Exodus 33:16 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?"

NIV: How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?"

NASB: For how then can it be known that I have found favor in Your sight, I and Your people? Is it not by Your going with us, so that we, I and Your people, may be distinguished from all the other people who are on the face of the earth?'

CSB: How will it be known that I and your people have found favor with you unless you go with us? I and your people will be distinguished by this from all the other people on the face of the earth."

NLT: How will anyone know that you look favorably on me — on me and on your people — if you don’t go with us? For your presence among us sets your people and me apart from all other people on the earth.'

KJV: For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? is it not in that thou goest with us? so shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth.

NKJV: For how then will it be known that Your people and I have found grace in Your sight, except You go with us? So we shall be separate, Your people and I, from all the people who are upon the face of the earth.”

Moses responded to a promise about God's presence going with Israel (Exodus 33:12–14) with an appeal for more assurance (Exodus 33:15). Moses' second request seems to look into the future. If the Lord is not going to remain with Israel, then the nation is no different than any other on earth (Deuteronomy 7:7–8; 9:6). They would have no hope of displacing the evil nations of Canaan (Genesis 15:18–21). God's presence with Israel is a sign to the entire world.

God will respond by reassuring Moses. The Lord's intent is to do exactly this: to remain with Israel, despite their sin and errors. He also bolsters Moses' confidence (Exodus 33:17) by reminding him of their strong relationship (Exodus 33:11). Yet Moses wants even more. He will ask to see God's glory (Exodus 33:18) and be reminded of what that really means (Exodus 33:20).

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).

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.