Exodus 33:11-21

11 The Lord spoke to Moses face to face as a man speaks with his friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but Moses' young helper, Joshua son of Nun, did not leave the Tent.

12 Moses said to the Lord, "You have told me to lead these people, but you did not say whom you would send with me. You have said to me, 'I know you very well, and I am pleased with you.'

13 If I have truly pleased you, show me your plans so that I may know you and continue to please you. Remember that this nation is your people."

14 The Lord answered, "I myself will go with you, and I will give you victory."

15 Then Moses said to him, "If you yourself don't go with us, then don't send us away from this place.

16 If you don't go with us, no one will know that you are pleased with me and with your people. These people and I will be no different from any other people on earth."

17 Then the Lord said to Moses, "I will do what you ask, because I know you very well, and I am pleased with you."

18 Then Moses said, "Now, please show me your glory."

19 The Lord answered, "I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will announce my name, the Lord, so you can hear it. I will show kindness to anyone to whom I want to show kindness, and I will show mercy to anyone to whom I want to show mercy.

20 But you cannot see my face, because no one can see me and live.

21 "There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock.

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.