Exodus 33:13-23 ▼

13 Now therefore, I pray you, if I have found favor in Your sight, let me know Your ways so that I may know You [becoming more deeply and intimately acquainted with You, recognizing and understanding Your ways more clearly] and that I may find grace and favor in Your sight. And consider also, that this nation is Your people.”

14 And the LORD said, “My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest [by bringing you and the people into the promised land].”

15 And Moses said to Him, “If Your presence does not go [with me], do not lead us up from here.

16 For how then can it be known that Your people and I have found favor in Your sight? Is it not by Your going with us, so that we are distinguished, Your people and I, from all the [other] people on the face of the earth?”

17 The LORD said to Moses, “I will also do this thing that you have asked; for you have found favor (lovingkindness, mercy) in My sight and I have known you [personally] by name.”

18 Then Moses said, “Please, show me Your glory!”

19 And God said, “I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the Name of the LORD before you; for I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show compassion (lovingkindness) on whom I will show compassion.”

20 But He said, “You cannot see My face, for no man shall see Me and live!”

21 Then the LORD said, “Behold, there is a place beside Me, and you shall stand there on the rock;

22 and while My glory is passing by, I will put you in a cleft of the rock and protectively cover you with My hand until I have passed by.

23 Then I will take away My hand and you shall see My back; but My face shall not be seen.”