- Home
- Bible
- Exodus
- Chapter 33
- Verse 33
Exodus 33:11
Verse
Context
The Tent of Meeting
10When 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.11Thus 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.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The Lord spake unto Moses face to face - That there was no personal appearance here we may readily conceive; and that the communications made by God to Moses were not by visions, ecstasies, dreams, inward inspirations, or the mediation of angels, is sufficiently evident: we may therefore consider the passage as implying that familiarity and confidence with which the Divine Being treated his servant, and that he spake with him by articulate sounds in his own language, though no shape or similitude was then to be seen. Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man - There is a difficulty here. Joshua certainly was not a young man in the literal sense of the word; "but he was called so," says Mr. Ainsworth, "In respect of his service, not of his years; for he was now above fifty years old, as may be gathered from Jos 24:29. But because ministry and service are usually by the younger sort, all servants are called young men, Gen 14:24." See also Gen 22:3, and Gen 41:12. Perhaps the word נער naar, here translated young man, means a single person, one unmarried.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face,.... Not by an angel, but he himself in person; not by a dream or vision, but apparently, in real visible appearance; not in dark speeches, but clearly in plain words, easy to be understood; and not by a voice from heaven at a distance, but mouth to mouth, being very near, as when on the mount, and now at the door of the tabernacle: as a man speaketh unto his friend; freely, familiarly, plainly, cordially, openly, without any reserve or show of authority, or causing dread and fear; for he also spake to the children of Israel "face to face", but then it was out of the fire in a terrible manner which they could not bear, Deu 5:4. and he turned again into the camp; to acquaint the people, the heads and elders of them, what discourse he had with God, what success he had met with on their behalf, and how the Lord stood affected to them, or what was his will concerning them: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle; who is here described by his name, Joshua; by his descent, the son of Nun; by his relation to Moses, a servant of his, who waited on him wherever he went, when upon the mount and now at the tabernacle; and by his age, a young man, as he was in comparison of Moses, and is so called chiefly because he was his servant, it being usual to call servants young men, of whatsoever age; for Joshua, strictly speaking, could not be a young man in years; he was the general of the army at the battle with Amalek; and, according to Aben Ezra, was now fifty six years of age, which he collects from his living to the age of one hundred and ten years; now to fifty six add the forty years in the wilderness, seven years, in which he subdued the land of Canaan, and seven more in dividing it, as say their wise men, the sum is one hundred an ten years: and it not being easy to account for it, that Moses should depart alone, unaccompanied by Joshua, who always attended him, and no sufficient reason is given why he should stay behind in the tabernacle; as for private devotion, which this was not a place for; or for judging the causes of the people in the absence of Moses, which we never find he did or to guard the tabernacle, to be a watchman in it, or even at the head of a watch over it, which, as it seemed unnecessary, so was an employment too mean for him; the words therefore may be rendered as they are by some, and the rather, as there is an accent which makes a considerable stop on the word translated a "young man" (w), "and he turned again to the camp", and "his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man"; that is, along with him; they both returned to the camp, and then it follows, "he", i.e. the Lord, "departed not out of the tabernacle", but continued there; to whom Moses afterwards returned and had the following discourse: a learned man (x) thinks that the grand tabernacle is here meant, yet unfinished, though not the final erection of it; and that here is a dislocation in the history, and supposes that Moses having been forty days absent, found upon his return a good progress made in the work of the tabernacle, and the ornaments and utensils belonging thereunto: and as soon as the wood work of the tabernacle was finished, he ordered it to be put together; but because the tabernacle had neither a door to it, nor were the hangings of the outer court finished, therefore Joshua the servant of Moses, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle, but remained there to preserve it from being polluted: but it is a mistake of his that the tabernacle had not a door to it, and it is strange he should make it, when it is twice mentioned in the preceding verses; and since the pillar of cloud and the Lord in it were there, no man durst draw near to pollute it, so that there was no need of Joshua's being there to preserve it; and besides, it was after this Moses went up to the mount and stayed another forty days and forty nights, see Exo 34:4. (w) So Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, Rivet. (x) Clayton's Chronology of the Hebrew Bible, p. 343.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
33:11 Just as Joshua had previously gained experience as a military leader (see 17:9-13), he was now gaining experience as a spiritual leader (see also 24:13). Here he may have remained behind to guard the tent, a function the Levites would later fulfill with the Tabernacle (1 Chr 26).
Exodus 33:11
The Tent of Meeting
10When 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.11Thus 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.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
"Where Are the Faithful Young Men?"
By John Piper8.7K02:46EXO 33:111CH 28:20EST 4:16MAT 16:241CO 15:58PHP 1:21This 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 else, and to be faithful unto death in fulfilling the work God has given them. It challenges men and women to be courageous, selfless, and willing to risk everything for the sake of God's kingdom, echoing the examples of biblical figures like Moses, Paul, Joab, and Esther.
Where Do I Stand With God
By David Wilkerson7.3K47:20StrugglingEXO 33:11EXO 34:8In this sermon, the speaker discusses a scene from the Bible where Israel is at its lowest point after committing a blasphemous sin against God. Moses, who had seen the wrath of God, had not yet fully understood the goodness and mercy of God. The speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing God in His fullness, including His grace and forgiveness. The sermon highlights the need for believers to have a revelation of the glory of God and to understand how He reacts to sin in order to have a proper relationship with Him.
By This They Got a Good Report
By Manley Beasley2.2K39:47Good ReportGEN 1:1GEN 15:6EXO 33:11MAT 6:33JHN 1:1HEB 11:2HEB 11:11In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of trusting in the Lord and living a life of faith. He acknowledges that many Christians struggle with exercising faith and urges the audience to pay close attention to his message as they will be held responsible for it. The preacher focuses on the second verse of Hebrews, which states that by faith, the elders obtained a good report. He shares his personal journey with dyslexia and how it has affected his study of the Bible. The sermon concludes with the preacher mentioning a book he received on the exposition of Hebrews 11, which further deepened his understanding of faith.
His Manifest Presence - Part 1
By Walter Beuttler1.9K56:55Presence of GodEXO 33:112CH 36:16PSA 27:8PRO 8:17JER 29:13MAT 6:33JAS 4:8In this sermon transcript, the speaker shares a harrowing experience of witnessing a violent attack on a bus. He emphasizes the importance of relying on God's presence as a shield against harm and attacks from others. The speaker also reflects on the emotional impact of receiving heartfelt notes from loved ones while traveling. He concludes with a story about a preacher who criticized the church but ultimately brought about a powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The sermon encourages listeners to seek God's ways and trust in His ability to erase negativity and bring joy.
The Sickness, Death and Resurrection of Lazarus 1 of 4 (Reading)
By Robert Murray M'Cheyne1.7K48:02GEN 18:17EXO 33:11EXO 34:34PSA 2:9ISA 49:16MAT 8:23JHN 15:15In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jesus and his disciples on the Sea of Galilee. He emphasizes the importance of faith and how it is tested in times of trials. The preacher also highlights how God's love is present even when it may seem like he is not answering our prayers. The sermon concludes with a reminder to follow Jesus fearlessly, even in the face of opposition, and to walk in the path of duty with a good conscience.
(The Word for Today) Isaiah 27:6 - Part 2
By Chuck Smith1.5K25:59ExpositionalEXO 33:111KI 18:381KI 19:2ISA 27:6MAT 25:21JHN 15:16EPH 2:10The video is promoting Pastor Chuck Smith's Marriage and Family Bible Study as a helpful resource for families during the holiday season. It highlights the breakdown of the family unit in society and the negative impact it has on marriages and children. The Bible study aims to provide basic principles to keep love alive within families. The video also emphasizes the importance of doing God's will, bringing forth fruit, and seeking God's approval in order to have a fulfilling and purposeful life.
(The Word for Today) Isaiah 33:1 - Part 1
By Chuck Smith1.5K25:59ExpositionalEXO 33:11JDG 7:2ISA 33:1MAT 6:33EPH 1:18In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of God receiving all the glory for His works. He uses the example of Gideon and how God reduced his army to 300 men in order to show His power and receive the glory. The speaker also discusses the consequences of misrepresenting God, using the story of Moses striking the rock instead of speaking to it. He highlights the need for us to recognize our own helplessness and rely on God in our extremities. The sermon concludes with the reminder that God often works in our lives when we have reached our limits and have no other options.
The Friends of God
By Bill McLeod1.5K50:53Friend Of GodGEN 18:17EXO 33:11PSA 104:34PRO 27:17JHN 15:151JN 1:3In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal story about a man from his church who was in distress and came to see him. The man had experienced a family accident and was deeply affected by it. The preacher reflects on the importance of seeking God's guidance and not relying on our own plans. He emphasizes the need for Christians to prioritize spending quality time with God and shares examples from the Bible of individuals who dedicated time to God, such as Abraham and Moses. The preacher concludes by highlighting the transformative power of giving God quality time and encourages the congregation to do the same.
(The Word for Today) Isaiah 33:13 - Part 2
By Chuck Smith1.4K25:59ExpositionalEXO 33:11ISA 33:20ISA 40:8MAT 24:35REV 16:16In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the future events of the great battle of Armageddon and the desolation that will follow. He emphasizes the importance of seeking a face-to-face encounter with the Lord and the hope of seeing Him in His beauty. The prophet's vision of dark days to come is mentioned, but the scripture always points to the glorious days of light in the future. The sermon also touches on the universal judgment of God that will be poured out upon the earth and the significance of the global community in relation to biblical prophecy.
Knowing God Through Prayer
By Manley Beasley1.4K1:19:58PrayerGEN 4:4GEN 5:24GEN 18:17GEN 32:24EXO 33:11ROM 8:161CO 2:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of communion with God. He explains that communion allows for a two-way conversation between man and God, even when one may not know what to say or how to pray. The speaker encourages listeners to establish a relationship with God through prayer, as it is a life-changing experience that knows no boundaries and is all-powerful. He also mentions the current crisis of the AIDS epidemic and highlights the need for individuals to stay connected to God in order to navigate through difficult times.
Naaman Healed of Leprosy Part 2
By Bertha Smith1.1K31:33HealingEXO 2:11EXO 24:12EXO 25:8EXO 33:11NUM 12:6NUM 12:10HEB 12:21In this sermon, the preacher discusses the stories of Moses and Mary Maginn from the Bible. He highlights how Moses, at the age of forty, took matters into his own hands and killed an Egyptian taskmaster, leading him to flee and live in the desert for forty years. On the other hand, Mary Maginn is mentioned after forty years when she leads an orchestra of women in praising God for the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea. The preacher also mentions the importance of animal sacrifices in the Old Testament and how they foreshadowed Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice for sin. Additionally, he briefly touches on the discipline of women in biblical times and the role of the head of the family in maintaining order.
(Remnant Meeting 2013) the Goodness of God and Testimonies
By Brian Long1.0K1:41:30RemnantEXO 33:11EXO 34:5MAT 7:15MAT 28:19LUK 6:45ROM 8:28JAS 1:22In this sermon, the speaker shares their personal testimony of how they went from being rebellious and hating God to experiencing His goodness and being transformed. They emphasize the importance of recognizing and appreciating the goodness of God in our lives. The speaker also highlights the power of prayer and how God answered their prayers and delivered them from addiction. They conclude by encouraging the audience to understand that God is good and that His goodness leads us to repentance, emphasizing the need to turn to God and experience His transformative power.
Sin and Holiness - Part 2
By Art Katz1.0K47:07SinEXO 33:11ISA 53:3LUK 12:48ROM 1:16In this sermon, the speaker discusses the failure of a shepherd and how it reflects the failure of the church body. The shepherd's loss of reality and increasing professionalism is seen as a danger and a sign that he is on the way out. The speaker emphasizes the importance of identifying sin early and speaking the truth in love to correct it. The sermon also highlights the significance of walking before God and the need for constant watchfulness against temptation.
Follow-Up
By John Advocaat92558:47Follow-UpGEN 3:9EXO 33:11PSA 105:4LAM 3:25JHN 4:23In this sermon, the speaker discusses the process of follow-up in teaching the word of God. He outlines five steps: telling them why, showing them how, getting them started, keeping them going, and encouraging them to pass it on to others. The speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer and incorporating specific verses into the lives of those being taught. He also highlights the significance of spending time together, engaging in activities like Bible study, prayer, and recreation. The sermon concludes with the encouragement to share the teachings with others, multiplying the ministry.
Come Up
By Glenn Meldrum9111:08:48ExodusEXO 19:4EXO 20:18EXO 24:1EXO 33:11In this sermon, the speaker discusses various events and experiences related to the Exodus. He mentions a story about missionaries who risked their lives to bring the Gospel to a hostile tribe. The speaker also refers to a movie called "At the End of the Spear," which he claims inaccurately portrayed the missionaries' motives. Moving on to the book of Exodus, the speaker focuses on Exodus 19 and highlights God's purpose for the Exodus, which was to make the Israelites His treasured possession and a holy nation. The sermon concludes with a personal account of a powerful spiritual experience where people were convicted of their sins and experienced a sense of God's presence.
God's Provision for the Children of Israel
By Chuck Smith87725:06ProvisionEXO 33:11EXO 33:20NUM 11:31NUM 12:7DAN 2:1MAT 6:33In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the provision of God for the children of Israel as they journeyed through the wilderness. He begins by highlighting the contrasting realities of the world falling apart and the Lord building his church. Pastor Chuck emphasizes the exciting adventure of being a missionary and shares about the mission conference focused on Jesus building his church. He then transitions to the story of Moses sending twelve spies to explore the land of Canaan and bring back a report. The sermon concludes with a prayer for God's presence and blessings upon the listeners.
God's Presence
By Francois Carr6511:09:10EXO 33:11This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking a deeper relationship with God, drawing a comparison between the choices of Moses and Aaron. It highlights the significance of finding a dedicated place of meeting with God, cultivating a friendship with Him, and seeking His glory. The speaker challenges the audience to reflect on their level of intimacy with God and encourages them to make a commitment to prioritize meeting with God daily.
Loving God for Himself
By George Warnock4611:28:26GodEXO 3:5EXO 33:11MAT 5:8REV 1:10REV 2:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that the reality portrayed in the world is not the true reality. The true reality is what God has said is true. The preacher compares the opening of the sixth seal to the end of Mission Impossible, where people will be shocked and regret not believing what they were told. The sermon also discusses the importance of following God's word and the consequences of not doing so. The preacher mentions Isaiah 25:7, which talks about God removing the covering that hides the things of God, allowing people to see into the spiritual realm.
The Holy Spirit (John 14)
By G.W. North4431:24:53Holy SpiritGEN 18:14EXO 33:11MAT 6:33LUK 1:15JHN 14:15GAL 5:22In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of going through terrible trials and tragedies. Despite the hardships, the speaker finds great joy and sings praises to God. The speaker emphasizes the importance of having faith and completely surrendering to God. They also mention the baptism of the Holy Spirit and how it empowers believers to speak in tongues and magnify God. The speaker encourages the audience to trust in the Holy Spirit and allow Him to work in their lives.
I Stand at the Door
By Thaddeus Barnum41327:02Christian LifeGEN 3:24EXO 33:11MAT 7:7JHN 10:9JHN 14:6HEB 10:19REV 3:20In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Noah and the ark as a metaphor for salvation. He emphasizes that in the days of Noah, the world had become corrupt and wicked, and God showed mercy by providing an ark for Noah and his family. The preacher compares Noah's invitation for people to enter the ark to Jesus' invitation for people to accept him as their savior. He highlights the importance of the door as a symbol of the gospel and states that Jesus is the door through which salvation is found. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the need for people to hear Jesus' voice and accept him in order to be rescued.
Prayer Is More Than Prayers
By Stewart Ruch17826:13PrayerEXO 33:11MAT 6:9LUK 11:4JHN 15:15JAS 2:23In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of learning and growing in our relationship with God. He encourages the congregation to prioritize prayer and spending time with God, seeking a deeper friendship with Him. The speaker also challenges the audience to see the work of God in their everyday lives, not just in dramatic or extraordinary circumstances. He concludes by discussing the freedom from sin that comes through prayer and the need to extend forgiveness to others. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the importance of prayer, seeking God's kingdom, and living out the values of the kingdom in our daily lives.
Discovering Deep Intimacy
By Brian Guerin4828:50IntimacyOvercoming Fear of DeceptionIntimacy With GodEXO 33:11JHN 15:4PHP 2:7HEB 12:1Brian Guerin emphasizes the profound importance of intimacy with Jesus in his sermon 'Discovering Deep Intimacy.' He shares personal experiences and revelations about how God communicates through various means, urging believers to overcome the fear of deception and instead focus on cultivating a close relationship with Christ. Guerin highlights that true transformation and understanding come from spending time in the secret place with God, where one can experience His presence and guidance. He encourages the congregation to embrace this intimacy, as it opens the door to deeper spiritual experiences and a more profound understanding of God's voice.
Friends of the Bridegroom (Pt. 1)
By Michael Koulianos4552:35BridegroomHearing God's VoiceFriendship with GodGEN 5:24GEN 6:9EXO 33:11MAT 9:15JHN 3:29JHN 15:15ROM 6:23EPH 2:8JAS 2:23Michael Koulianos teaches on the concept of being a 'Friend of the Bridegroom,' emphasizing the importance of hearing God's voice and developing a deep friendship with Jesus. He highlights that while salvation is a free gift, true friendship with God requires trust and intimacy, which can be costly. Koulianos warns against the dangers of merely participating in religious activities without genuine connection to God, and he encourages believers to seek a deeper relationship characterized by obedience and humility. He draws parallels between biblical figures like Moses and Abraham, who were known as friends of God, and stresses the significance of living under God's authority and guidance.
Friends of the Bridegroom (Pt. 5)
By Michael Koulianos3235:49BridegroomFriendship with GodThe Power of WordsGEN 5:24GEN 6:9EXO 33:11LEV 10:1ISA 6:1MAT 12:34LUK 6:45JHN 15:15Michael Koulianos emphasizes the significance of being a friend of the bridegroom, urging believers to cultivate a deep relationship with Jesus through prayer and the Word. He highlights that true friendship with God is demonstrated through our words and actions, as they reflect the condition of our hearts. Koulianos warns against gossip and negativity, asserting that our speech should be a testament to our intimacy with Christ. He encourages the congregation to seek a genuine encounter with God, which will transform their lives and produce Christ-like fruit. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to holiness and a deeper awareness of God's presence in our daily lives.
The Death of Moses
By David Ravenhill2951:49Leadership TransitionMosesHoliness in LeadershipEXO 17:8EXO 33:11NUM 27:18NUM 32:11DEU 1:37DEU 3:23DEU 34:7DEU 34:9JOS 1:2JOS 1:5David Ravenhill discusses the significance of Moses' death and the transition to Joshua's leadership, emphasizing that God often raises new leaders during times of change. He reflects on Moses' life, noting that despite his great accomplishments, he was not allowed to enter the Promised Land due to a moment of disobedience, highlighting the seriousness of representing God's holiness. Ravenhill draws parallels to contemporary leadership failures in the church, urging a return to holiness and integrity among leaders. He emphasizes the qualities that made Joshua a suitable leader, including his faith, character, and commitment to God, suggesting that God is preparing a new generation of leaders for a fresh move of His Spirit.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The Lord spake unto Moses face to face - That there was no personal appearance here we may readily conceive; and that the communications made by God to Moses were not by visions, ecstasies, dreams, inward inspirations, or the mediation of angels, is sufficiently evident: we may therefore consider the passage as implying that familiarity and confidence with which the Divine Being treated his servant, and that he spake with him by articulate sounds in his own language, though no shape or similitude was then to be seen. Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man - There is a difficulty here. Joshua certainly was not a young man in the literal sense of the word; "but he was called so," says Mr. Ainsworth, "In respect of his service, not of his years; for he was now above fifty years old, as may be gathered from Jos 24:29. But because ministry and service are usually by the younger sort, all servants are called young men, Gen 14:24." See also Gen 22:3, and Gen 41:12. Perhaps the word נער naar, here translated young man, means a single person, one unmarried.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face,.... Not by an angel, but he himself in person; not by a dream or vision, but apparently, in real visible appearance; not in dark speeches, but clearly in plain words, easy to be understood; and not by a voice from heaven at a distance, but mouth to mouth, being very near, as when on the mount, and now at the door of the tabernacle: as a man speaketh unto his friend; freely, familiarly, plainly, cordially, openly, without any reserve or show of authority, or causing dread and fear; for he also spake to the children of Israel "face to face", but then it was out of the fire in a terrible manner which they could not bear, Deu 5:4. and he turned again into the camp; to acquaint the people, the heads and elders of them, what discourse he had with God, what success he had met with on their behalf, and how the Lord stood affected to them, or what was his will concerning them: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle; who is here described by his name, Joshua; by his descent, the son of Nun; by his relation to Moses, a servant of his, who waited on him wherever he went, when upon the mount and now at the tabernacle; and by his age, a young man, as he was in comparison of Moses, and is so called chiefly because he was his servant, it being usual to call servants young men, of whatsoever age; for Joshua, strictly speaking, could not be a young man in years; he was the general of the army at the battle with Amalek; and, according to Aben Ezra, was now fifty six years of age, which he collects from his living to the age of one hundred and ten years; now to fifty six add the forty years in the wilderness, seven years, in which he subdued the land of Canaan, and seven more in dividing it, as say their wise men, the sum is one hundred an ten years: and it not being easy to account for it, that Moses should depart alone, unaccompanied by Joshua, who always attended him, and no sufficient reason is given why he should stay behind in the tabernacle; as for private devotion, which this was not a place for; or for judging the causes of the people in the absence of Moses, which we never find he did or to guard the tabernacle, to be a watchman in it, or even at the head of a watch over it, which, as it seemed unnecessary, so was an employment too mean for him; the words therefore may be rendered as they are by some, and the rather, as there is an accent which makes a considerable stop on the word translated a "young man" (w), "and he turned again to the camp", and "his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man"; that is, along with him; they both returned to the camp, and then it follows, "he", i.e. the Lord, "departed not out of the tabernacle", but continued there; to whom Moses afterwards returned and had the following discourse: a learned man (x) thinks that the grand tabernacle is here meant, yet unfinished, though not the final erection of it; and that here is a dislocation in the history, and supposes that Moses having been forty days absent, found upon his return a good progress made in the work of the tabernacle, and the ornaments and utensils belonging thereunto: and as soon as the wood work of the tabernacle was finished, he ordered it to be put together; but because the tabernacle had neither a door to it, nor were the hangings of the outer court finished, therefore Joshua the servant of Moses, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle, but remained there to preserve it from being polluted: but it is a mistake of his that the tabernacle had not a door to it, and it is strange he should make it, when it is twice mentioned in the preceding verses; and since the pillar of cloud and the Lord in it were there, no man durst draw near to pollute it, so that there was no need of Joshua's being there to preserve it; and besides, it was after this Moses went up to the mount and stayed another forty days and forty nights, see Exo 34:4. (w) So Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, Rivet. (x) Clayton's Chronology of the Hebrew Bible, p. 343.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
33:11 Just as Joshua had previously gained experience as a military leader (see 17:9-13), he was now gaining experience as a spiritual leader (see also 24:13). Here he may have remained behind to guard the tent, a function the Levites would later fulfill with the Tabernacle (1 Chr 26).