Exodus 33:21

Translations

Modern

The LORD continued, “There is a place near Me where you are to stand upon a rock,

Traditional

And the Lord said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock:

Literal

And YHWH said, “Behold, a place by Me, and you shall stand on the rock.

Latin

Et iterum: Ecce, inquit, est locus apud me, et stabis supra petram.

Original

Hebrew

English

The LORD continued, “There is a place near Me where you are to stand upon a rock,

Notes

Exodus 33:20–23

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.

Exodus 33:12–23

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.

Theme notes and profiles

Moses God’s Glory with His People Pure Worship Temple Design as a Picture of God's Truth The Glory of God

Events

Tabernacle Builtc. 1490 BC

Related verses

Zechariah 3:7
“This is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘If you walk in My ways and keep My instructions, then you will govern My house and will also have charge of My courts; and I will give you a place among these who are standing here.
Deuteronomy 5:31
But you stand here with Me, that I may speak to you all the commandments and statutes and ordinances you are to teach them to follow in the land that I am giving them to possess.”
Joshua 20:4
When someone flees to one of these cities, stands at the entrance of the city gate, and states his case before its elders, they are to bring him into the city and give him a place to live among them.
Isaiah 56:5
I will give them, in My house and within My walls, a memorial and a name better than that of sons and daughters. I will give them an everlasting name that will not be cut off.
Luke 15:1
Now all the tax collectors and sinners were gathering around to listen to Jesus.

Glossary

Bible, Quotations of the Old Testament in the New Testament Book of Exodus Deuteronomy, Book of Glory History of Israel Tabernacle

Topics

Communion with God: Moses Condescension of God: Indulges Moses' Prayer to Behold his Glory Glory of God: Exhibited to Moses Journey of Israel Through The Desert: To Mount Sinai: God's Glory Shown to Moses Rocks used as Places of Observation The Glory of God: Exhibited to Moses Vision of Moses of the Glory of God

Exodus 33:21

Translations?

Original?

Notes?

Events?

Related verses?

Glossary?

Topics?