Exodus 33:19 – “And the Lord said, ‘I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.'”
Extended Explanation
In Exodus 33:19, God responds to Moses’ bold request to see His glory with a profound declaration. Rather than showing Moses His full glory, which would be overwhelming and impossible for a human to bear, God promises to reveal His goodness. God’s “goodness” here encompasses all His attributes—His love, mercy, justice, holiness, and faithfulness. When God says He will “proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence,” He is emphasizing His character and His covenant relationship with His people.
The latter part of the verse, where God states that He will have mercy and compassion on whom He chooses, highlights His sovereignty. God’s mercy and compassion are acts of His will, not something He is obligated to show. This statement underscores that God’s actions are rooted in His character and purpose, not in human merit.
Historical Context
This verse is part of the ongoing conversation between Moses and God after the Israelites’ sin with the golden calf. Moses had asked to see God’s glory as a way to gain assurance of God’s continued favor and presence with Israel. In response, God agrees to show Moses His goodness, which is a partial revelation of His glory. This is a significant moment because it shows that God is willing to reveal Himself, but only to the extent that Moses can handle. It also reflects the intimate relationship between Moses and God, where Moses is allowed to know God in a way that others are not.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse speaks to the nature of God’s revelation and His sovereignty. God reveals Himself to whom He wills, and in the manner that He chooses. His goodness, mercy, and compassion are central to His character, but they are dispensed according to His sovereign will. This verse also teaches that while God is willing to reveal Himself, there are limits to what humans can comprehend of His full glory. It highlights the balance between God’s desire to be known and His holiness, which is beyond human understanding.
Literary Analysis
Exodus 33:19 is rich with theological depth and poetic structure. The verse is divided into two parts: the first focuses on God’s goodness and His self-revelation, while the second emphasizes His sovereignty in dispensing mercy and compassion. The repetition of “I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion” serves to underline God’s absolute freedom in showing mercy. The language used is both declarative and intimate, reflecting the personal nature of God’s interaction with Moses while also asserting His divine authority.
Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 34:6-7 – God passes in front of Moses and proclaims His name, emphasizing His compassion, grace, and justice.
- Romans 9:15-16 – Paul quotes this verse in discussing God’s sovereign choice in showing mercy and compassion.
- Psalm 145:8-9 – Describes God’s goodness and mercy as central aspects of His character.
- John 1:14 – Speaks of Jesus as the Word becoming flesh, full of grace and truth, revealing God’s glory to humanity.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Exodus 33:19 is a reminder of the goodness of God and the importance of seeking to know Him more deeply. It encourages believers to appreciate the ways in which God reveals Himself through His character and actions. This verse also challenges Christians to trust in God’s sovereignty, recognizing that His mercy and compassion are not based on human efforts but on His own will. It invites believers to draw near to God, knowing that while His full glory is beyond our comprehension, He still desires to reveal His goodness to us.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse highlights God’s love by showing His willingness to reveal His goodness to Moses. Even though God’s full glory is too overwhelming for any human to see, He still chooses to make His character known. God’s declaration that He will have mercy and compassion on whom He chooses reflects His loving nature—His actions are always rooted in His goodness, even when we may not fully understand them. This verse assures us that God’s interactions with us are based on His character of love, mercy, and compassion.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Exodus 33:19 connects to Jesus Christ as the ultimate revelation of God’s glory and goodness. In Jesus, God’s character is made fully known—He is the embodiment of God’s mercy, compassion, and truth. When God proclaimed His name to Moses, He was revealing aspects of His character that would later be perfectly displayed in Jesus. Through Christ, believers experience the fullness of God’s grace and truth, and through Him, we are able to approach God’s presence in a way that Moses could only glimpse.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Moses’ request to see God’s glory inspire you to seek a deeper understanding of God’s character?
- In what ways have you experienced God’s goodness in your life, and how does this impact your relationship with Him?
- How does the concept of God’s sovereignty in showing mercy and compassion challenge your understanding of His character?
- How can you cultivate a heart that desires to know God more intimately, as Moses did?
- How does the revelation of God’s character in Jesus deepen your appreciation for God’s mercy and grace?