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. and when My glory passes by,This phrase refers to a theophany, a visible manifestation of God to humans. In the context of Exodus, God's glory is His divine presence, often associated with light and majesty. The concept of God's glory passing by is significant, as it indicates a moment of divine revelation and intimacy. In biblical history, God's glory is often linked to the tabernacle and later the temple, where His presence dwelt among His people (Exodus 40:34-35, 1 Kings 8:10-11). The idea of God passing by also echoes other biblical instances where God reveals Himself, such as to Elijah on Mount Horeb (1 Kings 19:11-13). Exo 40:34-35 Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting,… I will put you in a cleft of the rock The cleft of the rock symbolizes a place of safety and protection. In the harsh and rugged terrain of the Sinai Peninsula, a cleft would provide shelter from the elements. Spiritually, this imagery conveys God's protection over Moses, shielding him from the full intensity of His glory, which no human can withstand (Exodus 33:20). The rock is often seen as a type of Christ, who is our spiritual refuge and strength (1 Corinthians 10:4, Psalm 18:2). Sng 2:14 O my dove in the clefts of the rock, in the crevices… and cover you with My hand This phrase illustrates God's personal care and protection. The anthropomorphic language of God's hand suggests His power and authority, as well as His intimate involvement in the lives of His people. The covering of Moses signifies God's grace and mercy, shielding him from the overwhelming holiness of God's presence. This act of covering can be seen as a precursor to the atoning work of Christ, who covers our sins and allows us to stand in the presence of God (Romans 4:7). Isa 51:16 I have put My words in your mouth, and covered you…… until I have passed by. The passing by of God indicates a temporary yet profound encounter. It underscores the transient nature of divine revelation in the Old Testament, where God's presence was often momentary and specific. This phrase also highlights the anticipation of a more permanent indwelling of God's presence, fulfilled in the New Testament through the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17). The passing by can be seen as a foreshadowing of the ultimate revelation of God in Jesus Christ, who is the image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15). 1Ki 19:11-13 Then the LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain… Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt. In this passage, Moses is seeking a deeper understanding and experience of God's presence. 2. God (Yahweh) The one true God, revealing His glory to Moses in a unique and protective manner. 3. Cleft of the Rock A specific place where God places Moses to protect him from the full intensity of His glory. This symbolizes God's protection and provision. 4. Mount Sinai The location where Moses meets with God and receives the Law. It is a place of divine revelation and covenant. 5. The Glory of God Represents God's presence, holiness, and majesty. It is so powerful that it requires divine protection for Moses to experience it. Teaching Points God's Glory and HolinessGod's glory is overwhelming and holy. We must approach Him with reverence and awe, recognizing our need for His protection and grace. Divine Protection Just as God protected Moses, He provides protection for us. We can trust Him to shield us from what we cannot bear on our own. Seeking God's Presence Like Moses, we should earnestly seek to know God more deeply. This involves spending time in prayer, worship, and the study of His Word. Transformation through Encounter Encounters with God's presence lead to transformation. As we behold His glory, we are changed into His likeness. Christ as the Fulfillment Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God's glory. In Him, we see the fullness of God and experience His grace and truth. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the concept of God's glory in Exodus 33:22 shape our understanding of His holiness and majesty?2. In what ways can we seek to experience God's presence in our daily lives, similar to Moses' encounter on Mount Sinai? 3. How does the protection God provided to Moses in the cleft of the rock relate to the protection He offers us today? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure that our encounters with God lead to transformation in our lives? 5. How does the revelation of God's glory in the Old Testament connect to the revelation of Jesus Christ in the New Testament? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 34:5-7This passage describes God proclaiming His name and attributes to Moses, further revealing His character. 1 Kings 19:11-13 Elijah experiences God's presence in a gentle whisper, showing that God's presence can manifest in various ways. John 1:14 The Word became flesh, and we have seen His glory, connecting the revelation of God's glory in the Old Testament to the incarnation of Christ. 2 Corinthians 3:18 Believers are transformed by beholding the glory of the Lord, indicating the ongoing revelation and transformation through Christ. Psalm 91:1-2 Speaks of God's protection, similar to how He protected Moses in the cleft of the rock.
People Amorites, Canaanites, Hittites, Hivite, Hivites, Isaac, Jacob, Jebusites, Joshua, Moses, Nun, PerizzitesPlaces Mount Horeb, SinaiTopics Cleft, Cover, Covering, Glory, Goes, Hands, Hole, Honour, Pass, Passed, Passes, Passeth, Passing, Past, Rock, Spread, TillDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 33:12-23 1255 face of God 1265 hand of God Library The Mediator's Threefold Prayer'And Moses said unto the Lord, See, Thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people: and Thou hast not let me know whom Thou wilt send with me. Yet Thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in My sight. 13. Now therefore, I pray Thee, if I have found grace in Thy sight, show me now Thy way, that I may know Thee, that I may find grace in Thy sight: and consider that this nation is Thy people. 14. And He said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest. 15. And he … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture June the Seventeenth the Invisible Presence Election no Discouragement to Seeking Souls A view of God's Glory Of the Way to Attain Divine Union After the Preceding Ways, There Remains an after Way, Preparatory to Divine Union, in which Wisdom and Justice Make the Passive Purification of the Soul, All Let us Now Examine the Conditions under which a Revelation May be Expected To... Whence Also the Just of Old, Before the Incarnation of the Word... Ninteenth Lesson. I Go unto the Father!' The Blessed Privilege of Seeing God Explained Moses the Type of Christ. The Wonderful. Appendix viii. Rabbinic Traditions About Elijah, the Forerunner of the Messiah Epistle xxviii. To Augustine, Bishop of the Angli . The Personality of Power. An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of the Eleventh The Great Commission Given. Covenanting a Privilege of Believers. The Winsome Jesus. The Angel of the Lord in the Pentateuch, and the Book of Joshua. Jesus Calls Four Fishermen to Follow Him. The Mercy of God Links Exodus 33:22 NIVExodus 33:22 NLT Exodus 33:22 ESV Exodus 33:22 NASB Exodus 33:22 KJV Exodus 33:22 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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