Exodus 33:21

21 Then the LORD said, "Behold, there is a place by Me, and 1you shall stand there on the rock;

Exodus 33:21 Meaning and Commentary

Exodus 33:21

And the Lord said, behold, [there is] a place by me
Near him, not in or by the tabernacle, where it may be the pillar of cloud now was, as it had been, ( Exodus 33:9 Exodus 33:10 ) but upon the rock, where it had been for many days, and near to which there was a fit place for Moses to be in, and have that view of the goodness and glory of God he would favour him with:

and thou shall stand upon a rock;
in Horeb, typical of Christ the rock, the rock of Israel, and the rock of ages, the rock of refuge, salvation, and strength; comparable to one for shelter, solidity, firmness, strength, and duration; and happy are they who stand upon this rock; they are safe and secure, they stand on high, and have noble prospects of the perfections of God, and of the riches of his grace and goodness, see ( Psalms 50:2 Psalms 50:3 ) ( Isaiah 33:16 Isaiah 33:17 ) ( Matthew 7:24 Matthew 7:25 ) .

Exodus 33:21 In-Context

19 And He said, "I Myself will make all My goodness pass before you, and will proclaim the name of the LORD before you; and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show compassion on whom I will show compassion."
20 But He said, "You cannot see My face, for no man can see Me and live!"
21 Then the LORD said, "Behold, there is a place by Me, and you shall stand there on the rock;
22 and it will come about, while My glory is passing by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock and cover you with My hand until I have passed by.
23 "Then I will take My hand away and you shall see My back, but My face shall not be seen."

Cross References 1

  • 1. Psalms 18:2, 46; Psalms 27:5; Psalms 61:2; Psalms 62:7

Footnotes 1

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