Exodus 33 - Printer Friendly

While Moses was communicating with God on Mount Sinai (Exodus 24:18), the people fell into idolatry (Exodus 32:1–6). One consequence of this was spiritual separation. God started referring to them as "your people," and "this people," rather than as "my people" (Exodus 32:7–11). He could have destroyed them all but chose not to.

As the people leave, the Lord reminds them of the Promised Land (Genesis 15:18–21). That is still their destiny. Yet now God claims He will not accompany them. In some way, His presence will be taken away (Exodus 32:34). The Israelites are "stiff-necked," like a mule holding its head rigid so the master cannot fit it with a yoke. This is an important, early reminder of how sin creates separation from God. The people mourn and set aside their jewelry (Exodus 33:1–6).

Another symbol of this separation is the "tent of meeting." This is where Moses communicates with the Lord, but it is outside the Israelite camp. The people watch in reverence each time Moses goes to this tent. When he arrives, a column of clouds obscures the entrance. Whenever Moses is not there, Joshua (Exodus 17:8–9; 32:17) guards the tent. During these talks, God and Moses speak directly and honestly, as if between two friends (Exodus 33:7–11).

Moses pleads for the Lord to accompany the people with His presence. He knows they will fail without that help. God agrees and plans to renew the covenant (Exodus 34). Moses presses this issue, seeming to ask if God will stay with Israel during the rest of their travels. God responds with a promise to do just that. He also responds to Moses' request to see the glory of God with a unique plan (Exodus 33:12–23).

Exodus 33:1–6 records God's command for Israel to leave Mount Sinai, the separation which their sin has caused, and the people's reaction. The Lord will still bring the people into a Promised Land (Genesis 15:18–21). They will receive supernatural help. But idolatry (Exodus 32:1–6) has caused a rift in the covenant relationship. This news drives the Israelites into mourning, including a time of not wearing fine clothing or jewelry.

Exodus 33:7–11 describes the "tent of meeting" where God communicated with Moses after Israel's sin of idolatry (Exodus 32:1–6; 33:1–6). This is located outside the camp, symbolizing the separation from God caused by sin. Israelites would watch and worship as a column of clouds appeared at the tent. Inside, the Lord conversed with Moses exactly as two ordinary people would. Joshua (Exodus 17:8–9; 32:17) guards the tent when Moses is away.

Exodus 33:12–16 summarizes early conversations between the Lord and Moses in a tent of meeting (Exodus 33:7–11). Moses pleads for guidance. He knows that Israel needs God's help. He also knows that the Lord's active presence will be a sign to the world: that Israel is distinct and favored (Deuteronomy 7:6). So, Moses asks the Lord to accompany the people with His presence, and not just an angel (Exodus 33:2–3).

Exodus 33:17–23 is God's response to Moses' plea in the prior section (Exodus 33:12–16). The Lord agrees that He will go with Israel on their journey to the Promised Land (Genesis 15:18–21; Exodus 33:1–3). Though Moses and God are speaking face-to-face (Exodus 33:11), the Lord's full glory is hidden. When Moses asks to see God's glory—to know Him perfectly—God points out that this would destroy a mortal man. Rather, the Lord plans to reveal Himself in a more limited way (Exodus 34:5–7).

God commands Israel to leave the Sinai region. They are to move on towards the Promised Land, but without the Lord's usual presence. Moses meets with God outside the camp and the Lord says He will once again accompany Israel. Moses asks to see the full glory of God. Since this would kill Moses, God arranges for a much more limited experience.

Israel fell into idolatry (Exodus 32:1–6) very soon after receiving God's laws against it (Exodus 20:3–6). Yet the Lord still plans to bring them into a Promised Land. In this chapter, the people are commanded to leave Sinai and head towards Canaan. But the covenant must be renewed (Exodus 34). Until then, there is a level of separation between the nation and their God.

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.