The Character of God

This week we turn to Exodus 34:6-7 as we consider the theme of knowing god. Moses wrote to the Israelites who had been delivered from slavery in Egypt during a time of ancient israelite life centred on the covenant community, the land, and the worship of yahweh. The passage speaks to the heart of what it means to live faithfully in every season. As you read this week, allow the words to shape your understanding of God's character and your response to him. This text has encouraged believers across centuries and cultures.

Exodus 34:6-7 was written in the context of the ancient near eastern world in which exodus was written. The ancient Near East was shaped by the rise and fall of empires, from Egypt and Assyria to Babylon and Persia and israelite religion was defined by the covenant, the law, the temple, and the prophetic tradition shaped the world of the original readers. The Hebrew word padah (pāḏāh, H6299) carries the meaning of to redeem, to ransom, to deliver by paying a price. This word captures the heart of the Exodus story, where God acts as redeemer to free his people from bondage. Exodus 34:6-7 reveals a central truth about God's character and his relationship with his people. The language used here carries weight in the original Hebrew, pointing to a depth of meaning that rewards careful study. Commentators have long noted how this passage connects to the broader themes of Exodus, weaving together threads of faithfulness, obedience, and grace.