Exodus 33:23
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 33:23
23 And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen.
Chapter Context
Exodus 33 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of truth, obedience, redemption. 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 provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. 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 33:23
23 And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen.
Analysis
And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen—Moses sees God's אֲחֹרָי (achorai, 'back parts' or 'afterglow')—the diminishing radiance after God passes, not the direct full-frontal glory. This is maximum revelation possible for mortals in unredeemed state. Some interpret this anthropomorphically (God's 'back'), others as aftermath/echo of glory. Either way, it represents mediated, limited revelation that protects while satisfying. Moses receives more than any other Old Testament figure, yet even he sees only partially (1 Corinthians 13:12). This provisional revelation awaits its fulfillment when 'we shall see him as he is' (1 John 3:2).
Historical Context
Exodus 34:29-35 describes the result: Moses' face shone so brightly from this encounter that Israelites couldn't look at him, requiring him to veil his face. Paul uses this in 2 Corinthians 3:7-18 to contrast Old and New Covenant glory.
Reflection
- How does this 'partial seeing' increase your longing for the day when 'we shall see him face to face' (1 Corinthians 13:12)?
- What does the progressive nature of revelation in Moses' life teach about God's patient unfolding of knowledge of Himself?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Exodus 33:20, Job 11:7, 26:14, John 1:18, 1 Corinthians 13:12, 1 Timothy 6:16