Exodus 33:17-23

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.
22 When my glory passes by, I will put you in a crevice in the cliff and cover you with my hand until I have passed by.
23 Then I will take my hand away, and you'll see my back, but my face must not be seen."

Exodus 33:17-23 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.

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