Exodus 33: The Presence of God

Key Verse: Exodus 33:15"And he said to him, ‘If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here.’"

After the golden calf, everything is uncertain.

God has spared Israel from destruction, but their sin has broken something. The covenant has been shattered—literally. And now, God gives Moses devastating news:

"I will send an angel before you... but I will not go up among you, lest I consume you on the way, for you are a stiff-necked people." (Exodus 33:2-3)

Israel will still enter the Promised Land. They will still receive God’s blessings. But God Himself will not go with them.

This is the true consequence of sin—not just judgment, but distance from God.

A Desperate Cry for God’s Presence

The people mourn when they hear this. They don’t want just His gifts—they need Him.

Moses sets up a tent outside the camp where he meets with God. The cloud of His presence descends, and Moses speaks with Him “face to face, as a man speaks with his friend.”

But Moses doesn’t just settle for that. He pleads with God.

"If I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you." (Exodus 33:13)

He doesn’t just want guidance. He wants to know God Himself.

Then, he makes the boldest request yet:

"If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here."

Moses understands something profound—the Promised Land means nothing without God. The blessings are worthless without the presence of the One who gives them.

God answers:

"My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." (Exodus 33:14)

This is everything Moses needed to hear. More than miracles, more than provision, more than victory—God Himself will go with them.

Show Me Your Glory

But Moses isn’t done. He asks for more:

"Please show me your glory." (Exodus 33:18)

God grants his request—partially. Moses cannot see His face and live, but God will cover him in the cleft of a rock, pass by, and let him see His back.

It’s a reminder that God’s presence is real, but His full glory is too overwhelming for us to grasp.

Jesus: The Fullness of God's Presence

Moses longed to see God’s glory—Jesus is that glory revealed.

• Moses met with God on a mountain—Jesus came down from heaven to dwell with us.

• Moses could not see God’s face—Jesus is the image of the invisible God. (Colossians 1:15)

• Moses pleaded for God’s presence—Jesus promises, “I am with you always.” (Matthew 28:20)

A Lesson for Us

• God’s presence is greater than His gifts. Are we seeking Him, or just what He can do for us?

• God hears our desperate prayers. Moses pleaded for more, and God answered. Are we boldly seeking His presence?

• Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s presence. Are we living in the reality that He is with us?

Moses refused to move without God. What about us? Will we settle for blessings, or will we say, “Lord, if You don’t go with us, we won’t go”?