“And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle.”
Context:Exodus 33 is part of the narrative of the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness after their deliverance from Egypt. At this point, Moses had received the Ten Commandments and was leading the people towards the Promised Land. In the preceding verses, God had expressed His displeasure with the Israelites’ rebellious behaviour and idolatry, which led to the breaking of the first set of tablets containing the Ten Commandments.
Verse 11 focuses on Moses’ unique relationship with God, emphasizing the intimacy of their communication and the exceptional way God spoke to Moses.
- Face to face with God: The phrase “face to face” doesn’t necessarily mean that Moses saw God’s physical face since no one can see God’s face and live (Exodus 33:20). Instead, it suggests an intimate and direct form of communication, where God revealed Himself to Moses in a more personal and immediate way. It highlights the extraordinary nature of their relationship, with God treating Moses differently than other prophets or leaders.
- Friendship with God: The comparison of God speaking to Moses “as a man speaketh unto his friend” is a remarkable expression of the close relationship between God and Moses. This intimate connection illustrates the level of trust, respect, and favour that God had for Moses. Moses wasn’t just a servant or a prophet; he was a friend of God.
- Joshua’s devotion: The latter part of the verse mentions Joshua, Moses’ servant, who remained in the tabernacle while Moses spoke with God. Joshua’s commitment to staying in God’s presence, even when Moses left, demonstrates his reverence for God and his desire to learn from Moses’ experiences with the Almighty. Joshua’s faithfulness and dedication serve as an excellent example for us to seek God’s presence continually.
- Application of God’s friendship: While none of us can have the exact same relationship with God as Moses did, we can still cultivate a close and personal connection with Him through prayer, studying His Word, and seeking His presence in our lives. The Bible assures us that God desires a relationship with His people (James 4:8) and invites us to come to Him with our burdens, concerns, and joys.
- Importance of consistency in seeking God: Moses’ encounters with God didn’t happen randomly or occasionally. He spent extended periods in the tabernacle seeking God’s presence and guidance. Similarly, if we want to grow in our faith and knowledge of God, we must devote consistent time to prayer and studying the Bible. Consistency fosters a deeper relationship with God and helps us understand His will for our lives.
- God’s desire to reveal Himself: God willingly spoke to Moses face to face because of the nature of their relationship. In the New Testament, God reveals Himself through Jesus Christ (John 1:18), who calls us friends (John 15:15) and bridges the gap between humanity and God. This shows God’s longing to connect with us and have a personal relationship with each of His children.
In conclusion, Exodus 33:11 reveals the special friendship Moses had with God and emphasizes the importance of seeking God’s presence, just as Joshua remained in the tabernacle. While our relationship with God might not be identical to Moses’, we can draw inspiration from the depth of intimacy Moses experienced with the Almighty and seek to cultivate a close relationship with God in our own lives through prayer, consistent devotion, and studying His Word.
