‏ Exodus 33:14-17

The LORD Must Go with Them

Moses again pleads for the people. There is never a better basis to plea for others than to take the place of separation from evil. This position places him in the presence of God and therefore gives him an even closer connection with the people. This is the result of separation sought to be faithful and where only the glory of God is the motive that leads to that separation.

Moses is not content that an angel will go with them. He wants the LORD to go with him. He appeals to what God has said to him: that He knows him by name and that he has found grace. These are two things with a special meaning:

1. the LORD has a personal relationship with Moses and

2. Moses acknowledges that that relationship is based on grace.

He approaches God on that basis. Moses does not only want to know the way that will lead him and the people to the promised land. He wants to know God’s way. He reminds God that it is about His people. Taking the place of separation is done personally, but you are only there in the right way if you have the whole people of God in your heart and bring them in intercession before God. Moses points God to His people. He asks God: “Do not lead us up from here.” At the same time He appeals to God’s grace. He asks Him to prove it by “Your going with us”.

God answers that He will do what Moses has asked. He Himself will go with them and give rest to Moses. Where God is present, there is rest.

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