Exodus 33:17
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 33:17
17 And the LORD said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name.
Chapter Context
Exodus 33 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of worship, obedience, fellowship. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-23: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 33:17
17 And the LORD said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name.
Analysis
And the LORD said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken—Complete victory for intercession! God grants Moses' request, explicitly citing two reasons: 'thou hast found grace in my sight' and 'I know thee by name.' Grace (חֵן, chen) is unmerited favor, while being known by name indicates intimate, personal relationship. Moses' bold intercession succeeded not through manipulation but through relationship. This demonstrates prayer's power when aligned with God's glory and grounded in grace. The phrase 'this thing also' shows God delighting to exceed requests for those who seek His face.
Historical Context
This affirmation comes after Moses' sustained intercession through chapters 32-33. God's willingness to change His stated intention (33:3) demonstrates that intercessory prayer genuinely affects divine action within His sovereign plan.
Reflection
- How does understanding that prayer works through relationship, not technique, change your approach to intercession?
- What does God's response teach about His desire to be moved by the prayers of those He knows intimately?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- Grace: Exodus 33:12, Genesis 6:8
- Parallel theme: Genesis 19:21, Isaiah 65:24, John 16:23, James 5:16