Tyndale Open Study NotesExodus 33

God would not lead the people up to Canaan as he had previously led them (see 33:3; but also 33:14–17). Instead, he would send an angel (33:2).

• an angel … But I will not go with you: This angel might not be the "angel of the LORD," since in Exodus and other parts of the Old Testament, the angel of the LORD is closely associated with God's presence (see 3:2; 23:20–23).

  Or, God might have meant that while he would lead them through the angel (33:2), he would not live among them in the tabernacle as planned (33:3).

• Canaanites … Jebusites: See study note on 3:8.

• land flowing with milk and honey: Canaan was not as fertile as the Nile Valley in Egypt, but it was much more productive than the Sinai desert.

• stiff-necked people: They did not keep their promises.

• I might destroy you: As God of the covenant, the Lord would enforce the covenant terms that required the destruction of those who violated it (see study note on 23:20–33; also see 24:7–8 and study notes).

People might have worn jewelry and fine clothes while worshiping the gold calf. Removing them here shows mourning and repentance (33:4).

The way God communicated with his people before the completion of the tabernacle is likely described here. This helps explain the events recorded in 33:1–6 and 33:12–23.

The tabernacle is often called the Tent of Meeting (see study note on 27:21). In many passages, these two expressions refer to the same structure.

However, in this passage, the Tent of Meeting refers to a different, temporary tent. Moses set up this tent outside the camp before the tabernacle was built.

Later, when the tabernacle was completed, it was placed in the center of the camp (see Numbers 2:1–31).

would stand … stand up and bow down: The people considered it amazing that Moses spoke directly to God, "face to face" (33:11).

Joshua had earlier gained experience as a military leader (see 17:9–13). Now, he was gaining experience as a spiritual leader (see also 24:13). He may have stayed behind to guard the tent, a function the Levites would later fulfill with the tabernacle (1 Chronicles 26).

Moses begged God to go with him and the people to the promised land. In these verses, the word Presence usually translates a Hebrew word that literally means “face” (33:14–15).

Earlier in the chapter, we learn that the Lord spoke with Moses "face to face" (33:11). This phrase describes a close and direct relationship. It does not mean that Moses saw God’s physical face. It means that God spoke with Moses in a clear and personal way.

Moses wanted that same close relationship to continue. He did not want God to send only an angel or messenger. He wanted God’s own presence to go with them. Moses also wanted the people to share in that relationship in some way.

I know you by name: God chose Moses himself.

• please let me know Your ways: Moses did not just want God's blessings. He wanted to understand God's nature and character. He also wanted to know why and how God acted. God's goal of revealing himself was starting to happen, at least with Moses.

• Moses wanted God to accompany them because they were the Lord's own people.

I will give you rest: Literally a place to roost, as in a place where a bird can land and be at peace. Ever since Abraham left Ur, he and his descendants had had no such place.

Moses made his request more direct. He showed he understood God's actions. The exodus was not just about leaving Egypt for Canaan. It was about experiencing God personally, which would change their lives. Without this, staying at Mount Sinai would have been better. Going to Canaan without the Lord would be disastrous.

The Lord reaffirmed his agreement to go with them and his personal appointment of Moses.

Moses asked for confirmation of God’s promises. He asked to see God’s glorious presence (literally glory). He was asking for an experience of seeing the very essence of God (see study note on 16:7).

• In his positive reply, God changed the terms of the request Moses made. God promised Moses a glorious experience, but he would not let Moses see his face. In the Old Testament, seeing God’s face means seeing God fully and directly.

  Instead, God said he would show Moses his goodness. He would also proclaim his name. In the Bible, a name often expresses a person’s character and identity. God’s character is shown especially in his mercy and compassion (see Romans 9:14–16).

• the LORD: In many English Bibles, the word LORD (written in capital letters) stands for the personal name of God, Yahweh.

  In this verse, God emphasizes his personal name. This name shows that he is not distant. He is the covenant God (the God who makes promises) of his people.

God desires to reveal his character to his people. However, to see his face means to see his full being (his true and complete nature). No human can see God in this way and live.

God’s glorious presence is described in 33:22. That kind of direct encounter would bring death to a human person. God allowed Moses to see only a small part of his glory. Moses was given a brief glimpse, but nothing more.