“And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.”
Context:This verse is set in the aftermath of a pivotal event in the history of the Israelites. The people had sinned by creating and worshipping the golden calf while Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments from God. As a result, God’s anger burned against the Israelites, and He threatened to destroy them (Exodus 32:9-10).
However, Moses interceded on behalf of the people and pleaded for God’s mercy. God relented from destroying the Israelites, but His presence would no longer go with them (Exodus 33:1-3). Moses was distressed by this news, and he sought further assurance of God’s favour.
Exodus 33:12-17 recounts the conversation between Moses and God, where Moses pleads for God’s presence to continue leading the Israelites on their journey to the Promised Land. God assures Moses of His favour and acknowledges him as a faithful servant.
Exodus 33:18-19 leads up to the verse in question, where Moses boldly asks God to reveal His glory to him. This request reflects Moses’ deep desire to know and experience more of God’s character and presence.
Meaning and Interpretation:In Exodus 33:20, God responds to Moses’ request by explaining that no human being can see His face and live. This statement emphasises the transcendence and holiness of God. His divine nature is beyond the capacity of human beings to comprehend or withstand fully. Here are some key points to consider in understanding this verse:
The Incomprehensibility of God: God’s ways and nature are far beyond human understanding. While He has revealed Himself to humanity through His Word, creation, and the person of Jesus Christ, some aspects of God are beyond our comprehension.
The Holiness of God: God’s holiness is often associated with His divine separation from sin and impurity. Human beings, being sinful, cannot encounter God’s full glory without being consumed by it. This is seen in other passages of the Bible, such as Isaiah 6:1-7.
Moses’ Unique Relationship with God: It is important to note that Moses had a special relationship with God, unlike any other person in the Old Testament. God spoke to Moses “face to face” as a man speaks with his friend (Exodus 33:11). Despite this unique relationship, even Moses was not allowed to see God’s face in its fullness.
God’s Mercy and Grace: Although no one can see God’s face and live, God still chooses to reveal Himself to humanity in various ways. He shows mercy and grace by allowing us to know Him through His Word, through Jesus Christ, and through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
Christ’s Role as Mediator: The New Testament teaches that Jesus Christ, as both fully God and fully human, serves as the mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5). Through Christ, we can have a relationship with God and experience His presence without being consumed by His holiness.
Practical Application:The verse can have several practical applications for our spiritual lives:
Humility and Awe: Recognise the vastness and incomprehensibility of God. Approach Him with humility and awe, acknowledging His holiness and greatness.
Seeking God’s Presence: Like Moses, we should seek God’s presence and desire to know Him more intimately. This can be achieved through prayer, reading His Word, and cultivating a personal relationship with Him.
The Role of Christ: Understand the role of Jesus Christ as the bridge that allows us to approach God. Through faith in Christ, we can have a relationship with God and experience His presence in our lives.
Living in God’s Grace: Remember that God’s grace allows us to know Him even though we cannot fully comprehend Him. Live in gratitude for the ways God has revealed Himself to us.
In conclusion, Exodus 33:20 reminds us of the majesty and holiness of God, which is beyond human comprehension. It also highlights the privilege of having a relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ, who enables us to approach God’s presence and experience His love and grace.
