Exodus 33

The command to go to Canaan (vs. 1-6)--At some point following the events of chapter 32, God once again commands Moses to lead the people to the Promised Land. But Jehovah is so annoyed with their rebellious spirit that He tells them "I will not go up in your midst, lest I consume you on the way, for you are a stiff-necked people" (v. 3). The taking off of ornaments, which would have included rich garments, was apparently a sign of mourning (vs. 4-5). The people were certainly distressed over the "bad news" that God would not travel in their midst, but it was their own fault.

The temporary tabernacle (vs. 7-11)--Since the permanent tabernacle had not yet been constructed, Moses took his own tent to serve as a temporary one. It was called the "tabernacle of meeting" (v. 7). Moses placed it "far from the camp" (v. 7)—reverence for the presence of God. It was a solemn occasion when Moses went to this tabernacle: "all the people rose, and each man stood at his tent door and watched Moses until he had gone into the tabernacle" (v. 9). The Lord came and talked with Moses at such times (v. 9), appearing in a cloud. The people saw "the pillar of cloud standing at the tabernacle door" and worshiped (v. 10). Verse 11 provides a wonderful compliment to Moses: "So the LORD spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend." Joshua is called a "young man" in this verse, which may be so compared to Moses and Aaron. But he would have been at least 50 years old at the time.

Moses requests guidance (vs. 12-16)--One of the reasons Moses was such a great man was his humility and dependence upon God. Jehovah has given him the command to take the people to Canaan, but the exact details had not yet been given. So Moses requests "Now therefore, I pray, if I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You and that I may find grace in Your sight" (v. 13). The only answer he gets at the moment is the Lord telling him "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest" (v. 14). Moses confirms that, responding, in effect, "Well, if You won't go with us, then there's really no sense in us going at all. Because how will we know we have found grace in your sight, if You aren't with us?"

The Lord shows Moses His glory (vs. 17-23)--Moses' mission was a difficult one--to lead over 2 million people through a hot, dry desert on a lengthy journey. The Lord knew it was a mighty task and gave Moses further comfort and confirmation by allowing, upon Moses' request, His servant to see His glory. All Moses was allowed to see, however, was Jehovah's back (v. 23), for "you cannot see My face; for no man shall see Me, and live" (v. 20). So the Lord puts Moses "in the cleft of the rock" and covered him with His hand as He passed by (v. 22). This is one of those great Biblical scenes one wishes he could witness.