That's a glimpse into the story of Moses and the divine radiance.
We find the account in Exodus 34:29-35, a passage that has captivated and, at times, puzzled readers for centuries. After Moses descends from Mount Sinai, clutching the two tablets of the covenant, something extraordinary has happened. The skin of his face, we are told, is radiant.
But here's the kicker: Moses himself doesn't even realize it! "Moses was not aware that the skin of his face was radiant, since he had spoken with God." Can you imagine? He’s just spent forty days and nights in the presence of the Divine, receiving the Torah, and he’s so focused on delivering the message that he’s completely oblivious to the transformation he’s undergone.
Then Aaron and the Israelites see him. And they are afraid. They "shrank from coming near him." It wasn’t just a subtle glow; it was a palpable emanation of divine energy, so intense that it caused them to recoil. Talk about a powerful first impression!
So, what does Moses do? He calls them closer. He delivers the Lord’s instructions. And then, he veils his face. From then on, whenever he spoke to the people after being in God's presence, he wore a veil. He only removed it when he went back to commune with God. Why? Because every time he came out, the Israelites would see the radiant skin of his face.
The text tells us, "The Israelites would see how radiant the skin of Moses' face was. Moses would then put the veil back over his face until he went in to speak with Him."
The veil becomes a symbol, doesn't it? A symbol of the ineffable, the overwhelming power of divine encounter, something that needs to be mediated, softened, for human comprehension.
Now, what are we to make of this radiance? Some see it literally, a physical manifestation of divine energy. Others interpret it metaphorically, as a symbol of Moses' spiritual transformation, his heightened wisdom and understanding. The important thing is that it represents a profound change brought about by closeness to the Divine.
Think about other mystical traditions. We hear similar accounts of auras and radiant light associated with spiritual awakening. It’s not unique to Judaism. One can see similar instances in many other spiritual traditions.
This story of Moses and his radiant face isn't just a historical anecdote. It's a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of spiritual experience, and the delicate balance between revealing and concealing the divine light. It makes us wonder: What "veil" do we use in our own lives, and when do we choose to lift it?