Exodus 33:9-11

9 Whenever Moses entered the tent, 1the pillar of cloud would descend and stand at the entrance of the tent; 2and the LORD would speak with Moses.
10 When all the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance of the tent, all the people would arise and worship, each at the entrance of his tent.
11 Thus 3the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, just as a man speaks to his friend. When Moses returned to the camp, 4his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, would not depart from the tent.

Exodus 33:9-11 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 4

  • 1. Exodus 13:21
  • 2. Psalms 99:7
  • 3. Numbers 12:8; Deuteronomy 34:10
  • 4. Exodus 24:13

Footnotes 2

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