like seeing a man that is gone by, whose back only is to be seen. God in Christ, as he is, even the
fullest and brightest displays of his glory, grace, and goodness, are reserved to another state.
Chapter 34
Chapter Outline
The tables of the law renewed. (1–4)
The name of the Lord proclaimed, The (5–9)
entreaty of Moses.
God's covenant. (10–17)
The festivals. (18–27)
The vail of Moses. (28–35)Verses 1–4
When God made man in his own image, the moral law was written in his heart, by the finger
of God, without outward means. But since the covenant then made with man was broken, the Lord
has used the ministry of men, both in writing the law in the Scriptures, and in writing it in the heart.
When God was reconciled to the Israelites, he ordered the tables to be renewed, and wrote his law
in them. Even under the gospel of peace by Christ, the moral law continues to bind believers.
Though Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, yet not from the commands of it. The
first and the best evidence of the pardon of sin, and peace with God, is the writing the law in the
heart.
Verses 5–9
The Lord descended by some open token of his presence and manifestation of his glory in a
cloud, and thence proclaimed his NAME; that is, the perfections and character which are denoted
by the name JEHOVAH. The Lord God is merciful; ready to forgive the sinner, and to relieve the
needy. Gracious; kind, and ready to bestow undeserved benefits. Long-suffering; slow to anger,
giving time for repentance, only punishing when it is needful. He is abundant in goodness and truth;
even sinners receive the riches of his bounty abundantly, though they abuse them. All he reveals
is infallible truth, all he promises is in faithfulness. Keeping mercy for thousands; he continually
shows mercy to sinners, and has treasures, which cannot be exhausted, to the end of time. Forgiving
iniquity, and transgression, and sin; his mercy and goodness reach to the full and free forgiveness
of sin. And will by no means clear the guilty; the holiness and justice of God are part of his goodness
and love towards all his creatures. In Christ's sufferings, the Divine holiness and justice are fully
shown, and the evil of sin is made known. God's forgiving mercy is always attended by his
converting, sanctifying grace. None are pardoned but those who repent and forsake the allowed
practice of every sin; nor shall any escape, who abuse, neglect, or despise this great salvation.