God’s Jealous Love (Exodus 34)

Lesson Plan: From Covenant to Renewal (Exodus 20–34)

I. Recap of Exodus 20: The Covenant at Sinai

1. The Giving of the Law (Exodus 20:1–21)
   • The Ten Commandments (Decalogue) given to Israel at Mount Sinai.
   • God establishes His covenant with Israel, calling them to exclusive worship and moral obedience.
   • Emphasis on the holiness of God and the people’s response: fear and awe (Exodus 20:18–21).
     “Now all the people witnessed the thunderings, the lightning flashes, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking…” (Ex. 20:18).
   • Key takeaway: This is a covenant rooted in Yahweh’s grace (He delivered them from Egypt, Ex. 20:2) and Israel’s obedience to His law.
2. The Covenant Expanded (Exodus 21–31)
   • Laws governing Israel’s civil, ceremonial, and moral life.
   • Instructions for the Tabernacle—a symbol of God’s dwelling among His people (Exodus 25:8).

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II. The Crisis: Israel’s Apostasy (Exodus 32)

1. The Golden Calf Incident
   • While Moses is on Mount Sinai, the people grow impatient and demand an idol (Ex. 32:1).
     Aaron fashions the calf, and they proclaim, “These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!” (Ex. 32:4).
   • God’s anger is kindled; He threatens to destroy them and start over with Moses (Ex. 32:9–10).
2. Moses’ Intercession
   • Moses appeals to God’s covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Ex. 32:11–14).
   • Moses confronts the people, destroys the calf, and calls the faithful to action (Levites execute judgment, Ex. 32:26–29).
3. God’s Mercy and Justice
   • God sends a plague but does not abandon Israel completely (Ex. 32:35).

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III. The Transition: Moses’ Intimacy with God (Exodus 33)

1. Moses’ Tent of Meeting
   • Moses speaks with God “face to face, as one speaks to a friend” (Ex. 33:11).
2. Moses’ Bold Request: “Show Me Your Glory”
   • Moses asks to see God’s glory as a reassurance of His continued presence (Ex. 33:18).
   • God promises to proclaim His Name but declares, “You cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live” (Ex. 33:20).

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IV. Exodus 34: Covenant Renewal and Divine Revelation

1. God’s Self-Disclosure (Ex. 34:5–7)
   • Yahweh proclaims His Name and character:
     “The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness…” (Ex. 34:6).
   • Emphasis on God’s covenant loyalty (ḥesed) and justice.
2. The Covenant Rewritten (Ex. 34:1–4, 27–28)
   • Moses ascends Sinai again with two new tablets to replace the ones he shattered.
   • The covenant is renewed, reaffirming God’s relationship with Israel despite their unfaithfulness.
3. The Call to Holiness (Ex. 34:10–26)
   • God reiterates the terms of the covenant, including commands against idolatry and instructions for proper worship.
   • See Footnote below on the meaning of “Jealous” in Exodus 34:14
   • Emphasis on Israel’s distinctiveness as a holy nation: they are to be set apart.
4. The Radiance of Moses’ Face (Ex. 34:29–35)
   • After being in God’s presence, Moses’ face shines, reflecting God’s glory.
   • A physical manifestation of the divine relationship and Moses’ unique role as mediator.

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Key Themes for Reflection

1. God’s Justice and Mercy
   • How does God balance His righteous anger over sin with His steadfast love?
   • Reflect on the tension between God’s holiness and His willingness to forgive.
2. The Role of Intercession
   • Moses as intercessor foreshadows Christ’s ultimate mediation (Hebrews 7:25).
   • How does intercessory prayer play a role in our lives?
3. Covenant Renewal After Failure
   • God does not abandon His people after their failure but renews the covenant.
   • What does this teach us about God’s patience and the hope of restoration?
4. Beholding God’s Glory
   • The shining face of Moses points to transformation through communion with God (cf. 2 Cor. 3:18).
   • How does regular time in God’s presence shape us?

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Closing Thought

Exodus 34 reminds us that the God who delivered Israel from Egypt is both holy and compassionate. Even in the face of rebellion, He remains faithful to His covenant. As Christians, this foreshadows the ultimate covenant renewal through Christ, whose glory transforms us into His image (2 Corinthians 3:18).

“Behold, I am making a covenant. Before all your people I will do marvels, such as have not been created in all the earth or in any nation. And all the people among whom you are shall see the work of the LORD, for it is an awesome thing that I will do with you.” – Exodus 34:10

Footnote: The Meaning of “Jealous” in Exodus 34:14

In Exodus 34:14, God declares, “For you shall worship no other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.” The Hebrew word for “jealous” is קַנָּא (qannaʾ), which speaks to God’s passionate, covenantal love and faithfulness.

1. Covenantal Context:
   • In the ancient world, covenants were binding, relational agreements. Israel’s covenant with Yahweh at Sinai marked them as His chosen people, bound to exclusive worship of Him (Ex. 20:3–4).
   • God’s “jealousy” reflects His commitment to protect and uphold this covenant relationship, much like a faithful spouse who refuses to tolerate betrayal (see Hosea 2:19–20).
2. Idolatry as Unfaithfulness:
   • Worshiping other gods is not just a violation of the law; it’s an act of covenant betrayal. God’s jealousy isn’t selfish or insecure—it’s a righteous zeal to defend the relationship He initiated and sustains.
   • Exodus 34:14 underscores that Israel’s worship must be undivided because God’s faithfulness to them demands their faithful response.
3. Faithfulness on Display:
   • The renewal of the covenant in Exodus 34 occurs after Israel’s grievous failure with the golden calf (Exodus 32). Despite their unfaithfulness, God remains committed to His people. His “jealousy” is a reminder of His steadfast love and His desire to draw them back into a right relationship.
4. Application Today:
   • God’s “jealousy” reminds us of His unwavering love and holiness. It calls His people to exclusive worship, urging us to reject spiritual compromises (cf. James 4:4–5).
   • Through Christ, the New Covenant also demands our full devotion: God is still a jealous God, zealous for the hearts of His people (2 Corinthians 11:2).