Exodus 33:11-21

11 The LORD would speak to Moses personally, as a man speaks to his friend. Then Moses would come back to the camp, but his assistant, Joshua, son of Nun, stayed inside the tent.

12 Moses said to the LORD, "You've been telling me to lead these people, but you haven't let me know whom you're sending with me. You've also said, 'I know you by name, and I'm pleased with you.'

13 If you really are pleased with me, show me your ways so that I can know you and so that you will continue to be pleased with me. Remember: This nation is your people."

14 The LORD answered, "My presence will go [with you,] and I will give you peace."

15 Then Moses said to him, "If your presence is not going [with us], don't make us leave this place.

16 How will anyone ever know you're pleased with your people and me unless you go with us? Then we will be different from all other people on the face of the earth."

17 The LORD answered Moses, "I will do what you have asked, because I am pleased with you, and I know you by name."

18 Then Moses said, "Please let me see your glory."

19 The LORD said, "I will let all my goodness pass in front of you, and there I will call out my name 'the LORD.' I will be kind to anyone I want to. I will be merciful to anyone I want to.

20 But you can't see my face, because no one may see me and live."

21 Then the LORD said, "Look, there's a place near me. Stand by this rocky cliff.

Exodus 33:11-21 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.