Exodus 33

5. I will come up. Rather, “If I go up into the midst of thee for one moment, I shall consume thee” (R.V.).

6 by the mount Horeb. Rather, “from mount Horeb onward” (R.V.); i.e., at Horeb they ceased to wear them.

7 the Tabernacle. This, which is mentioned before the construction of the tabernacle according to the directions given at Sinai, was probably the tent in which Moses transacted the duties of his office, and where he held intercourse with God; hence called “the tent of meeting.” See xxvii. 21. Its removal outside the camp intimated the withdrawal of God’s special presence.

11 face to face. Not that Moses actually saw God, for “no man hath seen God at any time” (see John i. 18); but this expression signifies freedom and familiarity of intercourse.

12. I know thee by name. That is, “I have particular regard for thee.”

14. My presence. The privilege which has been taken away (ver. 3) is restored, in answer to Moses’ prayer. Cp. Josh. xxi. 44.

23 thou shalt see, etc. “Face,” “hand,” and “back,” are figurative expressions in this, as in many other passages of Scripture. See on Gen. vi. 6. The passage evidently means that God would reveal to Moses so much of His glory, and chiefly of His moral perfections, as he could endure. Cp. John i. 18.