring divine, not human, origin.
• Tablets “written by the finger of God” (Exodus 31:18) reinforce the reliability and permanence of Scripture (Psalm 119:89).
• The location matters: the same mountain where God revealed His holiness (Exodus 19) and displayed covenant mercy (Exodus 34:6–7) grounds the law in both awe and grace.
• Later writers look back to Sinai to affirm the trustworthiness of God’s self-revelation (Nehemiah 9:13–14;Malachi 4:4).
summaryExodus 34:32 captures a pivotal covenant moment: once Moses’ shining face assured the people, the entire nation approached, ready to hear. Moses, God’s appointed mediator, relayed every word given on Sinai, calling Israel to wholehearted, comprehensive obedience. The verse reassures us that God’s commands are clear, authoritative, graciously provided, and meant to be embraced together by His people.
Verse 32. -
Allthat the Lord had spoken. "All,"
i.e., "that the Lord had commanded him to enjoin upon them" - especially the precepts in vers. 10-26 - not all that he had heard from God in the space of forty days and forty nights.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
And afterוְאַחֲרֵי־(wə·’a·ḥă·rê-)Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 310:The hind or following partthisכֵ֥ן(ḵên)Adverb
Strong's 3651:So -- thusallכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everythe Israelitesבְּנֵ֣י(bə·nê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121:A soncame near,נִגְּשׁ֖וּ(nig·gə·šū)Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 5066:To draw near, approachand [Moses] commandedוַיְצַוֵּ֕ם(way·ṣaw·wêm)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 6680:To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, orderthem to do everythingכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everythatאֲשֶׁ֨ר(’ă·šer)Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order thatthe LORDיְהוָ֛ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelhad told himדִּבֶּ֧ר(dib·ber)Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1696:To arrange, to speak, to subdueon Mountבְּהַ֥ר(bə·har)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2022:Mountain, hill, hill countrySinai.סִינָֽי׃(sî·nāy)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 5514:Sinai -- the mountain where the law was given
Links
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OT Law: Exodus 34:32 Afterward all the children of Israel came (Exo. Ex) 
