1 The Lord said to Moses, “Depart; go up from here, you and the people whom you have brought up out of the land of Egypt, to the land of which I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying, ‘To your offspring I will give it.’
2 I will send an angel before you, and I will drive out the Canaanites, the Amorites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites.
3 Go up to a land flowing with milk and honey; but I will not go up among you, lest I consume you on the way, for you are a stiff-necked people.”
4 When the people heard this disastrous word, they mourned, and no one put on his ornaments.
5 For the Lord had said to Moses, “Say to the people of Israel, ‘You are a stiff-necked people; if for a single moment I should go up among you, I would consume you. So now take off your ornaments, that I may know what to do with you.’”
6 So the people stripped themselves of their ornaments by Mount Horeb.
7 Now Moses used to take the tent and pitch it outside the camp, far off from the camp, and he called it the tent of meeting. And everyone who sought the Lord would go out to the tent of meeting, which was outside the camp.
8 Whenever Moses went out to the tent, all the people would rise up, and each would stand at his tent door, and watch Moses until he had gone into the tent.
9 When Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would descend and stand at the entrance of the tent, and the Lord would speak with Moses.
10 And when all the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance of the tent, all the people would rise up and worship, each at his tent door.
11 Thus the Lord used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend.
12 Moses said to the Lord, “See, you say to me, ‘Bring up this people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. Yet you have said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found favor in my sight.’
13 Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight. Consider too that this nation is your people.
14 And he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
15 And he said to him, “If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here.
16 For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?”
17 And the Lord said to Moses, “This very thing that you have spoken I will do, for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name.”
18 Moses said, “Please show me your glory.”
19 And he said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name ‘The Lord.’ And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.
20 But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live.”
21 And the Lord said, “Behold, there is a place by me where you shall stand on the rock,
22 And while my glory passes by I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by.
23 Then I will take away my hand, and you shall see my back, but my face shall not be seen.”
The True Meaning of Exodus 33
The Book of Exodus is the second book of the Bible, traditionally attributed to Moses. Moses, a former prince of Egypt who later became a shepherd, had a unique perspective on the relationship between the Israelites and their God. The Israelites turned away from God and worshipped an idol, resulting in the aftermath of the golden calf incident that we see in this chapter. God’s withdrawal of presence from the people leads to a tense and uncertain time. However, this chapter also foreshadows a pivotal moment, where Moses will intercede on behalf of the Israelites and plead for God’s forgiveness and continued guidance.
The events in this chapter echo the themes of obedience, repentance, and the importance of maintaining a right relationship with God, which are echoed throughout the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible.
Exodus 33:1-6
Several important sections can be identified for deeper examination in Exodus 33:1-6. The verse starts by God speaking to Moses, instructing him to lead the Israelites to the promised land: “Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Depart and go up from here, you and the people whom you have brought out of the land of Egypt, to the land of which I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying, “To your descendants I will give it.”‘”
This is a significant moment as God reiterates His promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to give the land to their descendants. It emphasizes God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises despite the challenges the Israelites have faced. This assurance is crucial in maintaining the Israelites’ faith and hope as they journey towards the promised land. It reminds the readers of the importance of trusting in God’s promises even in the midst of uncertainty and difficulty.
The next part of the verse involves the consequences of the Israelites’ sin: “I will not go up in your midst, lest I consume you on the way, for you are a stiff-necked people.” Here, God expresses His frustration with the Israelites’ disobedience and rebellion. Despite all the miracles and provisions God had shown them, the Israelites continued to doubt and disobey Him. This reiterates the idea that obedience is crucial in maintaining a relationship with God.
Moses responds to God by setting up the Tabernacle of Meeting outside the camp: “For he said, ‘I will not go up in the midst of you, lest I consume you on the way, for you are a stiff-necked people.’” Moses’ action highlights his close relationship with God and his willingness to intercede on behalf of the people. It also demonstrates his understanding of the need for God’s presence to guide and protect them on their journey. This act of setting up the Tabernacle symbolizes the importance of seeking God’s presence and guidance in our lives.
Furthermore, the separation between the Israelites and God’s presence in the Tabernacle symbolizes the consequences of sin and the need for repentance. This separation serves as a reminder that sin creates a barrier between humanity and God, emphasizing the importance of seeking forgiveness and turning back to Him. Exodus 33:1-6 carries timeless messages about God’s faithfulness to His promises, the importance of obedience, the significance of seeking God’s presence, and the consequences of sin. It serves as a reminder for readers to trust in God’s faithfulness, maintain obedience to His commands, seek His presence in their lives, and repent from sin to restore their relationship with Him.
Exodus 33:7-11
The passage in Exodus 33:7-11 is set at a crucial moment in the story of the Israelites journeying through the wilderness after their deliverance from Egypt. The verses describe Moses setting up a tent outside the camp called the “tent of meeting” or “tabernacle.” This place served as a special meeting point between Moses and God, where Moses would go to speak with the Lord.
This tent of meeting was significant because it symbolized the presence of God among His people. It was a place where Moses, as God’s chosen leader, could seek guidance, intercede for the people, and receive instructions for leading the Israelites. The fact that Moses set the tent of meeting outside the camp emphasizes the separation between the holy presence of God and the sinful nature of the people. It serves as a reminder of the need for reverence and humility when approaching the Almighty.
Moses would enter the tent, and a pillar of cloud would descend and stand at the entrance, signifying the presence of God. The people would watch from a distance as Moses spoke with the Lord, standing at the entrance of their tents, showing their respect for the sacred interaction happening between Moses and God. This scene paints a picture of the Israelites’ awe and reverence for the connection between their leader and the divine.
The relationship between Moses and God is a central theme throughout the Exodus narrative. Moses is depicted as a faithful and obedient servant of God, chosen to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and guide them to the Promised Land. His intimacy with God is evident in the way he speaks with Him “face to face, as one speaks to a friend.” This unique relationship sets Moses apart as a prophet and mediator between God and the people.
The dynamics between Moses and God in the tent of meeting also foreshadow the ultimate mediator between God and humanity, which is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Jesus in the New Testament is described as the ultimate intercessor between God and mankind, bridging the gap caused by sin and providing direct access to the Father. The intimacy and closeness that Moses experienced with the Lord serve as a precursor to the even greater relationship believers can have through Jesus Christ. Exodus 33:7-11 underscores the importance of seeking and maintaining communion with God, the reverence and humility required in God’s presence, and the role of chosen intermediaries like Moses in communicating God’s will to His people. The tent of meeting becomes a powerful symbol of the intertwining of human obedience and God’s divine presence, laying the foundation for deeper revelations of God’s plan for redemption throughout the biblical narrative.
Exodus 33:12-17
Several key sections in Exodus 33:12-17 highlight important themes in the Bible. Let’s break it down:
-
“**Moses said to the Lord, ‘See, you say to me, ‘Bring up this people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. Yet you have said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found favor in my sight.’ Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight. You should consider that this nation is your people. Moses is in conversation with the Lord in this section. He is expressing his desire to know God more intimately and to understand His ways. Moses, known for his close relationship with God, is seeking assurance and guidance as he continues to lead the Israelites through challenging times. This conversation illustrates Moses’ humility, dependence on God, and his fervent desire to seek the presence of God. It also reveals Moses’ concern for the nation of Israel, emphasizing his role as a compassionate leader who intercedes on behalf of his people.
-
“And he said, ‘My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’ And he said to him, ‘If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here. For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?’”
God assures Moses of His presence and rest, indicating His continuous guidance and provision for His chosen people. Moses, deeply aware of the importance of God’s presence, humbly insists that without God going with them, there is no point in proceeding. This highlights the centrality of God’s presence in the lives of believers. It underscores the truth that our journey in this life is futile without the guiding presence of God. This echoes the promise God made to Joshua in Joshua 1:5, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
- “And the Lord said to Moses, ‘This very thing that you have spoken I will do, for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name.’”
God acknowledges Moses’ faithfulness and responds to his request, showing His favor and grace towards Moses. This exchange emphasizes the importance of intimate communication with God and how God listens to the prayers of His faithful servants. The Lord’s affirmation of Moses serves as a reminder that God sees and knows His people individually, reinforcing the idea that we are not just one among many to Him. This personal touch from God encourages believers to approach Him boldly with their requests and to trust in His faithfulness.
- “Moses said, ‘Please show me your glory.’ And he said, ‘I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name ‘The Lord.’ And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.’”
Moses longs to see the glory of the Lord, seeking a deeper revelation of God’s nature and character. God promises to reveal His goodness and proclaim His name to Moses. This encounter highlights the significance of seeking God’s glory above all else and the transformative power of encountering the presence of the Almighty. It also underscores God’s sovereignty in showing grace and mercy as He deems fit. This resonates with Psalm 86:15, “But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. Exodus 33:12-17 encapsulates themes of intimacy with God, the importance of His presence in our lives, God’s favor towards His faithful servants, and the desire to know Him more deeply. It exemplifies the kind of relationship believers should strive for with God – one of humility, dependence, and a hunger for His glory and presence. Moses’ conversation with God serves as a timeless example of a faithful servant seeking God’s guidance, assurance, and favor as he fulfills his calling to lead God’s people.
Exodus 33:18-23
Moses makes a bold request to God in Exodus 33:18-23. Let’s break down this passage into key sections for a detailed exploration.
-
Moses asks God to show him His glory in this verse. This request by Moses reveals his deep desire to know God intimately and to experience His full presence. It showcases Moses’ unique relationship with God, where he could converse with Him in such a candid manner. This moment signifies the pinnacle of Moses’ spiritual journey, where he seeks a deeper understanding of the divine nature of God.
-
God’s Response (Exodus 33:19): God responds to Moses by stating that He will cause all His goodness to pass in front of him and will proclaim His name before him. This emphasizes God’s willingness to reveal Himself to Moses, albeit in a limited capacity that aligns with Moses’ human limitations. God’s declaration of His name signifies His character and attributes, revealing His essence to Moses.
-
The Revelation of God’s Glory (Exodus 33:20-23): God tells Moses that no one can see His face and live, but promises to show him His back. This symbolic imagery conveys the idea that while humans cannot fully comprehend or witness God’s full glory, He allows glimpses of His presence and goodness to be experienced. God shields Moses in the cleft of the rock as He passes by and lets him see His back. This moment of intimacy between God and Moses reaffirms their special bond and demonstrates God’s mercy and understanding towards His faithful servant.
This passage highlights the themes of intimacy, revelation, and the limitations of human perception in understanding the divine. It underscores the importance of seeking God’s presence earnestly, like Moses did, and being open to experiencing His glory in unexpected ways.
The desire to see God’s glory is a recurring theme in the Bible. David expresses his longing to dwell in the house of the Lord and gaze upon His beauty in Psalm 27:4. Similarly, in Matthew 5:8, Jesus proclaims, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God,” emphasizing the spiritual insight needed to perceive God’s presence. Exodus 33:18-23 captures a profound moment of revelation and intimacy between God and Moses, illustrating the depth of their relationship and highlighting the divine mystery that surrounds the glory of God. The passage serves as a reminder for believers to seek God wholeheartedly, yearning to experience His presence and glory in their lives.
After Exodus 33
The people had turned away from God, and their hearts were hardened. Yet, the Lord remained faithful, calling Moses to lead them once more. The Lord’s presence was restored as Moses interceded on their behalf, and a glimmer of hope shone through the darkness. But the journey ahead would not be easy, for the people’s disobedience had consequences that they would have to face. The Lord will guide them in the next chapter, testing their faith and calling them to a deeper relationship with Him.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.