Exodus 33:12-14

Moses' Intercession

12 Moses said to the LORD, "See, 1you say to me, 'Bring up this people,' but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. Yet you have said, 2'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 3show me now your ways, that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight. Consider too that this nation is 4your people."
14 And he said, 5"My presence will go with you, and 6I will give you rest."

Exodus 33:12-14 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.

Cross References 6

  • 1. Exodus 32:34
  • 2. ver. 17
  • 3. Psalms 25:4; [Psalms 103:7]
  • 4. Deuteronomy 9:29; [Joel 2:17]
  • 5. Joshua 1:5; Isaiah 63:9; See Exodus 40:34-38
  • 6. Deuteronomy 3:20; Joshua 21:44; Joshua 22:4; Joshua 23:1; [Psalms 95:11]
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.