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Exodus 34:34 - Divine intimacy unveiled briefly.

Exodus 34:34 - שמות 34:34

Hebrew Text

וּבְבֹא מֹשֶׁה לִפְנֵי יְהוָה לְדַבֵּר אִתּוֹ יָסִיר אֶת־הַמַּסְוֶה עַד־צֵאתוֹ וְיָצָא וְדִבֶּר אֶל־בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל אֵת אֲשֶׁר יְצֻוֶּה׃

English Translation

But when Moshe went in before the Lord to speak with him, he took the veil off, until he came out. And he came out, and spoke to the children of Yisra᾽el that which he was commanded.

Transliteration

Uvvo Moshe lifnei Adonai ledaber ito yasir et-hamasve ad-tzeito veyatza vediber el-bnei Yisrael et asher yetzuveh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּבְבֹ֨א מֹשֶׁ֜ה לִפְנֵ֤י יְהֹוָה֙ לְדַבֵּ֣ר אִתּ֔וֹ יָסִ֥יר אֶת־הַמַּסְוֶ֖ה עַד־צֵאת֑וֹ וְיָצָ֗א וְדִבֶּר֙ אֶל־בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל אֵ֖ת אֲשֶׁ֥ר יְצֻוֶּֽה׃
וּבְבֹ֨א מֹשֶׁ֜ה לִפְנֵ֤י יְהֹוָה֙ לְדַבֵּ֣ר אִתּ֔וֹ יָסִ֥יר אֶת־הַמַּסְוֶ֖ה עַד־צֵאת֑וֹ וְיָצָ֗א וְדִבֶּר֙ אֶל־בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל אֵ֖ת אֲשֶׁ֥ר יְצֻוֶּֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Removal of Moshe's Veil Before Hashem

The verse (Shemot 34:34) describes Moshe removing his veil when speaking with Hashem. Rashi explains that this teaches us Moshe's humility—though his face shone with divine radiance (קרן עור פניו), he did not seek honor for himself when standing before the Almighty. The veil was only worn when addressing Bnei Yisrael, not in Hashem's presence.

Symbolism of the Veil

The Kli Yakar offers a deeper interpretation: the veil represented the separation between Moshe's supreme prophetic level and the people's capacity to receive divine wisdom. Before Hashem, no such barrier existed—Moshe could commune directly without mediation. This reflects the ideal state of דביקות (cleaving to Hashem) where no concealment is necessary.

Halachic Implications

Rambam (Yesodei HaTorah 7:6) derives from this verse principles about prophecy:

  • A prophet must be completely focused when receiving divine communication
  • All distractions (symbolized by the veil) must be removed during prophecy
  • The prophetic experience requires total transparency before Hashem

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash Tanchuma (Ki Tisa 37) compares Moshe's unveiled state to a student learning directly from a teacher—just as one wouldn't cover one's face when receiving Torah from a rav, Moshe stood openly before the Divine Teacher. This establishes the proper attitude for Torah study: complete openness and receptivity.

Practical Lessons

The Sforno notes that Moshe's actions model proper conduct:

  • Before Hashem: complete spiritual exposure and honesty
  • Before the people: appropriate modesty and consideration of others' spiritual levels
  • The transition between states teaches balance in divine service

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Moshe remove the veil when speaking to Hashem?
A: According to Rashi (Exodus 34:34), Moshe removed the veil when speaking to Hashem because his face shone with a divine radiance after receiving the Torah. The veil was only necessary when speaking to the people, as the brightness of his face might have overwhelmed them. Before Hashem, however, he could appear without it.
Q: What is the significance of Moshe's shining face?
A: The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 47:6) explains that Moshe's face shone as a physical reflection of the spiritual closeness he achieved with Hashem during the 40 days on Mount Sinai. This radiance symbolized the purity and holiness of the Torah he received, serving as a visible sign of his unique prophetic connection with the Divine.
Q: Why did Moshe put the veil back on when speaking to Bnei Yisrael?
A: The Talmud (Berachos 7a) teaches that Moshe veiled his face out of humility and consideration for Bnei Yisrael. The intense divine light emanating from his face might have been too overwhelming for the people to behold constantly. This also teaches us the importance of adapting our spiritual expressions to the comfort levels of those around us.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Moshe removing the veil before Hashem?
A: The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:51) derives from this that before Hashem, we must approach with complete openness and truth, without any barriers or pretenses. Just as Moshe removed the physical veil when speaking to Hashem, we too should remove any 'veils' of insincerity when engaging in prayer or divine service.
Q: How does this verse connect to the giving of the second tablets?
A: Rashi (Exodus 34:29) connects this event to the giving of the second tablets. The radiance of Moshe's face demonstrated Hashem's forgiveness after the sin of the golden calf, showing that the covenant was renewed. The veil represents how this renewed relationship required different modes of interaction - direct with Hashem, but more measured when teaching the people.