Exodus 33:21

21 The LORD continued, “Look, stand near me on this 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 The LORD replied, “I will make all my goodness pass before you, and I will call out my name, Yahweh, before you. For I will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose.

20 But you may not look directly at my face, for no one may see me and live.”

21 The LORD continued, “Look, stand near me on this rock.

22 As my glorious presence passes by, I will hide you in the crevice of the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by.

23 Then I will remove my hand and let you see me from behind. But my face will not be seen.”