Exodus 33:22

Translations

Modern

…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.

Traditional

And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by:

Literal

And it shall be, when My glory passes by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock, and I will cover My palm over you until I pass by.

Latin

Cumque transibit gloria mea, ponam te in foramine petræ, et protegam dextera mea, donec transeam:

Original

Hebrew

English

…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.

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 Built

Related verses

Psalm 91:1
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
Psalm 91:4
He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and rampart.
Isaiah 2:21
They will flee to caverns in the rocks and crevices in the cliffs, away from the terror of the LORD and from the splendor of His majesty, when He rises to shake the earth.
Psalm 18:2
The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
1 Corinthians 10:4
…and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ.
Isaiah 32:2
Each will be like a shelter from the wind, a refuge from the storm, like streams of water in a dry land, like the shadow of a great rock in an arid land.
Song of Solomon 2:3
Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest is my beloved among the young men. I delight to sit in his shade, and his fruit is sweet to my taste.
2 Corinthians 5:19
…that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men’s trespasses against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation.
Deuteronomy 33:12
Concerning Benjamin he said: “May the beloved of the LORD rest secure in Him; God shields him all day long, and upon His shoulders he rests.”

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 God: Glory of God: Grace of Journey of Israel Through The Desert: To Mount Sinai: God's Glory Shown to Moses Rocks: Often had Holes and Clefts The Glory of God: Exhibited to Moses Vision of Moses of the Glory of God

Exodus 33:22

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