"Unto a land flowing with milk and honey: for I will not go up in the midst of thee; for thou art a stiffnecked people: lest I consume thee in the way."
Context:The book of Exodus is the second book of the Old Testament and tells the story of the Israelites’ escape from slavery in Egypt under the leadership of Moses. In Exodus 32, we read about the incident of the golden calf, where the Israelites turned away from God and worshiped an idol, breaking the commandment to have no other gods before Him. As a result of this disobedience, God becomes angry with the people and threatens to destroy them. In Exodus 33, we find Moses interceding on behalf of the Israelites, seeking God’s mercy and presence.
“Unto a land flowing with milk and honey”: This phrase refers to the Promised Land, which God had promised to give to the Israelites-a land of abundance and blessings. It signifies a fertile and prosperous place.
“For I will not go up in the midst of thee”: God informs Moses that He will not personally accompany the Israelites on their journey to the Promised Land. This decision is a consequence of the people’s rebellion and idolatry. God’s presence had been manifested to them through the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21), but due to their disobedience, He withdraws His immediate presence.
“For thou art a stiffnecked people”: The term “stiffnecked” implies stubbornness, resistance to change, and refusal to yield or submit. God identifies this as a significant characteristic of the Israelites, which has been evident throughout their journey.
“Lest I consume thee in the way”: God declares that His presence among the Israelites, given their rebellious and stiffnecked nature, would lead to His consuming or destroying them along the way to the Promised Land. This emphasizes the seriousness of their sin and the need for repentance and change.
Key Themes and Lessons:The Holiness of God: Exodus 33:3 highlights the holiness of God and His intolerance of sin. God cannot tolerate disobedience and idolatry among His people, and when they turn away from Him, there are consequences.
Repentance and Intercession: Despite the seriousness of the people’s sin, Moses intercedes on their behalf, pleading for God’s mercy and presence. This illustrates the power of intercessory prayer and the willingness of God to forgive and show mercy when His people genuinely repent and turn back to Him.
Consequences of Stubbornness: The term “stiffnecked” serves as a warning about the dangers of stubbornness and resistance to God’s will. It shows that such an attitude can lead to the withdrawal of God’s presence and blessings.
The Promise of the Promised Land: Even though God withdraws His immediate presence, He still promises to fulfill His covenant and lead the Israelites to the Promised Land, a place of abundance and blessings.
Application:The passage prompts us to examine our own lives and attitudes. Are there areas where we have been disobedient or resistant to God’s will? If so, we should follow Moses’ example and intercede with God, seeking forgiveness and a change of heart. Additionally, we should reflect on the holiness of God and the importance of living obedient and repentant lives before Him. God’s desire is to be present with His people, but He also requires their faithfulness and obedience.
As we study this passage, let us grow in our understanding of God’s character, His expectations for His people, and the significance of seeking His presence in our lives through humble and obedient hearts.
