Exodus 33:18 – “Then Moses said, ‘Now show me your glory.'”
Extended Explanation
In Exodus 33:18, Moses makes a bold and profound request: he asks God to show him His glory. Up to this point, Moses had experienced God’s presence in powerful ways, such as through the burning bush and the miracles in Egypt. However, Moses longs for a deeper, more intimate encounter with God. By asking to see God’s glory, Moses is seeking a fuller revelation of God’s nature and character. This request is not just about witnessing a spectacular display of power but about understanding more fully who God is. Moses’ desire to see God’s glory reflects his deep longing to know God on an even deeper level.
Historical Context
This request comes during a critical moment in Israel’s history. After the sin of the golden calf, God had distanced Himself from the Israelites, and Moses was interceding on their behalf, pleading for God’s continued presence with them. God had already agreed to go with the Israelites and had assured Moses of His favor. Yet, Moses was not satisfied with just knowing that God’s presence would be with them; he wanted to experience God in a deeper way. The request to see God’s glory comes after a series of intimate conversations between Moses and God, highlighting the unique relationship they shared.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Exodus 33:18 emphasizes the concept of seeking a deeper relationship with God. Moses’ request to see God’s glory reflects the idea that knowing God is not a one-time event but a lifelong pursuit. It suggests that there is always more to discover about God, and those who seek Him earnestly will desire to know Him more fully. The verse also touches on the idea of God’s holiness and transcendence—while God is close and personal, His full glory is something beyond human comprehension. This request shows that true spiritual maturity involves a deep hunger to experience God’s presence in a more profound way.
Literary Analysis
This verse is a pivotal moment in the narrative, marking a shift from God’s promises to a more personal encounter. The simplicity of Moses’ request—“Now show me your glory”—belies the profound depth of his desire. The word “glory” in Hebrew carries connotations of weightiness and honor, indicating that Moses is asking for something deeply significant. This verse is characterized by its directness and intimacy, highlighting the close relationship between Moses and God. The request serves as a climax in the ongoing dialogue, where Moses moves from interceding for the people to seeking a personal revelation of God.
Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 27:4 – David expresses a similar desire to dwell in the house of the Lord and gaze upon His beauty, reflecting the same longing to experience God’s glory.
- John 1:14 – Speaks of Jesus as the Word who became flesh and dwelt among us, revealing God’s glory in a way that Moses could only partially see.
- Isaiah 6:1-3 – Describes Isaiah’s vision of God’s glory in the temple, emphasizing God’s holiness and majesty.
- 2 Corinthians 3:18 – Paul speaks of believers being transformed into the image of Christ, with ever-increasing glory, pointing to the idea that seeing God’s glory changes us.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Exodus 33:18 serves as an invitation to seek a deeper relationship with God. It challenges believers to not be content with surface-level knowledge of God but to pursue Him with a desire to know Him more fully. This verse encourages Christians to pray for a greater revelation of God’s character and presence in their lives. It also serves as a reminder that God’s glory is something that transforms us, and that seeking His presence should be a central part of our spiritual journey.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse highlights God’s love in His willingness to reveal Himself to those who earnestly seek Him. While God is holy and transcendent, He is also relational and desires to be known by His people. Moses’ request to see God’s glory is met with a response that balances God’s holiness with His love, as God agrees to reveal His goodness to Moses while protecting him from the full weight of His glory. This shows that God’s love is not just about providing for our needs but also about revealing Himself to us in ways that draw us closer to Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Exodus 33:18 connects to Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate revelation of God’s glory. While Moses was only able to see a glimpse of God’s glory, Jesus came to reveal the fullness of God to humanity. In Jesus, we see the glory of God in a way that is accessible and transformative (John 1:14). Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection reveal the depth of God’s character—His love, justice, mercy, and holiness. Through Christ, believers can experience God’s glory not as something distant and terrifying, but as something personal and redemptive.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Moses’ desire to see God’s glory challenge you in your own spiritual journey?
- In what ways can you seek a deeper revelation of God’s character and presence in your daily life?
- How does the concept of God’s glory influence your understanding of who God is?
- How can you cultivate a deeper hunger for God’s presence, similar to what Moses expressed in this verse?
- How does knowing that Jesus reveals God’s glory impact the way you approach your relationship with Him?