Exodus 33:3 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Go up to a land flowing with milk and honey; but I will not go up among you, lest I consume you on the way, for you are a stiff-necked people."

NIV: Go up to the land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people and I might destroy you on the way."

NASB: Go up to a land flowing with milk and honey; for I will not go up in your midst, because you are an obstinate people, and I might destroy you on the way.'

CSB: Go up to a land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go up with you because you are a stiff-necked people; otherwise, I might destroy you on the way."

NLT: Go up to this land that flows with milk and honey. But I will not travel among you, for you are a stubborn and rebellious people. If I did, I would surely destroy you along the way.'

KJV: 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.

NKJV: Go up to a land flowing with milk and honey; for I will not go up in your midst, lest I consume you on the way, for you are a stiff-necked people.”

Centuries before the events of this passage, God promised Abraham that his descendants would live in a Promised Land (Genesis 15:18–21). That pledge passed to Abraham's son, Isaac (Genesis 21:2–3) and Isaac's son, Jacob (Genesis 25:26). Jacob would be renamed Israel (Genesis 32:28). The tribes founded by Israel's sons were enslaved in Egypt for four hundred years (Exodus 1:8–14; 12:40–41). Then the Lord rescued the Hebrews and brought them to Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:1–3) to receive His covenant law (Exodus 19:5–6).

Tragically, the people immediately broke those laws while waiting for Moses to return from the mountain (Exodus 24:18; 32:1–6). The covenant is fractured (Exodus 32:19). The people are leaving Sinai (Exodus 33:1) in a state of mourning (Exodus 33:4–6). Even though God has removed His direct presence from the nation, His promises are still in effect.

Israel is described as "stiff-necked." This evokes the image of a working animal straining to prevent its master from putting on its yoke or harness. Though the creature knows what the master wants, it refuses. The imagery also applies to those who won't submit—who won't bow their heads—before authority. This has been a consistent pattern for Israel (Exodus 16:19–21).

God will point out that mortal people cannot survive the unrestrained presence of their Creator (Exodus 33:20). In their current state, God's presence would only lead to destruction (Exodus 32:7–10), not guidance. In His mercy, God will see the covenant renewed (Exodus 33:17; 34).

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.

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.