Why did Moses cover his face?

The story of Moses covering his face is a fascinating and profound episode found in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Exodus. While it might seem like a simple act at first glance, the reasons behind Moses covering his face after encountering God reveal much about the nature of God, the experience of divine glory, and the relationship between God and humanity. In this post, we’ll explore the biblical account, the theological meaning behind Moses’ action, and its relevance for us today.

The Biblical Account: Moses and the Glory of God

The context for Moses covering his face is found in Exodus 34:29-35. After Israel’s deliverance from Egypt, Moses ascended Mount Sinai to receive the law from God. He spent forty days and nights in God’s presence, during which time he neither ate bread nor drank water. When Moses descended the mountain, “the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God” (Exodus 34:29, ESV).

The Israelites, upon seeing Moses, were afraid to come near him because his face radiated an otherworldly brightness. To address their fear, Moses called the people to him, shared God’s commandments, and then “put a veil over his face” (Exodus 34:33). Whenever he entered the Lord’s presence to speak with Him, Moses would remove the veil. Afterwards, he would cover his face again when speaking with the people. This pattern continued throughout his leadership.

The Glory Reflected: Why Did Moses’ Face Shine?

Moses’ shining face was a direct result of being in God’s presence. The Bible teaches that God is infinitely holy and glorious. When Moses spoke with God “face to face, as a man speaks with his friend” (Exodus 33:11), he was exposed to the radiance of God’s glory in a unique way. This experience left a visible imprint on Moses, causing his face to shine as a reflection of the divine light.

This radiant glow symbolized both God’s approval of Moses and Moses’ unique role as mediator between God and Israel. It also served as a visible testimony to the people that Moses had truly encountered God. However, the brilliance of his face was so intense that it instilled fear in those who saw it, highlighting the vast gap between God’s holiness and human frailty.

The Veil: A Barrier and a Symbol

So why did Moses cover his face? The immediate reason, according to the text, was that the Israelites were unsettled and could not bear to look upon the glory reflected in Moses’ face. By veiling himself, Moses made his presence more approachable and allowed the people to hear God’s words without being overcome by fear.

Theologically, the veil came to symbolize a barrier between humanity and the fullness of God’s glory. Even as God’s chosen leader, Moses had to mediate the divine presence in a way that the people could handle. The veil was a concession to human weakness and spiritual immaturity, reminding Israel that access to God’s glory was limited under the old covenant.

A Deeper Meaning: The Apostle Paul’s Interpretation

The New Testament offers further insight into this episode. In 2 Corinthians 3:7-18, the Apostle Paul refers to the story of Moses’ veil to contrast the old and new covenants. Paul explains that the old covenant, represented by Moses and the law, was glorious but fading. The shining of Moses’ face was temporary, and the veil symbolized the inability of the law to bring full and lasting transformation.

Paul writes that in Christ, the veil is removed. Through Jesus, believers have direct access to God’s presence and are transformed “from glory to glory” by the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18). The glory revealed in Christ surpasses that of Moses, and the barriers between God and humanity are torn down. The veil, therefore, points forward to the greater revelation and intimacy made possible through Jesus Christ.

The Relevance for Today

Moses covering his face is more than an ancient ritual; it is a powerful reminder of both the greatness of God and the privilege of access we have through Christ. It reminds us that while God’s holiness is awe-inspiring and even frightening, He desires to draw near to His people. The story also challenges us to consider how we reflect God’s glory in our own lives. Just as Moses’ face shone after being with God, our character and actions should reflect our encounters with Him.

Finally, the removal of the veil through Christ encourages believers to approach God with confidence and openness. We are invited to gaze upon His glory and be transformed by His Spirit, not with fear, but with gratitude and boldness.