γράμμασιν (אACD2D3KLP, Vulg. Copt. Goth.) rather than γράμματι (BDG, Arm.); and λίθοις (אABC) rather than ἐν λίθοις (א3KL, Vulg. Arm.).

7. ἐν γράμμασιν ἐντετυπωμένη λίθοις. Engraven in letters (see critical note) on stones. The thought of the πλαξὶν λιθίναις is still in his mind. The Ten Commandments are here put for the whole Mosaic Law.

ἐγενήθη ἐν δόξῃ. Came with glory (R.V.), was inaugurated in glory. Comp. κἀγὼ ἐν� (1 Corinthians 2:3).

ὤστε μὴ δύνασθαι�. The glory of that dispensation was so great that even its manifestation on the face of the lawgiver was overpowering to those who received it. At this point the reference to Exodus 34:29-35 begins. For τοὺς υἱοὺς Ἰσραήλ, the regular phrase in the LXX., comp. Romans 9:27; Hebrews 11:22; Revelation 2:14.

τὴν καταργουμένην. Which was being done away. Comp. 1 Corinthians 13:8; 1 Corinthians 13:10; Galatians 5:11. The point is, that, however dazzling, it was only temporary and very transitory. This is an emphatic afterthought, which is taken up again 2 Corinthians 3:11.

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Old Testament