Browse Bible Study Resources

Daily Devotions

Exodus

Exodus 
Day 
Day 325

"His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of His praise. His brightness was like the light; He had rays flashing from his hand, and there His power was hidden." Habakkuk 3:3-4

Text: Exodus 33 : 18-20

IMAGINE THE AUDACITY OF THE REQUEST!

If we had not known about the relationship between Moses and God, we would have been stunned by his audacity! Had not God heard and answered all his requests? What more could anyone ask for? Nevertheless, Moses asked,

Please, show me Your glory.”
EXODUS 33:18

Could such a request even be entertained, let alone be granted! No one had ever asked such a thing before! What did Moses have in mind when he asked to see the glory of the Lord?

1.The revelation of the glory of God

The glory of the Lord had already been revealed in a number of ways!

a) The pillar of cloud by day/ pillar of fire by night. (Cf. Exodus 13:22).
b) The appearance of God to Israel at Mt. Sinai. (Cf. Exodus 19:16-20)
c) The appearance of God to the Elders of Israel. (Cf. Exodus 24:9-11)
d) The glory of God resting on Mt. Sinai for 40 days/nights. (Cf. Exodus 24:16-18)
What was Moses looking for, when he asked to behold the glory of God?

AN ASTOUNDING RESPONSE

God was not angry with Moses! He must have been pleased that Moses was consistent with what he had said earlier. He had expressed a deep sense of appreciation of God’s Presence! This prayer request was a logical extension of that sense of appreciation!

“Then He said, ‘I will make all My goodness pass before you,
and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before you.
I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious,
and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.’
But He said, ‘You cannot see My face; for no man shall see Me,
and live.'”
EXODUS 33:19-20

1. The physical or visual glory of God

The glory of God could be revealed in a very physical or visual form. Aspects of the glory of God had already been manifested time and again! Many had seen those!

2. The full glory of God

Was this the glory that Moses desired of the Lord? None had ever seen this!