mh_parser/vol_split/2 - Exodus/Chapter 33.xml

<div2 id="Ex.xxxiv" n="xxxiv" next="Ex.xxxv" prev="Ex.xxxiii" progress="47.65%" title="Chapter XXXIII">
<h2 id="Ex.xxxiv-p0.1">E X O D U S</h2>
<h3 id="Ex.xxxiv-p0.2">CHAP. XXXIII.</h3>
<p class="intro" id="Ex.xxxiv-p1">In this chapter we have a further account of the
mediation of Moses between God and Israel, for the making up of the
breach that sin had made between them. I. He brings a very humbling
message from God to them (<scripRef id="Ex.xxxiv-p1.1" osisRef="Bible:Exod.33.1-Exod.33.3 Bible:Exod.33.5" parsed="|Exod|33|1|33|3;|Exod|33|5|0|0" passage="Ex 33:1-3,5">ver. 1-3,
5</scripRef>), which has a good effect upon them, and helps to
prepare them for mercy, <scripRef id="Ex.xxxiv-p1.2" osisRef="Bible:Exod.33.4 Bible:Exod.33.6" parsed="|Exod|33|4|0|0;|Exod|33|6|0|0" passage="Ex 33:4,6">ver. 4,
6</scripRef>. II. He settles a correspondence between God and them,
and both God and the people signify their approbation of that
correspondence, God by descending in a cloudy pillar, and the
people by worshipping at the tent doors, <scripRef id="Ex.xxxiv-p1.3" osisRef="Bible:Exod.33.7-Exod.33.11" parsed="|Exod|33|7|33|11" passage="Ex 33:7-11">ver. 7-11</scripRef>. III. He is earnest with God in
prayer, and prevails, 1. For a promise of his presence with the
people, <scripRef id="Ex.xxxiv-p1.4" osisRef="Bible:Exod.33.12-Exod.33.17" parsed="|Exod|33|12|33|17" passage="Ex 33:12-17">ver. 12-17</scripRef>. 2.
For a sight of his glory for himself, <scripRef id="Ex.xxxiv-p1.5" osisRef="Bible:Exod.33.18-Exod.33.23" parsed="|Exod|33|18|33|23" passage="Ex 33:18-23">ver. 18</scripRef>, &amp;c.</p>
<scripCom id="Ex.xxxiv-p1.6" osisRef="Bible:Exod.33" parsed="|Exod|33|0|0|0" passage="Ex 33" type="Commentary"/>
<scripCom id="Ex.xxxiv-p1.7" osisRef="Bible:Exod.33.1-Exod.33.6" parsed="|Exod|33|1|33|6" passage="Ex 33:1-6" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Exod.33.1-Exod.33.6">
<h4 id="Ex.xxxiv-p1.8">The Israelites Reproved. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xxxiv-p1.9">b. c.</span> 1491.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Ex.xxxiv-p2">1 And the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xxxiv-p2.1">Lord</span>
said unto Moses, Depart, <i>and</i> go up hence, thou and the
people which thou hast brought up out of the land of Egypt, unto
the land which I sware unto Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob,
saying, Unto thy seed will I give it:   2 And I will send an
angel before thee; and I will drive out the Canaanite, the Amorite,
and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite:
  3 Unto a land flowing with milk and honey: for I will not go
up in the midst of thee; for thou <i>art</i> a stiffnecked people:
lest I consume thee in the way.   4 And when the people heard
these evil tidings, they mourned: and no man did put on him his
ornaments.   5 For the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xxxiv-p2.2">Lord</span> had
said unto Moses, Say unto the children of Israel, Ye <i>are</i> a
stiffnecked people: I will come up into the midst of thee in a
moment, and consume thee: therefore now put off thy ornaments from
thee, that I may know what to do unto thee.   6 And the
children of Israel stripped themselves of their ornaments by the
mount Horeb.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xxxiv-p3">Here is, I. The message which God sent by
Moses to the children of Israel, signifying the continuance of the
displeasure against them, and the bad terms they yet stood upon
with God. This he must let them know for their further
mortification. 1. He applies to them a mortifying name, by giving
them their just character—<i>a stiff-necked people,</i> <scripRef id="Ex.xxxiv-p3.1" osisRef="Bible:Exod.33.3 Bible:Exod.33.5" parsed="|Exod|33|3|0|0;|Exod|33|5|0|0" passage="Ex 33:3,5"><i>v.</i> 3, 5</scripRef>. "Go," says God to
Moses, "go and tell them that they are so." He that knows them
better than they know themselves says so of them. God would have
brought them under the yoke of his law, and into the bond of his
covenant, but their necks were too stiff to bow to them. God would
have cured them of their corrupt and crooked dispositions, and have
set them straight; but they were wilful and obstinate, and hated to
be reformed, and would not have God to reign over them. Note, God
judges of men by the temper of their minds. We know what man does;
God knows what he is: we know what proceeds from man; God knows
what is in man, and nothing is more displeasing to him than
stiff-neckedness, as nothing in children is more offensive to their
parents and teachers than stubbornness. 2. He tells them what they
deserved, that he should <i>come into the midst of them in a
moment, and consume them,</i> <scripRef id="Ex.xxxiv-p3.2" osisRef="Bible:Exod.33.5" parsed="|Exod|33|5|0|0" passage="Ex 33:5"><i>v.</i>
5</scripRef>. Had he dealt with them according to their sins, he
had taken them away with a swift destruction. Note, Those whom God
pardons must be made to know what their sin deserved, and how
miserable they would have been if they had been unpardoned, that
God's mercy may be the more magnified. 3. He bids them <i>depart
and go up hence</i> to the land of Canaan, <scripRef id="Ex.xxxiv-p3.3" osisRef="Bible:Exod.33.1" parsed="|Exod|33|1|0|0" passage="Ex 33:1"><i>v.</i> 1</scripRef>. This Mount Sinai, where they now
were, was the place appointed for the setting up of God's
tabernacle and solemn worship among them; this was not yet done, so
that in bidding them depart hence God intimates that it should not
be done—"Let them go forward as they are;" and so it was very
expressive of God's displeasure. 4. He turns them over to Moses, as
the people whom he had brought up out of the land of Egypt, and
leaves it to him to lead them to Canaan. 5. Though he promises to
make good his covenant with Abraham, in giving them Canaan, yet he
denies them the extraordinary tokens of his presence, such as they
had hitherto been blessed with, and leaves them under the common
conduct of Moses their prince, and the common convoy of a guardian
angel: "<i>I will send an angel before thee,</i> for thy protector,
otherwise the evil angels would soon destroy thee; but <i>I will
not go up in the midst of thee, lest I consume thee</i>" (<scripRef id="Ex.xxxiv-p3.4" osisRef="Bible:Exod.33.2-Exod.33.3" parsed="|Exod|33|2|33|3" passage="Ex 33:2,3"><i>v.</i> 2, 3</scripRef>); not as if an angel
would be more patient and compassionate than God, but their
affronts given to an angel would not be so provoking as those given
to the <i>shechinah,</i> or divine Majesty itself. Note, The
greater the privileges we enjoy the greater is our danger if we do
not improve them and live up to them. 6. He speaks as one that was
at a loss what course to take with them. Justice said, "Cut them
off, and consume them." Mercy said, "<i>How shall I give thee up,
Ephraim?</i>" <scripRef id="Ex.xxxiv-p3.5" osisRef="Bible:Hos.11.8" parsed="|Hos|11|8|0|0" passage="Ho 11:8">Hos. xi. 8</scripRef>.
Well, says God, <i>put off thy ornaments, that I may know what to
do with thee;</i> that is, "Put thyself into the posture of a
penitent, that the dispute may be determined in thy favour, and
mercy may rejoice against judgment," <scripRef id="Ex.xxxiv-p3.6" osisRef="Bible:Exod.33.5" parsed="|Exod|33|5|0|0" passage="Ex 33:5"><i>v.</i> 5</scripRef>. Note, Calls to repentance are
plain indications of mercy designed. If the Lord were pleased to
kill us, justice knows what to do with a stiff-necked people: but
God has no pleasure in the death of those that die; let them return
and repent, and then mercy, which otherwise is at a loss, knows
what to do.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xxxiv-p4">II. The people's melancholy reception of
this message; it was evil tidings to them to hear that they should
not have God's special presence with them, and therefore, 1.
<i>They mourned</i> (<scripRef id="Ex.xxxiv-p4.1" osisRef="Bible:Exod.33.4" parsed="|Exod|33|4|0|0" passage="Ex 33:4"><i>v.</i>
4</scripRef>), mourned for their sin which had provoked God to
withdraw from them, and mourned for this as the sorest punishment
of their sin. When 3000 of them were at one time laid dead upon the
spot by the Levites' sword, we do not find that they mourned for
this (hoping that it would help to expiate the guilt); but when God
denied them his favourable presence then they mourned and were in
bitterness. Note, Of all the bitter fruits and consequences of sin,
that which true penitents most lament, and dread most, is God's
departure from them. God had promised that, notwithstanding their
sin, he would give them the <i>land flowing with milk and
honey.</i> but they could have small joy of that if they had not
God's presence with them. Canaan itself would be no pleasant land
without that; therefore, if they want that, they mourn. 2. In token
of great shame and humiliation, those that were undressed did
<i>not put on their ornaments</i> (<scripRef id="Ex.xxxiv-p4.2" osisRef="Bible:Exod.33.4" parsed="|Exod|33|4|0|0" passage="Ex 33:4"><i>v.</i> 4</scripRef>), and those that were dressed
<i>stripped themselves of their ornaments, by the mount;</i> or, as
some read it, <i>at a distance from the mount</i> (<scripRef id="Ex.xxxiv-p4.3" osisRef="Bible:Exod.33.6" parsed="|Exod|33|6|0|0" passage="Ex 33:6"><i>v.</i> 6</scripRef>), standing afar off like
the publican, <scripRef id="Ex.xxxiv-p4.4" osisRef="Bible:Luke.18.13" parsed="|Luke|18|13|0|0" passage="Lu 18:13">Luke xviii.
13</scripRef>. God bade them <i>lay aside their ornaments</i>
(<scripRef id="Ex.xxxiv-p4.5" osisRef="Bible:Exod.33.5" parsed="|Exod|33|5|0|0" passage="Ex 33:5"><i>v.</i> 5</scripRef>), and they did
so, both to show, in general, their deep mourning, and, in
particular, to take a holy revenge upon themselves for giving their
ear-rings to make the golden calf of. Those that would part with
their ornaments for the maintenance of their sin could do no less
than lay aside their ornaments in token of their sorrow and shame
for it. When the <i>Lord God calls to weeping and mourning</i> we
must comply with the call, and not only fast from pleasant bread
(<scripRef id="Ex.xxxiv-p4.6" osisRef="Bible:Dan.10.3" parsed="|Dan|10|3|0|0" passage="Da 10:3">Dan. x. 3</scripRef>), but lay aside
our ornaments; even those that are decent enough at other times are
unseasonably worn on days of humiliation or in times of public
calamity, <scripRef id="Ex.xxxiv-p4.7" osisRef="Bible:Isa.3.18" parsed="|Isa|3|18|0|0" passage="Isa 3:18">Isa. iii. 18</scripRef>.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Ex.xxxiv-p4.8" osisRef="Bible:Exod.33.7-Exod.33.11" parsed="|Exod|33|7|33|11" passage="Ex 33:7-11" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Exod.33.7-Exod.33.11">
<h4 id="Ex.xxxiv-p4.9">The Tabernacle of the
Congregation. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xxxiv-p4.10">b. c.</span> 1491.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Ex.xxxiv-p5">7 And Moses took the tabernacle, and pitched it
without the camp, afar off from the camp, and called it the
Tabernacle of the congregation. And it came to pass, <i>that</i>
every one which sought the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xxxiv-p5.1">Lord</span> went
out unto the tabernacle of the congregation, which <i>was</i>
without the camp.   8 And it came to pass, when Moses went out
unto the tabernacle, <i>that</i> all the people rose up, and stood
every man <i>at</i> his tent door, and looked after Moses, until he
was gone into the tabernacle.   9 And it came to pass, as
Moses entered into the tabernacle, the cloudy pillar descended, and
stood <i>at</i> the door of the tabernacle, and <i>the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xxxiv-p5.2">Lord</span></i> talked with Moses.   10 And all
the people saw the cloudy pillar stand <i>at</i> the tabernacle
door: and all the people rose up and worshipped, every man
<i>in</i> his tent door.   11 And the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xxxiv-p5.3">Lord</span> 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.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xxxiv-p6">Here is, I. One mark of displeasure put
upon them for their further humiliation: <i>Moses took the
tabernacle,</i> not his own tent for his family, but the tent
wherein he gave audience, heard causes, and enquired of God, the
<i>guild-hall</i> (as it were) of their camp, and <i>pitched it
without, afar off from the camp</i> (<scripRef id="Ex.xxxiv-p6.1" osisRef="Bible:Exod.33.7" parsed="|Exod|33|7|0|0" passage="Ex 33:7"><i>v.</i> 7</scripRef>), to signify to them that they had
rendered themselves unworthy of it, and that, unless peace was
made, it would return to them no more. God would thus let them know
that he was at variance with them: <i>The Lord is far from the
wicked.</i> Thus the glory of the Lord departed from the temple
when it was polluted with sin, <scripRef id="Ex.xxxiv-p6.2" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.10.4 Bible:Ezek.11.23" parsed="|Ezek|10|4|0|0;|Ezek|11|23|0|0" passage="Eze 10:4,11:23">Ezek. x. 4; xi. 23</scripRef>. Note, It is a sign
that God is angry when he removes his tabernacle, for his
ordinances are fruits of his favour and tokens of his presence;
while we have them with us we have him with us. Perhaps this
tabernacle was a plan, or model rather, of the tabernacle that was
afterwards to be erected, a hasty draught from the pattern shown
him in the mount, designed for direction to the workmen, and used,
in the meantime, as a tabernacle of meeting between God and Moses
about public affairs. This was set up at a distance, to affect the
people with the loss of that glorious structure which, if they had
not forsaken their own mercies for lying vanities, was to have been
set up in the midst of them. Let them see what they had
forfeited.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xxxiv-p7">II. Many encouragements give them,
notwithstanding, to hope that God would yet be reconciled to
them.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xxxiv-p8">1. Though the tabernacle was removed, yet
every one that was disposed to seek the Lord was welcome to follow
it, <scripRef id="Ex.xxxiv-p8.1" osisRef="Bible:Exod.33.7" parsed="|Exod|33|7|0|0" passage="Ex 33:7"><i>v.</i> 7</scripRef>. Private
persons, as well as Moses, were invited and encouraged to apply to
God, as intercessors upon this occasion. A place was appointed for
them to go to <i>without the camp,</i> to solicit God's return to
them. Thus when Ezra (a second Moses) interceded for Israel there
were assembled to him many that <i>trembled at God's word,</i>
<scripRef id="Ex.xxxiv-p8.2" osisRef="Bible:Ezra.9.4" parsed="|Ezra|9|4|0|0" passage="Ezr 9:4">Ezra ix. 4</scripRef>. When God designs
mercy, he stirs up prayer. <i>He will be</i> sought unto (<scripRef id="Ex.xxxiv-p8.3" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.36.37" parsed="|Ezek|36|37|0|0" passage="Eze 36:37">Ezek. xxxvi. 37</scripRef>); and, thanks be to
his name, he may be sought unto, and will not reject the
intercession of the poorest. Every Israelite that sought the Lord
was welcome to this tabernacle, as well as Moses <i>the man of
God.</i></p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xxxiv-p9">2. Moses undertook to mediate between God
and Israel. He <i>went out to the tabernacle,</i> the place of
treaty, probably pitched between them and the mount (<scripRef id="Ex.xxxiv-p9.1" osisRef="Bible:Exod.33.8" parsed="|Exod|33|8|0|0" passage="Ex 33:8"><i>v.</i> 8</scripRef>), and he <i>entered into
the tabernacle,</i> <scripRef id="Ex.xxxiv-p9.2" osisRef="Bible:Exod.33.9" parsed="|Exod|33|9|0|0" passage="Ex 33:9"><i>v.</i>
9</scripRef>. That cause could not but speed well which had so good
a manager; when their judge (under God) becomes their advocate, and
he who was appointed to be their law-giver is an intercessor for
them, there is <i>hope in Israel concerning this thing.</i></p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xxxiv-p10">3. The people seemed to be in a very good
mind and well disposed towards a reconciliation. (1.) When Moses
went out to go to the tabernacle, the people <i>looked after
him</i> (<scripRef id="Ex.xxxiv-p10.1" osisRef="Bible:Exod.33.8" parsed="|Exod|33|8|0|0" passage="Ex 33:8"><i>v.</i> 8</scripRef>), in
token of their respect to him whom before they had slighted, and
their entire dependence upon his mediation. By this it appeared
that they were very solicitous about this matter, desirous to be at
peace with God and concerned to know what would be the issue. Thus
the disciples looked after our Lord Jesus, when he ascended on high
to enter into the holy place not made with hands, till a <i>cloud
received him out of their sight,</i> as Moses here. And we must
with an eye of faith follow him likewise thither, where he is
appearing in the presence of God for us; then shall we have the
benefit of his mediation. (2.) When they saw the cloudy pillar,
that symbol of God's presence, give Moses the meeting, they all
<i>worshipped, every man at his tent door,</i> <scripRef id="Ex.xxxiv-p10.2" osisRef="Bible:Exod.33.10" parsed="|Exod|33|10|0|0" passage="Ex 33:10"><i>v.</i> 10</scripRef>. Thereby they signified, [1.]
Their humble adoration of the divine Majesty, which they will ever
worship, and not gods of gold any more. [2.] Their joyful
thankfulness to God that he was pleased to show them this token for
good, and give them hopes of a reconciliation; for, if he had been
pleased to kill them, he would not have shown them such things as
these, would not have raised them up such a mediator, nor given him
such countenance. [3.] Their hearty concurrence with Moses as their
advocate in every thing he should promise for them, and their
expectation of a comfortable and happy issue of this treaty. Thus
must we worship God in our tents with an eye to Christ as the
Mediator. Their worshipping in their tent doors declared plainly
that they were not ashamed publicly to own their respect to God and
Moses, as they had publicly worshipped the calf.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xxxiv-p11">4. God was, in Moses, reconciling Israel to
himself, and manifested himself very willing to be at peace. (1.)
God met Moses at the place of treaty, <scripRef id="Ex.xxxiv-p11.1" osisRef="Bible:Exod.33.9" parsed="|Exod|33|9|0|0" passage="Ex 33:9"><i>v.</i> 9</scripRef>. The cloudy pillar, which had
withdrawn itself from the camp when it was polluted with idolatry,
now returned to this tabernacle at some distance, coming back
gradually. If our hearts go forth towards God to meet him he will
graciously come down to meet us. (2.) God <i>talked with Moses</i>
(<scripRef id="Ex.xxxiv-p11.2" osisRef="Bible:Exod.33.9" parsed="|Exod|33|9|0|0" passage="Ex 33:9"><i>v.</i> 9</scripRef>), <i>spoke to
him face to face, as a man speaks to his friend</i> (<scripRef id="Ex.xxxiv-p11.3" osisRef="Bible:Exod.33.11" parsed="|Exod|33|11|0|0" passage="Ex 33:11"><i>v.</i> 11</scripRef>), which intimates that
God revealed himself to Moses, not only with greater clearness and
evidence of divine light than to any other of the prophets, but
also with greater expressions of particular kindness and grace. He
spoke, not as a prince to a subject, but as a <i>man to his
friend,</i> whom he loves, and with whom he takes sweet counsel.
This was great encouragement to Israel, to see their advocate so
great a favourite; and, that they might be encouraged by it,
<i>Moses turned again into the camp,</i> to tell the people what
hopes he had of bringing this business to a good issue, and that
they might not despair if he should be long absent. But, because he
intended speedily to return to the tabernacle of the congregation,
he left Joshua there, for it was not fit that the place should be
empty, so long as the cloud of glory <i>stood at the door</i>
(<scripRef id="Ex.xxxiv-p11.4" osisRef="Bible:Exod.33.9" parsed="|Exod|33|9|0|0" passage="Ex 33:9"><i>v.</i> 9</scripRef>); but, if God
had any thing to say out of that cloud while Moses was absent,
Joshua was there, ready to hear it.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Ex.xxxiv-p11.5" osisRef="Bible:Exod.33" parsed="|Exod|33|0|0|0" passage="Ex 33" type="Commentary"/>
<scripCom id="Ex.xxxiv-p11.6" osisRef="Bible:Exod.33.12-Exod.33.23" parsed="|Exod|33|12|33|23" passage="Ex 33:12-23" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Exod.33.12-Exod.33.23">
<h4 id="Ex.xxxiv-p11.7">Moses Petitions to See God's
Glory. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xxxiv-p11.8">b. c.</span> 1491.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Ex.xxxiv-p12">12 And Moses said unto the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xxxiv-p12.1">Lord</span>, See, thou sayest unto me, Bring up this
people: and thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me.
Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found
grace in my sight.   13 Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have
found grace in thy sight, show me now thy way, that I may know
thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this
nation <i>is</i> thy people.   14 And he said, My presence
shall go <i>with thee,</i> and I will give thee rest.   15 And
he said unto him, If thy presence go not <i>with me,</i> carry us
not up hence.   16 For wherein shall it be known here that I
and thy people have found grace in thy sight? <i>is it</i> not in
that thou goest with us? so shall we be separated, I and thy
people, from all the people that <i>are</i> upon the face of the
earth.   17 And the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xxxiv-p12.2">Lord</span> said
unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for
thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name.  
18 And he said, I beseech thee, show me thy glory.   19 And he
said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will
proclaim the name of the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xxxiv-p12.3">Lord</span> before
thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will
show mercy on whom I will show mercy.   20 And he said, Thou
canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.
  21 And the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xxxiv-p12.4">Lord</span> said, Behold,
<i>there is</i> a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock:
  22 And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by,
that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee
with my hand while I pass by:   23 And I will take away mine
hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be
seen.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xxxiv-p13">Moses, having returned to the door of the
tabernacle, becomes a humble and importunate supplicant there for
two very great favours, and as a prince he has power with God, and
prevails for both: herein he was a type of Christ the great
intercessor, <i>whom the Father heareth always.</i></p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xxxiv-p14">I. He is very earnest with God for a grant
of his presence with Israel in the rest of their march to Canaan,
notwithstanding their provocations. The people had by their sin
deserved the wrath of God, and for the turning away of that Moses
had already prevailed, <scripRef id="Ex.xxxiv-p14.1" osisRef="Bible:Exod.32.14" parsed="|Exod|32|14|0|0" passage="Ex 32:14"><i>ch.</i>
xxxii. 14</scripRef>. But they had likewise forfeited God's
favourable presence, and all the benefit and comfort of that, and
this Moses is here begging for the return of. Thus, by the
intercession of Christ, we obtain not only the removal of the
curse, but an assurance of the blessing; we are not only saved from
ruin, but become entitled to everlasting happiness. Observe how
admirably Moses orders this cause before God, and <i>fills his
mouth with arguments.</i> What a value he expresses for God's
favour, what a concern for God's glory and the welfare of Israel.
How he pleads, and how he speeds.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xxxiv-p15">1. How he pleads. (1.) He insists upon the
commission God had given him to <i>bring up this people,</i>
<scripRef id="Ex.xxxiv-p15.1" osisRef="Bible:Exod.33.12" parsed="|Exod|33|12|0|0" passage="Ex 33:12"><i>v.</i> 12</scripRef>. This he
begins with: "Lord, it is thou thyself that employest me; and wilt
thou not own me? I am in the way of my duty; and shall I not have
thy presence with me in that way?" Whom God calls out to any
service he will be sure to furnish with necessary assistances.
"Now, Lord, thou hast ordered me a great work, and yet left me at a
loss how to go about it, and to through with it." Note, Those that
sincerely design and endeavour to do their duty may in faith beg of
God direction and strength for the doing of it. (2.) He improves
the interest he himself had with God, and pleads God's gracious
expressions of kindness to him: <i>Thou hast said, I know thee by
name,</i> as a particular friend and confidant, <i>and thou hast
also found grace in my sight,</i> above any other. <i>Now,
therefore,</i> says Moses, if it be indeed so, that <i>I have found
grace in thy sight, show me the way,</i> <scripRef id="Ex.xxxiv-p15.2" osisRef="Bible:Exod.33.13" parsed="|Exod|33|13|0|0" passage="Ex 33:13"><i>v.</i> 13</scripRef>. What favour God had expressed
to the people they had forfeited the benefit of, there was no
insisting upon that; and therefore Moses lays the stress of his
plea upon what God had said to him, which, though he owns himself
unworthy of, yet he hopes he has not thrown himself out of the
benefit of. By this therefore he takes hold on God: "Lord, if ever
thou wilt do any thing for me, do this for the people." Thus our
Lord Jesus, in his intercession, presents himself to the Father, as
one in whom he is always well pleased, and so obtains mercy for us
with whom he is justly displeased; and we are <i>accepted in the
beloved.</i> Thus also men of public spirit love to improve their
interest both with God and man for the public good. Observe what it
is he is thus earnest for: <i>Show me thy way,</i> that I may know
that <i>I find grace in thy sight.</i> Note, Divine direction is
one of the best evidences of divine favour. By this we may know
that we <i>find grace in God's sight,</i> if we find grace in our
hearts to guide and quicken us in the way of our duty. God's good
work in us is the surest discovery of his good-will towards us.
(3.) He insinuates that the people also, though most unworthy, yet
were in some relation to God: "<i>Consider that this nation is thy
people,</i> a people that thou hast done great things for, redeemed
to thyself, and taken into covenant with thyself; Lord, they are
thy own, do not leave them." The offended father considers this,
"My child is foolish and froward, but he is my child, and I cannot
abandon him." (4.) He expresses the great value he had for the
presence of God. When God said, <i>My presence shall go with
thee,</i> he caught at that word, as that which he could not live
and move without: "<i>If thy presence go not with me, carry us not
up hence,</i>" <scripRef id="Ex.xxxiv-p15.3" osisRef="Bible:Exod.33.15" parsed="|Exod|33|15|0|0" passage="Ex 33:15"><i>v.</i>
15</scripRef>. He speaks as one that dreaded the thought of going
forward without God's presence, knowing that their marches could
not be safe, nor their encampments easy, if they had not God with
them. "Better lie down and die here in the wilderness than go
forward to Canaan without God's presence." Note, Those who know how
to value God's favours are best prepared to receive them. Observe
how earnest Moses is in this matter; he begs as one that would take
no denial. "Here we will stay till we obtain thy favour; like
Jacob, <i>I will not let thee go except thou bless me.</i>" And
observe how he advances upon God's concessions; the kind
intimations given him make him yet more importunate. Thus God's
gracious promises, and the advances of mercy towards us, should not
only encourage our faith, but excite our fervency in prayer. (5.)
He concludes with an argument taken from God's glory (<scripRef id="Ex.xxxiv-p15.4" osisRef="Bible:Exod.33.16" parsed="|Exod|33|16|0|0" passage="Ex 33:16"><i>v.</i> 16</scripRef>): "<i>Wherein shall it
be known</i> to the nations that have their eyes upon us that <i>I
and thy people</i> (with whom my interests are all blended) <i>have
found grace in thy sight,</i> distinguishing favour, so as to be
<i>separated from all people on earth?</i> How will it appear that
we are indeed thus honoured? <i>Is it not in that thou goest with
us?</i> Nothing short of this can answer these characters. Let it
never be said that we are a peculiar people, and highly favoured,
for we stand but upon a level with the rest of our neighbours
unless thou go with us; sending an angel with us will not serve."
He lays a stress upon the place—"<i>here</i> in this wilderness,
whither thou hast led us, and where we shall be certainly lost if
thou leave us." Note, God's special presence with us in this
wilderness, by his Spirit and grace, to direct, defend, and comfort
us, is the surest pledge of his special love to us and will redound
to his glory as well as our benefit.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xxxiv-p16">2. Observe how he speeds. He obtained an
assurance of God's favour, (1.) To himself (<scripRef id="Ex.xxxiv-p16.1" osisRef="Bible:Exod.33.14" parsed="|Exod|33|14|0|0" passage="Ex 33:14"><i>v.</i> 14</scripRef>): "<i>I will give thee rest,</i>
I will take care to make thee easy in this matter; however it be,
thou shalt have satisfaction." Moses never entered Canaan, and yet
God made good his word that he would give him rest, <scripRef id="Ex.xxxiv-p16.2" osisRef="Bible:Dan.12.13" parsed="|Dan|12|13|0|0" passage="Da 12:13">Dan. xii. 13</scripRef>. (2.) To the people for
his sake. Moses was not content with that answer which bespoke
favour to himself only, he must gain a promise, an express promise,
for the people too, or he is not at rest; gracious generous souls
think it not enough to get to heaven themselves, but would have all
their friends go thither, too. And in this also Moses prevailed:
<i>I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken,</i> <scripRef id="Ex.xxxiv-p16.3" osisRef="Bible:Exod.33.17" parsed="|Exod|33|17|0|0" passage="Ex 33:17"><i>v.</i> 17</scripRef>. Moses is not checked as
an unreasonable beggar, whom no saying would serve, but he is
encouraged. God grants as long as he asks, <i>gives liberally,</i>
and <i>does not upbraid</i> him. See the power of prayer, and be
quickened hereby to ask, and seek, and knock, and to <i>continue
instant in prayer, to pray always and not to faint.</i> See the
riches of God's goodness. When he has done much, yet he is willing
to do more: <i>I will do this also</i>—above <i>what we are able
to ask or think.</i> See, in type, the prevalency of Christ's
intercession, which he ever lives to make for all those that come
to God by him, and the ground of that prevalency. It is purely his
own merit, not any thing in those for whom he intercedes; it is
because <i>thou hast found grace in my sight.</i> And now the
matter is settled, God is perfectly reconciled to them, his
presence in the pillar of cloud returns to them and shall continue
with them; all is well again, and henceforth we hear no more of the
golden calf. <i>Lord, who is a God like unto thee, pardoning
iniquity?</i></p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xxxiv-p17">II. Having gained this point, he next begs
<i>a sight of God's glory,</i> and is heard in this matter also.
Observe,</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xxxiv-p18">1. The humble request Moses makes: <i>I
beseech thee, show me thy glory,</i> <scripRef id="Ex.xxxiv-p18.1" osisRef="Bible:Exod.33.18" parsed="|Exod|33|18|0|0" passage="Ex 33:18"><i>v.</i> 18</scripRef>. Moses had lately been in the
mount with God, had continued there a great while, and had enjoyed
as intimate a communion with God as ever any man had on this side
heaven; and yet he is still desiring a further acquaintance. All
that are effectually called to the knowledge of God and fellowship
with him, though they desire nothing more than God, are
nevertheless still coveting more and more of him, till they come to
see as they are seen. Moses had wonderfully prevailed with God for
one favour after another, and the success of his prayers emboldened
him to go on still to seek God; the more he had the more he asked:
when we are in a good frame at the throne of grace, we should
endeavour to preserve and improve it, and strike while the iron is
hot: "<i>Show me thy glory; make me to see</i> it" (so the word
is); "make it some way or other visible, and enable me to bear the
sight of it." Not that he was so ignorant as to think God's essence
could be seen with bodily eyes; but, having hitherto only heard a
voice out of a pillar of cloud or fire, he desired to see some
representation of the divine glory, such as God saw fit to gratify
him with. It was not fit that the people should see any similitude
when the Lord spoke unto them, <i>lest they should corrupt
themselves;</i> but he hoped that there was not that danger in his
seeing some similitude. Something it was more than he had yet seen
that Moses desired. If it was purely for the assisting of his faith
and devotion, the desire was commendable; but perhaps there was in
it a mixture of human infirmity. God will have us walk by faith,
not by sight, in this world; and <i>faith comes by hearing.</i>
Some think that Moses desired a sight of God's glory as a token of
his reconciliation, and an earnest of that presence which he had
promised them; but he knew not what he asked.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xxxiv-p19">2. The gracious reply God made to this
request. (1.) He denied that which was not fit to be granted, and
which Moses could not bear: <i>Thou canst not see my face,</i>
<scripRef id="Ex.xxxiv-p19.1" osisRef="Bible:Exod.33.20" parsed="|Exod|33|20|0|0" passage="Ex 33:20"><i>v.</i> 20</scripRef>. A full
discovery of the glory of God would quite overpower the faculties
of any mortal man in this present state, and overwhelm him, even
Moses himself. Man is mean and unworthy of it, weak and could not
bear it, guilty and could not but dread it. It is in compassion to
our infirmity that God <i>holdeth back the face of his throne, and
spreadeth a cloud upon it,</i> <scripRef id="Ex.xxxiv-p19.2" osisRef="Bible:Job.26.9" parsed="|Job|26|9|0|0" passage="Job 26:9">Job
xxvi. 9</scripRef>. God has said that <i>here</i> (that is, in this
world) his <i>face shall not be seen</i> (<scripRef id="Ex.xxxiv-p19.3" osisRef="Bible:Exod.33.23" parsed="|Exod|33|23|0|0" passage="Ex 33:23"><i>v.</i> 23</scripRef>); that is an honour reserved for
the future state, to be the eternal bliss of holy souls: should men
in this state know what it is, they would not be content to live
short of it. There is a knowledge and enjoyment of God which must
be waited for in another world, when we shall <i>see him as he
is,</i> <scripRef id="Ex.xxxiv-p19.4" osisRef="Bible:1John.3.2" parsed="|1John|3|2|0|0" passage="1Jo 3:2">1 John iii. 2</scripRef>. In
the meantime let us adore the height of what we do know of God,
and the depth of what we do not. Long before this, Jacob had spoken
of it with wonder that he had <i>seen God face to face,</i> and yet
<i>his life was preserved,</i> <scripRef id="Ex.xxxiv-p19.5" osisRef="Bible:Gen.32.30" parsed="|Gen|32|30|0|0" passage="Ge 32:30">Gen.
xxxii. 30</scripRef>. Sinful man dreads the sight of God his Judge;
but holy souls, being <i>by the Spirit of the Lord changed into the
same image, behold with open face the glory of the Lord.</i>
<scripRef id="Ex.xxxiv-p19.6" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.3.18" parsed="|2Cor|3|18|0|0" passage="2Co 3:18">2 Cor. iii. 18</scripRef>. (2.) He
granted that which would be abundantly satisfying. [1.] He should
hear what would please him (<scripRef id="Ex.xxxiv-p19.7" osisRef="Bible:Exod.33.19" parsed="|Exod|33|19|0|0" passage="Ex 33:19"><i>v.</i>
19</scripRef>): <i>I will make all my goodness pass before
thee.</i> He had given him wonderful instances of his goodness in
being reconciled to Israel: but that was only goodness in the
stream; he would show him goodness in the spring—<i>all his
goodness.</i> This was a sufficient answer to his request. "Show me
thy glory," says Moses. "I will show thee my goodness," says God.
Note, God's goodness is his glory; and he will have us to know him
by the glory of his mercy more than by the glory of his majesty;
for we must fear even <i>the Lord and his goodness,</i> <scripRef id="Ex.xxxiv-p19.8" osisRef="Bible:Hos.3.5" parsed="|Hos|3|5|0|0" passage="Ho 3:5">Hos. iii. 5</scripRef>. That especially which is
the glory of God's goodness is the sovereignty of it, that he will
be <i>gracious to whom he will be gracious,</i> that, as an
absolute proprietor, he makes what difference he pleases in
bestowing his gifts, and is not debtor to any, nor accountable to
any (<i>may he not do what he will with his own?</i>); also that
all his reasons of mercy are fetched from within himself, not from
any merit in his creatures: as he has mercy on whom he will, so,
because he will. <i>Even so, Father, because it seemed good in thy
sight.</i> It is never said, "I will be angry at whom I will be
angry," for his wrath is always just and holy; but <i>I will show
mercy on whom I will show mercy,</i> for his grace is always free.
He never damns by prerogative, but by prerogative he saves. The
apostle quotes this (<scripRef id="Ex.xxxiv-p19.9" osisRef="Bible:Rom.9.15" parsed="|Rom|9|15|0|0" passage="Ro 9:15">Rom. ix.
15</scripRef>) in answer to those who charged God with
unrighteousness in giving that grace freely to some which he
withholds justly from others. [2.] He should see what he could
bear, and what would suffice him. The matter is concerted so as
that Moses might be safe and yet satisfied. <i>First,</i> Save in a
<i>cleft of the rock,</i> <scripRef id="Ex.xxxiv-p19.10" osisRef="Bible:Exod.33.21-Exod.33.22" parsed="|Exod|33|21|33|22" passage="Ex 33:21,22"><i>v.</i>
21, 22</scripRef>. In this he was to be sheltered from the dazzling
light and devouring fire of God's glory. This was the rock in Horeb
out of which water was brought, of which it is said, <i>That rock
was Christ,</i> <scripRef id="Ex.xxxiv-p19.11" osisRef="Bible:1Cor.10.4" parsed="|1Cor|10|4|0|0" passage="1Co 10:4">1 Cor. x.
4</scripRef>. It is in the clefts of this rock that we are secured
from the wrath of God, which otherwise would consume us; God
himself will protect those that are thus hid. And it is only
through Christ that we have <i>the knowledge of the glory of
God.</i> None can see his glory to their comfort but those who
stand upon this rock, and take shelter in it. <i>Secondly,</i> He
was satisfied with a sight of his back-parts, <scripRef id="Ex.xxxiv-p19.12" osisRef="Bible:Exod.33.23" parsed="|Exod|33|23|0|0" passage="Ex 33:23"><i>v.</i> 23</scripRef>. He should see more of God than
any ever saw on earth, but not so much as those see who are in
heaven. The face, in man, is the seat of majesty, and men are known
by their faces; in them we take a full view of men. That sight of
God Moses might not have, but such a sight as we have of a man who
has gone past us, so that we only see his back, and have (as we
say) a blush of him. We cannot be said to look at God, but rather
to look after him (<scripRef id="Ex.xxxiv-p19.13" osisRef="Bible:Gen.16.13" parsed="|Gen|16|13|0|0" passage="Ge 16:13">Gen. xvi.
13</scripRef>); for we see <i>through a glass darkly.</i> When we
see what God has done in his works, observe the goings of our God,
our King, we see (as it were) his back-parts. The best thus <i>know
but in part,</i> and we cannot order our speech concerning God, by
reason of darkness, any more than we can describe a man whose face
we never saw. Now Moses was allowed to see only the back-parts; but
long afterwards, when he was a witness to Christ's transfiguration,
he saw <i>his face shine as the sun.</i> If we faithfully improve
the discoveries God gives us of himself while we are here, a
brighter and more glorious scene will shortly be opened to us; for
<i>to him that hath shall be given.</i></p>
</div></div2>