Exodus 33:6
And the children of Israel stripped themselves of their ornaments by the mount Horeb.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּֽתְנַצְּל֧וּ
stripped
H5337
וַיִּֽתְנַצְּל֧וּ
stripped
Strong's:
H5337
Word #:
1 of 7
to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense
בְנֵֽי
And the children
H1121
בְנֵֽי
And the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
2 of 7
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
3 of 7
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עֶדְיָ֖ם
themselves of their ornaments
H5716
עֶדְיָ֖ם
themselves of their ornaments
Strong's:
H5716
Word #:
5 of 7
finery; generally an outfit; specifically, a headstall
Historical Context
Horeb and Sinai refer to the same mountain, with Horeb meaning 'desolate' or 'waste.' The mountain served as God's appointed meeting place with Israel, making their idolatry there particularly grievous.
Questions for Reflection
- What external acts of repentance has God used to reflect and deepen your internal transformation?
- How does the location of their repentance (where they had seen God's glory) intensify the tragedy of their sin?
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Analysis & Commentary
And the children of Israel stripped themselves of their ornaments by the mount Horeb—Obedience follows command (v.5). The location 'mount Horeb' (Sinai) emphasizes the irony: at the very place they received the law and saw God's glory, they had rebelled. Now they strip away the trappings of pride and false worship. This external act symbolizes internal contrition. Yet stripping ornaments cannot restore fellowship—only God's gracious intervention through Moses' intercession (vv.12-23) will accomplish that.