Exodus 33:14-23

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

15 Moses replied, "If you do not go with us, don't make us leave this place.

16 How will anyone know that you are pleased with your people and with me if you do not go with us? Your presence with us will distinguish us from any other people on earth."

17 The Lord said to Moses, "I will do just as you have asked, because I know you very well and I am pleased with you."

18 Then Moses requested, "Please, let me see the dazzling light of your presence."

19 The Lord answered, "I will make all my splendor pass before you and in your presence I will pronounce my sacred name. I am the Lord, and I show compassion and pity on those I choose. ¹

20 I will not let you see my face, because no one can see me and stay alive,

21 but here is a place beside me where you can stand on a rock.

22 When the dazzling light of my presence passes by, I will put you in an opening in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by.

23 Then I will take my hand away, and you will see my back but not my face."

Exodus 33:14-23 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

• 1. 33.19Romans 9.15.