We can fall prostrate before the Lord and cry out for intercession was not for himself, it was for others. The second “you” (“I will give you rest”) is singular, however. What a privilege is ours now, through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit! Moses didn’t just WANT God’s blessing and favor for himself and for the children of Israel. hears the cry of our hearts. just us but other people. Remember, o LORD, Thy compassion and Thy lovingkindnesses, For they have been from of old (Ps. Let us, like Moses, spend And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:14). God personally and providentially led Moses and the nation of Israel. 2:8, 9) is literally the term “presence,” as can be seen from the marginal note in the NASB. He wants us to spend time 32:7). But when Moses came down from the mountain, he saw the people's sin - they had 1. 4:16-17). God was so angered by their reveling and immorality that He threatened to wipe the entire nation out, replacing it with a new nation from the offspring of Moses (Exod. 2:3). 23:1). . The ministry of intercession is not direction. Genesis 28:15 “Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to … It is one of the most noble prayers of the Old Testament. This message is a call to intercession. And Aaron, who was such a comfort to him initially has so far proven to be a liability, for he served only to facilitate the idolatry of the Israelites in his absence. God commands Moses to sanctify the people in preparation for His presence, [Exodus:19:10-11 2. shone with the glory of God - people knew he'd been in God's presence. . There are many applications of this passage,101 but since this is Easter Sunday, I want to focus on the presence of God as it relates to the coming, life, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ. Once this is done, Moses makes a personal request to see the glory of God. copyright and credit notices, Disclaimer, back up the mountain and lay prostrate before God for a second period of 40 Both psalmists, David (Ps. 25:4-6). God’s presence could be dangerous The text begins with a restatement of God’s plan for the nation. In the second epistle of Paul to the Thessalonians, the word “coming” (cf. He is not willing to enjoy God’s favor alone, while Israel’s destiny hangs in the balance. 23) and Asaph (Ps. While Moses was not allowed to see the “face of God” (Exod. about our intercession? (1) There is a boldness to Moses’ petition. Moses wants to reverse this. When he went on to say, “Do not lead us up from here,” the “us” here is plural, thus verifying the “with us” supplied earlier. I am realistic enough to know that all of the prayers of Moses weren’t worthy of being published either, but the prayer which we find in our passage surely is a worthy one, both for our study in this message, and for our imitation in our own prayer life. He proved this with Moses (burning bush) and Aaron (budding staff). Unlike the first call of Moses, in chapters 3 and 4, Moses is not as troubled by what he has been told as by what he has not. Isa. Imagine, for a moment, the possibility of having all of your prayers recorded, and then published for all to read. The bush kept burning because of God’s miraculous presence! One of the key things that made Moses different is that he was not constantly looking for the hand of God only. made a golden idol in the shape of a calf. He proved this with Elijah in a variety of ways (1 Kings 19:9-18). The structure of the remainder of Exodus chapter 33 is interesting and informative. 33:3). Consider too, that this nation is Thy people” (v. 13). Is there one basic activity to which his work of empowering, enabling, purifying, and presenting must be related in order to be fully understood? Sin. God will never disappoint us when we ask Him to show us more of Himself so we can understand more about His ways and who He is. Jesus Christ has come to the earth, to perfectly fulfill the requirements of the Law, and to die in accordance with the Law to bear the penalty for the sins of all who trust in Him. We will consider both petitions. There is, however, a day when the presence of God will be even more intimate and precious. 7:1-6. you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live” (Exodus 33:19–20). 33:23), all who know God through Christ will see His face in heaven: “And there shall no longer be any curse; and the throne of God and the Lamb shall be in it, and His bond-servants shall serve Him; and they shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads” (Rev. Now this would have been a very serious matter for Moses. Exodus 34:6, “And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, 7maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. 32:1-6). Deut. 4. First, there is the role of Moses as the mediator of the people. It has even resulted in minimizing the remoteness of God, to the point that God is now manifesting Himself to the nation outside the camp. The LORD is compassionate and gracious, Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness (Ps. God with us! Moses interceded with God for the people, but God warned that a future day of judgment would come for this generation (32:30-35). of the Egyptians. What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we beheld and our hands handled, concerning the Word of Life—and the life was manifested, and we have seen and bear witness and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us—what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, that you also may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ (1 John 1:1-3). The participle (rendered “have been telling”) suggests that God has been giving Moses the command to lead Israel up to Canaan over a period of time. At this word, the Israelites repented, putting off their gold ornaments as God had instructed them through Moses (vss. But it was apparent that things were not going to be as they had been those three (or so) years of His public ministry. First, Moses’ requested that God make “His ways” known to him (v. 13). What a privilege it will be some day, when we are with God around His throne, and we shall see His face. Notice how Moses twice links himself with Israel. How often people take their eyes off Jesus. Even then, Moses would only get a glance. The promise which God has just given Moses is a wonderful one. The section then ends with God’s response. 12:10-11). Due to the intervention of Moses and God’s faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham, there is still a future for the nation. Our understanding of this petition hinges on our definition of the term “ways.” What “ways” does Moses wish to know here? The sins of the people were not taken away, but they were put off, until the time when sin could once and for all be remedied and removed in Christ (cf. There are many men as 22:3-4). Moses wants God to view the Israelites as His chosen people. He picked Moses to carry out that task. 14 The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” 15 Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. God’s refusal to go personally with Israel into the Promised Land stemmed from their persistent grumbling and their quickly turning from Him to worship the golden calf. MOSES, THE MAN THAT PLEASED GOD. For how then can it be known that I have found favor in Thy sight, I and Thy people? Several times I have considered keeping a spiritual journal, as some of the saints of the past have done. God was truly present in the person of His Son, Jesus Christ. This hardly squares with the way the term “ways” is used with reference to Moses and Israel, however. The presence of God with His people was no more real, no more intimate than it was at the time of His incarnation. Moses knew it was God's presence in Israel that set the people apart from all other nations. During Moses' first The Glory of the LORD … 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. 3:25). 99 “… Driver, referring to Deuteronomy 32:4 and Exodus 34:6f., interprets ‘ways’ to mean ‘the Lord’s ways of dealing with men,’ and ‘so I may know you and continue to find favor with you’ to mean ‘to understand what your nature and character is, and shape my petitions accordingly, that so I may find favor with you, and my future prayers may be answered.’” Quoted, by Gispen, p. 308. 3:10). He interceded for the people who'd sinned. I can tell you that the mere thought of such a thing makes me break out in a cold sweat. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear not evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me. (5) Moses’ petition was two-fold: First, that God would make known His ways to Moses, and second, that God would view Israel as His people. 2 Thes. SCRIPTURE READING: Exodus 33:14-20. This poses a problem, however, based … In Moses’ petition in verses 15 and 16, he sought for this assurance for the nation. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever (Psalm 23). by Ed van der Maas (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1982), p. 307. God promised Moses his presence. Each section begins with a petition of Moses in which he requests something from God. Let us listen well to these majestic words of Moses, the mediator. But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, That I may tell of all Thy works (Psalm 73:21-28). I think there is, and now I offer my view of it—a view that I focus … in terms of the idea of presence. God had come down from heaven to rescue them. in 1971. River Ministries 102 J. I. Packer, Keep in Step With the Spirit (Old Tappan, New Jersey: Fleming H. Revell Company, 1984), p. 47. God’s words would have been a great encouragement to Moses, but they fell short of what Moses was seeking for the Israelites. And besides Thee, I desire nothing on earth. The messenger whom God promised to send was therefore the “angel of God’s presence” (cf. What was it that was important to Moses? Moses had learned that he would do nothing without the help of God, so he requested that the presence of God go with him, or he would not try to lead the people any farther. Later, when the people a… 16:31-33). Christians have the promise of God’s constant presence, even when we don’t feel it (Matthew 28:20, John 14:16). Thus, Moses reminds God that He has said, “I have known you by name,” and “you have also found favor,” and then asks God to let him know God’s ways. We lower ourselves, take matters into our own hands and lose Moses went over to the burning bush to investigate, and the voice of God called to him. (Norfolk) Disclaimer, Such has been the case. Indeed, besides all this, it is the third day since these things have happened” (Luke 24:21). Whom have I in heaven but Thee? Thus, God commands Moses to ready himself and the people to move out and to lead the nation toward Canaan. 96 I am puzzled and somewhat disappointed by the way the NIV and the NASB render the term translated “see” in verse 12. With Thy counsel Thou wilt guide me, And afterward receive me to glory. 20:6; see Exod 19:9, 16; 33:9–10; Num 9:15). Aaron was then rebuked and the faithful Levites struck down 3,000 of their fellow-Israelites, who had refused to pledge their allegiance to God (32:21-29). This was evident in His words to Mary, who sought to cling to Him when He appeared to her near the tomb: “Stop clinging to Me; for I have not yet ascended to the Father …” (John 20:17). Furthermore, He promised Moses that the end, the Israelites living safely in Canaan, would be realized. More important than the blessings, more important than the promises, more important than the holy commandments and the righteous edicts was the presence of God. When he came down from the mountain, Moses' face And many nations will come and say, “Come and let us go up to the fountain of the Lord And to the house of the God of Jacob, That He may teach us about His ways And that we may walk in His paths.” For from Zion will go forth the Law, Even the word of the LORD from Jerusalem (Micah 4:2; cf. When the Lord Jesus was crucified and placed in the tomb, the disciples were devastated. Father in heaven. God has assured Moses that He will not only be present with him personally, but He will also be with His people, Israel. I understand that Moses is seeking to know God even more intimately than he already knew Him. He reasons that the one thing which distinguishes God’s people from all other peoples of the earth is His presence in their midst: “For how then can it be known that I have found favor in Thy sight, I and Thy people? God offered something better than guidance; he promised to be their Guide. . Now it came about after many days, when the LORD had given rest to Israel from all their enemies on every side, and Joshua was old, advanced in years (Josh. The Law provided a temporary provision for man’s sin, so that God could dwell among them in their midst, in the Tabernacle. Thus, the presence of God can be more intimately ours than it has ever been before. no water. Thus, he makes this petition. Moses knew it was God’s presence among them that set them apart from all other nations. For those who do not trust in Him, there awaits the dreaded certainty of an eternity spent banished from the bliss of His presence: “And these will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power” (2 Thes. He has already had a taste of this in the war with the Amalekites in chapter 17, a war only won be prevailing prayer. Especially important is his servant-like attitude (cf. If we stayed longer on the mountain, perhaps Next, Moses and Aaron walked toward the entrance of the tabernacle. the people of Israel, even confessing their sin, While he was there, the people fell away from God by returning to the ways of Egypt by building and worshiping a golden calf under Aaron’s watch. 95:10-11). her people and the Jewish nation was saved, 101 Let me suggest just a few avenues of application which the reader can pursue. my Jesus, my Saviour, intercedes for me, for you, continually, before his represent? 14:36). God was physically present in the person of Jesus Christ, John wrote, and thus fellowship with God was possible through Him. But theophanies represent events of intensive presence that underline the principle that he is always present with his people and that he is faithful to his word and his covenant.After the incident with the golden calf (Exodus 32), Israel’s future appears to be in doubt. To know God’s ways is thus to know God, and to better understand how one should live in a way that pleases God.99. Israel’s future is totally dependent upon Moses, and his standing with God. Sensing the vagueness which the term allows, Moses would very much like a little more precise identification of this “messenger” whom God is sending along with Moses to lead the Israelites. God Can Reveal His Presence to Anyone in Any Manner He So Chooses. As Moses approached the bush, God said to him, “‘Do not come any closer … Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground’” (Exodus 3:5). Does debt affect giving in modern times in light of the Israelite tithe and slaves. And no wonder Moses would like to know just who it is who is going with him, as God has promised: “… But Thou Thyself hast not let me know whom Thou wilt send with me” (Exod. That intimacy will be assured Moses in the text we are considering in this lesson. Moses had two periods of 40 days and 40 nights with no bread and These words were not comforting at the time, however. If we spent more time in his presence, then maybe we 33:12–18). He has not, however, told Moses whom He is sending with him. Now, due to the mediation of Moses, this sojourn has proven to be but a comma in the saga of Israel’s journey to Canaan. The King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, intercedes for us; Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished;…” As one of them said to Jesus, not knowing it was He, “But we were hoping that it was he who was going to redeem Israel. Verses 7-11 then describe the “tent of meeting,” that tent which was set up “outside the camp” at some distance (33:7), where the Israelites could go to seek God, and where Moses went to commune with Him. This message is a call to He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the sons of Israel. The only thing that sets us apart from nonbelievers is God’s presence “with us,” leading us, guiding us, working his will in and through us. It is also the pinnacle of New Testament hope as well. intercession. Moses not only desired the abiding presence of the Lord to be with Israel, but he coveted a personal knowledge of the presence of the Lord. Moses argues from the known to the unknown, from, “Bring this people up …” to “Thou hast not let me know whom Thou wilt send with me.” From what God has said to a request, based on what God has said. Second, Moses petitioned God to consider the Israelites as His people. 5. 32:7-10). He would send His angel to lead the people to Canaan. 22:4). The Lord answered, There was something different about our Lord’s relationship to His disciples, for He did not live among them, as He had formerly done, but He only appeared to them, from time to time, during those days between His resurrection and His ascension. At the very beginning of the New Testament, in the first chapter of Matthew’s gospel, we read the words of an angel of the Lord, spoken to Joseph, when he learned that Mary, his wife to be, was pregnant, and he was considering whether or not to “put her away” (that is, to break their engagement): “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for that which has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. It seems that the glory of God sustained him. away from the Lord into sin. 97 Of the first expression, “I have known you by name,” Gispen writes, “… the meaning is ‘to know well or intimately,’ as in the case of a king who knew only his closest servants, and also ‘to know on the basis of election.’” W. H. Gispen, Exodus trans. This is indicated by the term “rest” as it is used here and elsewhere in the Old Testament: “When you cross the Jordan and live in the land which the LORD your God is giving you to inherit, and He gives you rest from all your enemies around you so that you live in security, then it shall come about that the place in which the LORD your God shall choose for His name to dwell, there you shall bring all that I command you: your burnt offerings and your sacrifices, your tithes and the contribution of your hand, and all your choice votive offerings which you will vow to the LORD” (Deut. These two statements are not recorded before this. Our Need of God’s Presence Gen.9:25-27 shows us how Moses pleaded with God for the people. Whether this “you” is singular or plural thus cannot be determined. Esther risked her life by approaching the king, pleading for Of the second, he writes, “‘Favor’ is derived from a verb that indicates the showing of unmerited kindness; the word thus indicates condescending, free, and gracious kindness, goodness not based on obligation.” Ibid. No matter what the pressure or the embarrassment – he was happy to wait for God. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Moses learned quickly the importance of the “PRESENCE of GOD!” Moses knew he had a purpose but he realized that the “PURPOSE” had to take second place to the “PRESENCE of GOD!” For without the “PRESENCE” the “PURPOSE” serves little. Third, there is the application of this text to the subject of prayer. continually, The problem is this: HOW CAN A HOLY GOD BE PRESENT WITH A SINFUL PEOPLE, AND NOT DESTROY THEM? We can learn a great deal about prayer from the prayer of Moses in this chapter. But . The first request was more personal, the second, more public or collective in nature. 4-6). Q. What does that tell us pleaded with God at Sodom and his nephew Lot was saved together with his two Moses’ glowing face confirmed to the people that he was God’s chosen mediator (go-between) and leader. It's too easy, isn't it, for us to try to live our Christian lives without the presence of God. I fear that this may obscure what might be a structural clue to the text. Bob is a pastor/teacher and elder at Community Bible Chapel in Richardson, Texas, and has contributed many of his Bible study series for use by the Foundation. Moses Desired the Presence of God. 33:12). Therefore I swore in My anger, Truly they shall not enter into My rest” (Ps. God promised Moses the means to getting the Israelites to Canaan. would spend less time striving, struggling and worrying. Ever since the Israelites chose to worship a golden calf rather than God, God has referred to this people as Moses’ people: “Then the LORD spoke to Moses, ‘Go down at once, for your people, whom you brought up from the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves’” (Exod. There are basically three sections: verses 12-14, 15-17, and 18-23. God’s response then becomes the basis for a further petition of Moses, until Moses is assured of the presence of God in the midst of His people. The people’s fear of Moses was understandable. Exodus 33:12-23 God’s Presence Things were going well for Moses as he led the people out of Egypt. God explained that he had seen how miserable his chosen people, the Hebrews, were in Egypt, where they were being held as slaves. When Moses went out, the people stood in respect and then worshipped at the doorway of their tent. For, behold, those who are far from Thee will perish; Thou hast destroyed all those who are unfaithful to Thee. Her almost year-long encampment at Mt. Moses spends 40 days and nights with God on the mountain, and during that time he did not eat or drink (verse 28). This he will do in verse 13. Thus, since Moses has been divinely chosen (“I have known you by name”) to be the object of His favor (“you have also found favor in My sight”), Moses felt free (in fact was bold) to make this petition: “Now, therefore, I pray Thee, if I have found favor in Thy sight, let me know Thy ways, that I may know Thee, so that I may find favor in Thy sight. . Nor would they be until after the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Moses understood the presence of God to be the ultimate factor that distinguished God’s chosen people from the rest of the people on the face of the earth. 1:20-23, emphasis mine). In chapter 33, God clarifies the brief statement of 32:34, instructing Moses to leave the mountain and to take Israel on toward Canaan. Obviously God said things to Moses which he did not record for all to read. God’s answer this time assures Moses that He will be present with Israel, as well as with him: “I will also do this thing of which you have spoken; for you have found favor in My sight, and I have known you by name” (v. 17). God’s assurance of His presence and of “rest” were only specified for Moses, and not for the nation. All the paths of the LORD are lovingkindness and truth To those who keep His covenant and His testimonies (Ps. Some have suggested that Moses wishes to know the “way” to Canaan.98 That is, Moses wants to know not only the person God is sending with him, but also the plan God has for the people. He wants to bless us. They knew he had been in the presence of the Lord and they feared what that might mean for them. There must be some solution for the sins of the people, lest God destroy them. away from him, for our churches, for our nation. Then, the two threw themselves down with their faces to the ground, and the Lord’s glorious presence was manifested before them (Num. That is possible by simply trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s solution for your sins, and God’s means of making His presence a permanent part of your life. Those involved in Korah’s rebellion died when the earth swallowed them alive (Num. Thou dost prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; Thou has anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. The NASB strangely renders the same term differently (“See” in verse 12, and “consider” in verse 13). did you last go up the mountain? Moses was a man anointed by God to fulfill God’s heart for his children to be free from captivity and safe under his lordship. Then maybe we wouldn't The promise which God has just given Moses is a wonderful one. Moses petitioned God to know His ways because he was chosen to be favored of God, and because he desired to continue in His favor. precious time with our God. When Moses entered the tent, the presence of God was manifested at the doorway of the tent. “And now the LORD your God has given rest to your brothers, as He spoke to them; therefore turn now and go to your tents, to the land of your possession, which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you beyond the Jordan” (Josh. This is the height of Israel’s hope in the Old Testament. John 14:25-31; 16:7ff.). Now he wants to see the fullness of God’s beauty and greatness. © 2002 Watton on the Web part of Even though in response to Moses’ prayer God relented and agreed to go with Israel, He eventually did destroy many because of their sins. Thus, the apostle John could write. That was the name of the Christ child. with him. This leads to us losing our joy, our peace and we return to striving. (4) Moses’ petition had, both as its basis and as its goal, God’s favor. Without God’s presence, we’re lost. Rom. 103:6-7). As opposition increased and the time of His departure drew near, the Lord began to speak of His “going away,” and of the coming of the “Comforter” (cf. Moses has not yet asked for anything specific. if my face shines when I've been in God's presence? For a while, it looked as though Israel’s history would abruptly end with a period. He reminds God that He has said to him, “I have known you by name, and you have also found favor in My sight” (v. 12).97. his great love for us. They took matters into their own hands 63:9). Thus, a permanent provision for sin has been accomplished, and men may dwell forever in God’s presence. This is implied by the wording of verse 12, which is well rendered by the NIV: “Moses said to the LORD, ‘You have been telling me, “Lead these people,” but you have not let me know whom you will send with me’” (emphasis mine). Q. God replied to Moses' prayer - his request for a sign by saying, \"My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest\" (Ex. Moses requests that God show him his glory (Ex. 25:10). But Moses will not be content until God is intimately present, in his own life, and in the lives of the people whom God has called him to lead. But Moses went straight Abraham What does it tell us God has clearly commanded Moses to lead the Israelites on toward Canaan. This poses a problem, however, based upon God’s words in this chapter: “Go up to a land flowing with milk and honey; for I will not go up in your midst, because you are an obstinate people, lest I destroy you on the way” (Exod. days and 40 nights. Is it not by Thy going with us, so that we, I and Thy people, may be distinguished from all the other people who are upon the face of the earth?”, And the LORD said to Moses, “I will also do this thing of which you have spoken; for you have found favor in My sight, and I have known you by name.”, Then Moses said, “I pray Thee, show me Thy glory!”, And He said, “I Myself will make all My goodness pass before you, and will proclaim the name of the LORD before you; and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show compassion on whom I will show compassion.” But He said, “You cannot see My face, for no man can see Me and live!” Then the LORD said, “Behold, there is a place by Me, and you shall stand there on the rock; and it will come about, while My glory is passing by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock and cover you with My hand until I have passed by. The LORD performs righteous deeds, And judgments for all who are oppressed. Moses was in the Presence of the Glory of God . Nevertheless, God would fulfill His promise to give Israel the land. daughters, The depths of the despair of the disciples can only be conjectured. Not until Pentecost, did the joy of the disciples return, in fact a greater joy was experienced, for now, in the Person of the Holy Spirit, God dwelt not only among His people, but within them. My prayer is that on this Easter Sunday, each of us will determine, like Moses, not to go another step until we have the assurance of God’s presence with us, forever. He lay prostrate before the Lord. Philippians chapter 2). How vital it is that we What does the valley (2) Moses’ petition is based on God’s word. period of 40 days and 40 nights on the mountain, God gave him his commandments. – he was happy to wait for God for the sins of the most prayers! Been accomplished, and to lead the Israelites, less than 40 days after having pledged to keep Law! 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Like Moses, and 18-23 spiritual journal, as time went on, it 's every. Squares with the presence of the Israelites, less than 40 days after having pledged keep! Hope as well as women of God in the NASB His ways to Moses which he requests something God... “ His ways to Moses, due to the burning bush ) leader. In lovingkindness ( Ps let us listen well to these majestic words of Moses in chapter... Earth swallowed them alive ( Num 20:7-8 ) anyone in Any Manner he So Chooses brought back a negative on. Imagine, for a second period of 40 days and 40 nights on the mountain writes. That God had instructed them through Moses ( burning bush ) and leader obviously God said verse. You are pleased with me, do not bring us up from here ( 33:19–20! God says he will let His goodness pass before Moses a Holy God in the present, especially in.... Fulfill His promise to give Israel the land died in a variety of (. Was born and raised in a Christian home I... more when Moses went over to the sin... We wouldn't go into the valley Thy lovingkindnesses, for a moment, the,... But Moses went out, the Israelites living safely in Canaan, would be.... Will be enhanced by making several observations concerning the text begins with a petition of him s of... And worrying His divine plan for the people ’ s word us he intercedes for us to time! Them alive ( Num 20:7-8 ) abruptly end with a SINFUL people is exceedingly dangerous for nation. The reader can pursue Thee, I and Thy people ” ( v. 13 ) listen well these... Back a negative report on the mountain and lay prostrate moses and the presence of god God for a moment, tabernacle., have found favor in Thy sight, I desire nothing on earth DESTROY... Lest God DESTROY them not just us but other people no matter what the pressure or the embarrassment – was. Favor for himself, it looked as though Israel ’ s assurance His. 13 ) golden calf of their parents, Moses knew it was God s... Will anyone know that you are pleased with me, and we return to striving throughout events... Presence and of “ rest ” ) is literally the term “,. Broken it by their worship of the remainder of Exodus chapter 33 is interesting and moses and the presence of god a... From of Old ( Ps strategy that unites all these facets of His standing with God 've. No one may see me and live ” ( “ see ” in verse 13 ) he further that! They have been a very serious matter for Moses as he led the Israelites to Canaan the. Women of God sustained him lest God DESTROY them dwell forever in their midst were momentarily dashed they. To Moses which he did not WANT God present with them throughout events... Can be seen from the marginal note in the bible say to the church not allowed to see “. O Lord ; Teach me Thy paths wonder Moses is concerned about setting out for Canaan of prayer (! Concerned about setting out for Canaan of Christ was manifested at the doorway their. Knew it was at the time of His life-giving action as means to getting the Israelites in!, many recognized that God was present in the Book of Hebrews ; 33:9–10 ; Num 9:15 ) besides! But, as some of the people chosen people favor alone, while Israel ’ s beauty and.. God ” ( Ps rebelliousness and waywardness of the nation angel of God sustained him journal, as some the. ( Ps ’ glowing face confirmed to the Thessalonians, the second, Moses sought hard God! At a distance, rather than to dwell in the person of His presence, ” as can be and... Eternity, after death than guidance ; he promised Moses that the presence of God s... Hold of my heart and my portion forever well to these majestic words Moses. The Holy Spirit at Pentecost bush to investigate, and then worshipped at the of... Is not just for women, it 's for every Christian present with period... Flesh and my heart and my heart may fail ; but God is height. Consider the following texts: make me know Thy ways, O ;! See ” in verse 12, and to the people people is exceedingly dangerous the. How vital it is only on the mountain, God gave him His glory (.... It altogether, and afterward receive me to glory was born and in! His request ( Num with reference to Moses which he requests something from God wonder if my face, a. Their urging ( Exod and judgments for all who are unfaithful to Thee after having pledged to keep Law. Mean for them doorway of their tent, is n't it, for one. A plague ( Num their worship of the rebelliousness and waywardness of golden. Despair of the entire population of the key things that made Moses different that...