Exodus 33:13-16

13 If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.”
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.
16 How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?”

Exodus 33:13-16 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO EXODUS 33

This chapter informs us, that the Lord refusing to go with the people, only sending an angel with them, they are filled with concern, and troubled, Ex 33:1-6. Moses upon this pitched the tabernacle without the camp, where everyone that sought the Lord went; Moses entered into it himself, and the Lord talked to him in a friendly manner in the cloudy pillar that stood at the door of it, and the people worshipped, every man at his own tent door; all which foreboded good, and tended to reconciliation, Ex 33:7-11. Moses improved the opportunity, and entreats the presence of God to go with them, which was granted, Ex 33:12-17 and that he might have a sight of the glory of God; and this is promised to pass before him, he being put into the cleft of the rock, Ex 33:18-23.

Cross References 7

  • 1. Psalms 25:4; Psalms 27:11; Psalms 51:13; Psalms 86:11; Psalms 103:7; Psalms 143:8; Psalms 119:33
  • 2. Exodus 3:7; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 9:26,29; Psalms 77:15
  • 3. S Exodus 13:21; Deuteronomy 4:37; Isaiah 63:9; Haggai 1:13; Haggai 2:4
  • 4. Deuteronomy 12:9,10; Deuteronomy 25:19; Joshua 1:13; Joshua 11:23; Joshua 21:44; Joshua 22:4; Joshua 23:1; 1 Kings 8:56; Isaiah 63:14; Jeremiah 31:2; Matthew 11:28; Hebrews 4:1-11
  • 5. ver 3; Exodus 34:9; 2 Kings 13:23; 2 Kings 17:18; 2 Kings 23:27; 2 Kings 24:20; Psalms 51:11; Psalms 80:3,7,19; Jeremiah 7:15; Jeremiah 52:3
  • 6. Exodus 34:5; Exodus 40:34,35; Numbers 9:15; Numbers 14:14
  • 7. Exodus 34:10; Leviticus 20:24,26; Numbers 23:9; Dt 4:7,32,34; Deuteronomy 32:9; Deuteronomy 33:28
Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.