Exodus 33:6 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Therefore the people of Israel stripped themselves of their ornaments, from Mount Horeb onward.

NIV: So the Israelites stripped off their ornaments at Mount Horeb.

NASB: So the sons of Israel stripped themselves of their jewelry, from Mount Horeb onward.

CSB: So the Israelites remained stripped of their jewelry from Mount Horeb onward.

NLT: So from the time they left Mount Sinai, the Israelites wore no more jewelry or fine clothes.

KJV: And the children of Israel stripped themselves of their ornaments by the mount Horeb.

NKJV: So the children of Israel stripped themselves of their ornaments by Mount Horeb.

Horeb and Sinai are names for the same region (Exodus 19:1–6; Deuteronomy 5:2). Due to God's anger over their sin of idolatry (Exodus 32:1–6), the Israelites leave the location in mourning (Exodus 33:4–5). To reflect this, they cease wearing jewelry and impressive clothes. Scripture does not mention how long this lasts.

God could have brought harsher consequences, but He chose not to (Exodus 32:7–11; Deuteronomy 9:20). He will still take the people to the Promised Land (Genesis 15:18–21). But the covenant has been damaged by sin (Exodus 32:19). Before long, God will renew the covenant (Exodus 34) and bring His presence back among the nation.

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.

Accessed 9/19/2025 11:22:15 AM