Exodus 33:17-23

17 And the Lorde sayde vnto Moses: I will doo this also that thou hast sayde, for thou hast founde grace in my sighte, and I knowe the by name.

18 And he sayde: I besech the, shewe me thi glorye:

19 And he sayde: I will make all my good goo before the, and I will be called in this name Iehouah before the, ad wil shewe mercy to whom I shew mercy, and will haue compassion on whom I haue compassion.

20 And he sayde furthermore: thou mayst not se my face, for there shall no man se me and lyue.

21 And the Lorde sayde: beholde, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stonde apon a rocke,

22 and while my glorye goeth forth I will put the in a clyfte of the rocke, and will put myne hande apon the while I passe by.

23 And then I will take awaye myne hande, and thou shalt se my backe partes: but my face shall not be sene.

Exodus 33:17-23 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO EXODUS 33

This chapter informs us, that the Lord refusing to go with the people, only sending an angel with them, they are filled with concern, and troubled, Ex 33:1-6. Moses upon this pitched the tabernacle without the camp, where everyone that sought the Lord went; Moses entered into it himself, and the Lord talked to him in a friendly manner in the cloudy pillar that stood at the door of it, and the people worshipped, every man at his own tent door; all which foreboded good, and tended to reconciliation, Ex 33:7-11. Moses improved the opportunity, and entreats the presence of God to go with them, which was granted, Ex 33:12-17 and that he might have a sight of the glory of God; and this is promised to pass before him, he being put into the cleft of the rock, Ex 33:18-23.