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Exodus 33

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‹ Chapter 32 Exodus — All Chapters Chapter 34 ›

1 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Leave this place, you and the people you brought up out of the land of Egypt, and go to the land that I promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob when I said, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’ 2 And I will send an angel before you, and I will drive out the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. 3 Go up to a land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people; otherwise, I might destroy you on the way." 4 When the people heard these bad tidings, they went into mourning, and no one put on any of his jewelry. 5 For the LORD had said to Moses, “Tell the Israelites, ‘You are a stiff-necked people. If I should go with you for a single moment, I would destroy you. Now take off your jewelry, and I will decide what to do with you.’" 6 So the Israelites stripped themselves of their jewelry from Mount Horeb onward. 7 Now Moses used to take the tent and pitch it at a distance outside the camp. He called it the Tent of Meeting, and anyone inquiring of the LORD would go to the Tent of Meeting outside the camp. 8 Then, whenever Moses went out to the tent, all the people would stand at the entrances to their own tents and watch Moses until he entered the tent. 9 As Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and remain at the entrance, and the LORD would speak with Moses. 10 When all the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance to the tent, they would stand up and worship, each one at the entrance to his own tent. 11 Thus the LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young assistant Joshua son of Nun would not leave the tent. 12 Then Moses said to the LORD, “Look, You have been telling me, ‘Lead this people up,’ but You have not let me know whom You will send with me. Yet You have said, ‘I know you by name, and you have found favor in My sight.’ 13 Now if indeed I have found favor in Your sight, please let me know Your ways, that I may know You and find favor in Your sight. Remember that this nation is Your people." 14 And the LORD answered, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." 15 “If Your Presence does not go with us,” Moses replied, “do not lead us up from here. 16 For how then can it be known that Your people and I have found favor in Your sight, unless You go with us? How else will we be distinguished from all the other people on the face of the earth?" 17 So the LORD said to Moses, “I will do this very thing you have asked, for you have found favor in My sight, and I know you by name." 18 Then Moses said, “Please show me Your glory." 19 “I will cause all My goodness to pass before you,” the LORD replied, “and I will proclaim My name—the LORD—in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." 20 But He added, “You cannot see My face, for no one can see Me and live." 21 The LORD continued, “There is a place near Me where you are to stand upon a rock, 22 and when My glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft of the rock and cover you with My hand until I have passed by. 23 Then I will take My hand away, and you will see My back; but My face must not be seen."

‹ Chapter 32 Exodus — All Chapters Chapter 34 ›

Study Notes — Exodus 33

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with God's instruction to Moses to lead the Israelites to the Promised Land, but God says He will not go with them because of their stubbornness. Moses intercedes for the people, and God relents, promising to go with them. Moses asks to see God's glory, and God reveals His goodness and mercy to him. The chapter ends with Moses' face shining after being in God's presence, and the Israelites are afraid to come near him. Key verses include Exodus 33:3, where God says He will not go with the Israelites, and Exodus 33:18, where Moses asks to see God's glory.

Context for the Chapter

Exodus chapter 33 is situated in the larger narrative of the book of Exodus, which tells the story of the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt and their journey to the Promised Land. This chapter follows the golden calf incident, where the Israelites rebelled against God and worshiped a false idol. The chapter sets the stage for the rest of the book, where God gives the Israelites instructions for building the tabernacle and worshiping Him.

Heart Application

As we reflect on this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of seeking God's presence and glory in our lives. We can apply this by prioritizing prayer and worship, and seeking to obey God's commands. We can also learn from Moses' example of intercession, praying for others and seeking God's mercy and forgiveness on their behalf.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter is about God's presence with His people, and how Moses interceded for them after they sinned. God promised to go with them, but also showed Moses His glory. We can learn from this chapter to seek God's presence and glory in our lives, and to pray for others like Moses did. See Exodus 33:14 and Exodus 33:18 for key verses.

Voices from the Church

“The presence of God is the greatest blessing we can enjoy. It is the sunshine that makes our days bright, and the calm that makes our nights peaceful.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“God's glory is not something that can be seen with our physical eyes, but it can be perceived by the eyes of faith. It is the radiance of His majesty, which shines forth in all His works.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. Introduction (Exodus 33:1-6) — God instructs Moses to lead the Israelites to the Promised Land, but says He will not go with them due to their stubbornness.
  2. Moses' Intercession (Exodus 33:7-11) — Moses intercedes for the Israelites, seeking God's mercy and forgiveness.
  3. God's Promise (Exodus 33:12-17) — God promises to go with the Israelites, and Moses asks to see His glory.
  4. Moses Sees God's Glory (Exodus 33:18-23) — God reveals His glory to Moses, and Moses' face shines after being in God's presence.
  5. Conclusion (Exodus 33:24-34:35) — The chapter ends with Moses' face shining, and the Israelites are afraid to come near him.

Core Doctrines

The Presence of God
This chapter teaches that God's presence is essential for His people, and that He desires to be with them despite their sin and rebellion.
The Glory of God
The chapter reveals God's glory and majesty, which is awe-inspiring and radiates His majesty.
Intercession
Moses' intercession for the Israelites demonstrates the importance of praying for others and seeking God's mercy and forgiveness on their behalf.
The Nature of God
The chapter highlights God's grace, mercy, and forgiveness, as well as His justice and holiness.

Lessons from Exodus 33

  1. The Importance of Obedience — The chapter highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands, and the consequences of disobedience.
  2. The Power of Intercession — Moses' intercession for the Israelites demonstrates the power of prayer and advocacy for others.
  3. The Glory of God — The chapter reveals God's glory and majesty, which is awe-inspiring and radiates His majesty.
  4. The Nature of God — The chapter highlights God's grace, mercy, and forgiveness, as well as His justice and holiness.
  5. The Presence of God — The chapter teaches that God's presence is essential for His people, and that He desires to be with them despite their sin and rebellion.

Themes from Exodus 33

  1. The Presence of God — The chapter explores the theme of God's presence with His people, and its significance for their lives.
  2. The Glory of God — The chapter reveals God's glory and majesty, which is awe-inspiring and radiates His majesty.
  3. Intercession — Moses' intercession for the Israelites demonstrates the importance of praying for others and seeking God's mercy and forgiveness on their behalf.
  4. The Nature of God — The chapter highlights God's grace, mercy, and forgiveness, as well as His justice and holiness.
  5. The Importance of Obedience — The chapter highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands, and the consequences of disobedience.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What does it mean for God to be present with His people, and how can we experience His presence in our lives?
  2. How does Moses' intercession for the Israelites demonstrate the importance of prayer and advocacy for others?
  3. What does God's glory reveal about His character, and how can we seek to perceive it in our lives?
  4. How does this chapter relate to the larger narrative of the book of Exodus, and what lessons can we learn from it?
  5. What are some ways we can apply the principles of this chapter to our own lives, and seek to obey God's commands?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. Introduction (Exodus 33:1-6)

33:1 God instructs Moses to lead the Israelites to the Promised Land, but says He will not go with them due to their stubbornness.
33:2 God promises to send an angel to drive out the inhabitants of the land, but will not go with the Israelites Himself.

2. Moses' Intercession (Exodus 33:7-11)

33:7 Moses takes his tent and pitches it outside the camp, and the people come to him to inquire of God.
33:8 Whenever Moses enters the tent, the pillar of cloud descends and stands at the entrance of the tent.

3. God's Promise (Exodus 33:12-17)

33:12 Moses asks God to show him His ways, and God promises to be with him and give him rest.
33:13 Moses asks God to consider him and His people, and to show him His glory.

4. Moses Sees God's Glory (Exodus 33:18-23)

33:18 Moses asks to see God's glory, and God reveals His goodness and mercy to him.
33:19 God proclaims His name, 'The Lord,' and shows mercy to those He chooses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for God to be present with His people?

According to Exodus 33:14, God's presence means that He is with His people, guiding and protecting them. See also Exodus 33:15-16 for more information.

Why did God refuse to go with the Israelites to the Promised Land?

God refused to go with the Israelites because of their stubbornness and rebellion against Him. See Exodus 33:3 for more information.

What is the significance of Moses' intercession for the Israelites?

Moses' intercession demonstrates the importance of praying for others and seeking God's mercy and forgiveness on their behalf. See Exodus 33:7-11 for more information.

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 Exodus 33:1 → Genesis 12:7 God's promise to Abraham is echoed in Exodus 33:1, where God instructs Moses to lead the Israelites to the Promised Land.
2 Exodus 33:7 → Numbers 12:8 Moses' role as a mediator between God and the people is highlighted in Exodus 33:7 and Numbers 12:8.
3 Exodus 33:12 → Psalm 25:4 The concept of God's ways and paths is explored in Exodus 33:12 and Psalm 25:4.
4 Exodus 33:14 → Matthew 11:28 The promise of rest in Exodus 33:14 is echoed in Matthew 11:28, where Jesus invites people to come to Him for rest.
5 Exodus 33:18 → John 1:14 The concept of God's glory is explored in Exodus 33:18 and John 1:14, where Jesus is described as the Word made flesh, full of glory.
6 Exodus 33:19 → Romans 9:15 The concept of God's mercy is explored in Exodus 33:19 and Romans 9:15, where God's sovereignty and mercy are highlighted.
7 Exodus 33:20 → 1 Timothy 6:16 The concept of God's invisibility is explored in Exodus 33:20 and 1 Timothy 6:16, where God is described as invisible.
8 Exodus 33:22 → Psalm 91:4 The concept of God's protection is explored in Exodus 33:22 and Psalm 91:4, where God is described as a shelter and a refuge.
9 Exodus 33:23 → Isaiah 6:1-5 The concept of God's glory is explored in Exodus 33:23 and Isaiah 6:1-5, where Isaiah sees God's glory and is commissioned to prophesy.
10 Exodus 33:1-23 → Hebrews 1:1-3 The concept of God's revelation is explored in Exodus 33:1-23 and Hebrews 1:1-3, where God's revelation is described as being through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Sermons on Exodus 33

SermonDescription
David Wilkerson A Craving for the Presence of the Lord by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the importance of being a watchman and warning the body of Christ. He acknowledges that while there will be encouraging messages about communi
David Wilkerson A Touch From God (Full) by David Wilkerson This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God's presence and being willing to fully surrender to Him, leaving behind defilement and busyness. It highlights the need for a de
David Wilkerson A Craving for the Presence - Part 2 by David Wilkerson This sermon emphasizes the importance of craving and seeking the presence of the Lord in our lives, rather than just relying on legal contracts or promises. It highlights the need
Jackie Pullinger Intimacy by Jackie Pullinger In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of attending a conference in South Africa and the challenges of the schedule. Despite feeling exhausted, the speaker allowe
Leonard Ravenhill Intimacy With God - Prayer Meeting (Cd Quality) by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing the word of God to understand His glory and majesty. He refers to Acts chapter 4 verse 13, where it is mentioned th
Kathryn Kuhlman Why You Must Know God in Person by Kathryn Kuhlman In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the comforting presence of God in times of darkness and despair. They share personal experiences of feeling hopeless and burdened, but also
David Wilkerson A Touch From God (Time for Renewal Conference) by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of responding to God's call to come up and be in His presence. He uses the example of Moses, who was called by God to go up to
Leonard Ravenhill The Glory of God by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking intimacy with God and experiencing His glory. He refers to the story of Moses asking God to show him His glory and
Leonard Ravenhill Alone - Abandonment by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for a revival in the church. He describes the current state of the church as weak and powerless, comparing it to people in Africa l
John Piper "Where Are the Faithful Young Men?" by John Piper This sermon calls for a generation willing to sacrifice their lives for Christ, to live dangerously and be reckless in His service, to prioritize prayer and God's Word above all el

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Exodus 33

In this chapter, we see the gracious and merciful nature of God, who despite the Israelites' rebellion, still desires to be with them and guide them. Moses' intercession for the people is a beautiful example of prayer and advocacy, and God's response is a demonstration of His mercy and forgiveness. The chapter highlights the importance of seeking God's presence and glory, and the significance of obedience to His commands. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The Lord is a God of mercy, and his mercy is his glory.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

God's Reluctance

We notice that God is reluctant to go with the Israelites to the Promised Land, due to their stubbornness. This highlights the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God.

Moses' Intercession

We see Moses' passionate intercession for the Israelites, seeking God's mercy and forgiveness. This demonstrates the importance of prayer and advocacy for others.

God's Glory

We observe God's glory and majesty, which Moses asks to see. This highlights the awe-inspiring nature of God's presence and character.

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