QUEST TO UNDERSTAND ELEMENTARY SCRIPTURAL TRUTH

Consequences

Exodus 33 · Pastor Craig R. Jarvis

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1The Punishment for the Calf Idol Continues

God’s punishment upon the people may include God’s leaving them. Exodus 33:1-3
- Yahweh voices His covenant promise once again…but with changes.
- God would not accompany them personally into the Land.
- No longer will the Tabernacle be built – the plan was scrapped.
- God begins to distance Himself from the people.
- God would fulfill His promise but not in a “wholehearted” manner.
The response of the people is ! Exodus 33:4-6

2Moses Stands in the Gap

Moses began a new habit: erecting a tent a from the camp. Exodus 33:7
- Why this location?
- Moses gives the tent the same name as the Tabernacle but it was not the same thing as the Tabernacle.
Moses’ reputation is a reminder of the of the people. Exodus 33:8-9
- When Moses went in and out, the people could only watch from their tents.
- Perhaps this endeared feelings of admiration, respect, and longing?
- Joshua would guard the tent so that the people could not approach.
- Remember: The people referred to Moses as “this Moses.” Now he is the only one able to fellowship with Yahweh.
- God would descend upon the tent that was out of their reach!
- Here, God spoke to Moses “face to face.”
Moses speaks to the people. Exodus 33:12-14
God encourages Moses. Exodus 33:14
- God says that He will go “with Moses”
- God reiterates His promise made formerly to the patriarchs.
God agrees to to Moses. Exodus 33:17-19
- God revealed His goodness. (God is good all the time)
- God revealed His Name. (Eternality / sameness)
- God revealed His generosity and compassion. (Grace / Sovereignty)
A warning about ‘seeing’ God. Exodus 33:20-23
- Sinful humanity cannot look upon Absolute Holiness.
Not even the angels can look upon God’s ‘face.’ Is.6:1-3
- Somehow, Moses only saw a ‘reflective’ representation of God.
- Moses could not take in the essential nature of God and endure it – he only saw the back of God’s essence.
  - Note: The extraordinary incident of Jesus Christ in light of this truth.
  - Note: The effect of humanity honestly seeing God for who He is will not leave anyone unaffected.

3Moses Deals with Consequences and Finds Grace

God replaces the broken tablets with new ones (with differences). Exodus 34:1-4
- must now cut them out instead of God.
- still writes the words.
- The conditions to approach God were the same.
- Neither nor were allowed to accompany Moses.
Yahweh proclaims His Holy Name to Moses. Exodus 34:5-7
- Yahweh declares that He is a gracious and compassionate God.
- Yahweh declares that He is “ in the nostrils.”
- Yahweh declares that He is faithful to the covenant in loyalty and truth.
Moses worships. Exodus 34:8-9
- Moses lowers himself before God’s revelation.
- Moses is driven to pray on behalf of the people who suffer under God’s displeasure.
- Moses includes himself in his description of the people’s sin. Why?
- Moses requests that God “take back” His people as a possession.