Bible Chapter Summary
Exodus 33 Summary
Moses Seeks God's Presence and Glory
The LORD tells Moses to lead Israel toward the Promised Land but declares He will not go up in their midst because they are a stiff-necked people, sending an angel instead; the people mourn and strip off their ornaments at Horeb. Moses pitches the Tabernacle of the congregation outside the camp, where the LORD speaks with him face to face in the cloudy pillar as the people watch and worship from their tent doors. Moses boldly intercedes, asking the LORD to reveal His way and insisting that without God's own presence he will not lead the people forward, and the LORD grants this request because Moses has found grace in His sight. Moses then asks to see God's glory, and the LORD promises to make His goodness and name pass before Moses, but declares that no man can see His face and live; instead, Moses will be sheltered in the cleft of a rock and will see only God's back as His glory passes by.
Key themes
Key verses
Exodus 33:3
“Unto a land flowing with milk and honey: for I will not go up in the midst of thee; for thou art a stiffnecked people: lest I consume thee in the way.”
Exodus 33:11
“And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle.”
Exodus 33:14
“And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.”
Exodus 33:20
“And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.”
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