Exploring the Meaning of Exodus 33
Napsal(a) New Christian Bible Study Staff
Arcana Coelestia 10523. In this chapter in the internal sense the subject of the Israelitish nation is further continued; but here its quality in respect to worship, thus its quality in respect to those things which are of the church.
From (verses 1 to 6) there is contained: That although they could be in representatives, which are the external things of worship and of the church, still there was not with them anything Divine, because not anything internal.
From (verses 7 to 17): That in the worship itself, regarded in itself, thus separate from them, there could be what is Divine.
From (verses 18 to 23): That nevertheless this was not seen nor perceived by them.
Exodus 33:18-23
18
He said, "Please show me your glory."
19
He said, "I will make all my goodness pass before you, and will proclaim the name of Yahweh before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy."
20
He said, "You cannot see my face, for man may not see me and live."
21
Yahweh also said, "Behold, there is a place by me, and you shall stand on the rock.
22
It will happen, while my glory passes by, that I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and will cover you with my hand until I have passed by;
23
then I will take away my hand, and you will see my back; but my face shall not be seen."
