Exodus 33:1

KJV

¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Depart, [and] go up hence, thou and the people which thou hast brought up out of the land of Egypt, unto the land which I sware unto Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, saying, Unto thy seed will I give it:

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} said {H1696} unto Moses {H4872}, Depart {H3212}, and go up {H5927} hence, thou and the people {H5971} which thou hast brought up {H5927} out of the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}, unto the land {H776} which I sware {H7650} unto Abraham {H85}, to Isaac {H3327}, and to Jacob {H3290}, saying {H559}, Unto thy seed {H2233} will I give {H5414} it:

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI said to Moshe, "Leave, you and the people you brought up from the land of Egypt; and move on from here toward the land of which I swore to Avraham, Yitz'chak and Ya'akov, 'I will give it to your descendants.'

Berean Standard Bible

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Leave this place, you and the people you brought up out of the land of Egypt, and go to the land that I promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob when I said, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’

American Standard Version

And Jehovah spake unto Moses, Depart, go up hence, thou and the people that thou hast brought up out of the land of Egypt, unto the land of which I sware unto Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, saying, Unto thy seed will I give it:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 33:1 marks a pivotal moment in Israel's wilderness journey, occurring immediately after the catastrophic golden calf idolatry. In this verse, the LORD issues a direct and resolute command to Moses and the people to resume their trek towards the Promised Land. This divine directive powerfully reaffirms God's unyielding commitment to His ancient covenant promises, even in the face of His chosen nation's severe breach of faith and the profound strain placed upon their relationship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 33:1 directly follows the devastating events of [Exodus chapter 32](/exodus/32 "Exodus 32 - The Golden Calf and Moses' Intercession"), where Israel's impatient idolatry with the golden calf provoked God's righteous anger and threatened the very existence of the nation. The LORD's initial declaration to consume the rebellious people and raise up a new nation through Moses ([Exodus 32:10](/exodus/32-10 "Exodus 32:10 - God's Anger and Moses' Intercession")) was met with Moses' fervent and courageous intercession. This intercession culminated in God's decision to "relent from the disaster" ([Exodus 32:14](/exodus/32-14 "Exodus 32:14 - God Relents from Disaster")). Therefore, this verse signifies a crucial transition from divine judgment and intercession to a renewed, albeit complex and strained, divine directive for the journey to continue. The immediate backdrop is the profound tension regarding God's presence among them, explicitly addressed in [Exodus 33:3](/exodus/33-3 "Exodus 33:3 - God's Refusal to Go with Them"), which underscores God's faithfulness to His promise despite the people's recent profound unfaithfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites, a nascent nation, had recently experienced a miraculous deliverance from centuries of oppressive bondage in [Egypt](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and Exodus"), a land deeply immersed in polytheism and idol worship. Their journey through the wilderness was designed as a period of purification, covenant formation, and spiritual maturation, preparing them to enter the land promised to their patriarchs. The golden calf incident was not an isolated misstep but a profound regression to the very idolatry from which they had been liberated, reflecting a deep-seated cultural inclination towards tangible deities, a common practice in the ancient Near East. This act directly contravened the recently revealed commandments at Mount Sinai, particularly the foundational prohibition against idols ([Exodus 20:4-6](/exodus/20-4-6 "Exodus 20:4-6 - Prohibition Against Idolatry")). The "land" itself was far more than a mere geographical destination; it represented the tangible fulfillment of an unconditional divine promise made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, signifying God's unwavering faithfulness and the establishment of Israel as a distinct, holy nation under His direct rule. Their continued journey, despite their egregious rebellion, underscores the binding nature of God's sworn oath to His covenant partners.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within [Exodus](/exodus/1 "The Book of Exodus") and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **God's Unwavering Faithfulness to His Covenant Promises**, particularly the Abrahamic Covenant. Despite Israel's profound failure, God's oath to give them the land remains immutable, highlighting His steadfast character. Another key theme is **Divine Sovereignty and Purpose**, demonstrating that God's ultimate plans for His people will prevail, guiding them towards their intended destiny regardless of immediate obstacles or human sin. The verse also implicitly introduces the **Tension Between God's Presence and Human Sin**, a theme that will be explicitly developed in subsequent verses ([Exodus 33:3-5](/exodus/33-3-5 "Exodus 33:3-5 - God's Reluctance to Go with Israel")) and ultimately resolved through the establishment of the Tabernacle as a means for God to dwell among a sinful people. It also underscores the **Consequences of Sin**, as the people's rebellion, while not nullifying the promise, certainly complicated the journey and strained the relationship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This word refers to (the) self-Existent or Eternal God, Jehovah, the Jewish national name of God. Its presence here emphasizes that the command comes from the sovereign, covenant-keeping God of Israel, whose character is immutable and whose promises are eternally binding. It underscores the divine authority behind the directive, highlighting that even after Israel's profound sin, the covenant God remains true to Himself and His word.
* **Depart (Hebrew, _yâlak'_):** A primitive root meaning "to walk (literally or figuratively)," "to carry," "to come," or "to go." Here, it signifies "to set out" or "to journey." This imperative conveys the immediate and decisive action required of the Israelites. Despite their recent sin and the disruption it caused, God commands them to physically move forward, emphasizing that His ultimate plan for them to inherit the land remains in effect. It implies a continuation of the journey, not a pause or abandonment.
* **Sware (Hebrew, _shâbaʻ'_):** A primitive root meaning "to seven oneself," i.e., "to swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)." This powerful verb means "to swear an oath," often accompanied by a self-curse if the oath is broken. When God "swears," it underscores the absolute certainty, immutability, and unconditional nature of His promise. It highlights that the covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob was not merely a suggestion or a conditional agreement, but a solemn, binding commitment rooted in God's own character and integrity. This divine oath serves as the bedrock of Israel's hope, even in their unfaithfulness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD said unto Moses, Depart, [and] go up hence,":** This opening clause re-establishes divine initiative and authority immediately after the interlude of human sin and divine judgment. The direct command to Moses, "Depart, and go up hence," signifies God's unwavering purpose for Israel to continue their journey. Despite the severity of their rebellion, God's plan for them to inherit the land remains active, demonstrating His steadfastness and commitment to His covenantal promises, even when His people are undeserving. The phrase "go up hence" also carries a geographical connotation, as Canaan was geographically higher than the wilderness.
* **"thou and the people which thou hast brought up out of the land of Egypt,":** This phrase is significant as it subtly shifts the immediate responsibility for the people from God to Moses ("which *thou* hast brought up"). While God is the ultimate deliverer, this phrasing highlights Moses' leadership role and perhaps implies a temporary distancing of God's direct, intimate presence due to the people's sin (a theme further developed in subsequent verses). It also serves as a poignant reminder of their miraculous liberation from [Egypt](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Exodus"), emphasizing the depth of their ingratitude in the golden calf incident.
* **"unto the land which I sware unto Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, saying,":** This clause explicitly states the destination and, more importantly, the divine basis for it. The "land" is not a random territory but the specific inheritance promised by God under solemn oath to the patriarchs. The repetition of the patriarchs' names underscores the historical continuity and the unconditional nature of this foundational covenant, revealing God's faithfulness across generations despite the present circumstances. It grounds the current command in an ancient, immutable divine commitment.
* **"Unto thy seed will I give it:":** This final declaration reaffirms the content of the ancient oath. The "seed" refers to the descendants of the patriarchs, meaning the current generation of Israelites. This phrase confirms that God's promise of the land is still valid for them, reinforcing the idea that God's ultimate plan for His people will prevail, even if their journey to it is fraught with challenges and consequences due to their sin. It is a powerful statement of divine grace and perseverance.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 33:1 employs several significant literary devices that amplify its message. The most prominent is **Command**, as God directly issues an imperative to Moses and the people. The verbs "Depart" and "go up" are direct and forceful instructions, underscoring divine authority and the non-negotiable nature of God's will for Israel's continued journey. Furthermore, the verse utilizes rich **Covenant Language** through the explicit reference to God's solemn oath to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This invocation of the patriarchal covenant serves as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering faithfulness and the foundational promises upon which Israel's identity and future are built. This covenantal grounding emphasizes that God's plan is rooted in His character, not human performance. The **Repetition** of the patriarchs' names (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) reinforces the historical depth and continuity of God's promise, grounding the present command in a long-standing divine commitment. This repetition also serves to highlight the enduring nature of God's word despite the transient failures of humanity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 33:1 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, even in the face of grievous human sin. Despite Israel's monumental act of idolatry with the golden calf, God does not revoke His oath to give them the Promised Land. This highlights a crucial theological principle: God's character and His word are immutable, providing a bedrock of hope that transcends human failure. While sin brings consequences and relational strain, it does not nullify God's ultimate redemptive plan. The verse also underscores the concept of divine sovereignty and purpose; God's plans for His people will ultimately prevail, guiding them towards their intended destiny regardless of immediate obstacles. It also introduces the tension between God's presence and His people's holiness, a theme that will be central to the subsequent chapters and the establishment of the Tabernacle, revealing God's intricate way of dwelling with His imperfect people.

* [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Initial Promise of Land to Abraham")
* [Deuteronomy 7:8](/deuteronomy/7-8 "Deuteronomy 7:8 - God's Faithfulness to His Oath")
* [Romans 3:3-4](/romans/3-3-4 "Romans 3:3-4 - God's Faithfulness Despite Human Unbelief")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 33:1 offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder that even in our moments of greatest failure, rebellion, or perceived unworthiness, God's ultimate purposes for our lives and His promises to us do not evaporate. While our sin undoubtedly introduces consequences, strains our fellowship with Him, and may complicate our journey, God's faithfulness to His own character and His redemptive plan endures. This verse calls us to embrace a posture of continued obedience and forward movement, even when we feel undeserving or when the path ahead seems daunting due to past mistakes. It encourages us to trust in the immutability of God's word and His unwavering commitment to His covenant, knowing that His grace is sufficient to guide us through repentance and back into alignment with His divine will. Our journey of faith, much like Israel's, is marked by both divine guidance and human stumbling, yet God's call to "depart and go up" persists, inviting us to press on towards the spiritual inheritance He has prepared for us, confident in His enduring love and purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's command to "Depart, and go up" challenge my understanding of His grace and patience in the face of my own failures?**
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be resisting God's call to move forward, perhaps due to past sin, shame, or a sense of unworthiness?**
* **How does the enduring nature of God's promise to the patriarchs, despite Israel's unfaithfulness, strengthen my trust in His promises for my own life today?**

### FAQ
**Why did God still command them to go to the Promised Land after the golden calf incident?**

Answer: God commanded them to proceed to the Promised Land despite their egregious sin for several crucial reasons, primarily demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. The oath He "sware unto Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob" ([Exodus 33:1](/exodus/33-1 "Exodus 33:1 - God's Command to Moses")) was unconditional and rooted in His own immutable character, not in Israel's performance. While their sin had severe consequences, including a temporary withdrawal of His direct, intimate presence in their midst ([Exodus 33:3](/exodus/33-3 "Exodus 33:3 - God's Refusal to Go with Them")), God's ultimate plan for their inheritance of the land remained intact. This act underscores God's steadfastness and His commitment to His redemptive purposes, even when His people are unfaithful ([2 Timothy 2:13](/2_timothy/2-13 "2 Timothy 2:13 - God Cannot Deny Himself")). It also served as a testament to Moses' successful intercession, which averted immediate destruction and allowed the divine plan to continue, albeit with new stipulations regarding God's presence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 33:1, with its profound emphasis on God's unwavering promise of a land despite Israel's profound unfaithfulness, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The earthly Promised Land, a place of rest, inheritance, and God's dwelling, serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the spiritual rest and eternal inheritance offered to believers through Christ. While Israel's entry into Canaan was conditional upon their obedience and fraught with challenges due to their sin, the new covenant established through Jesus offers a spiritual inheritance that is secured not by our own imperfect obedience, but by His perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice. Jesus is the true "seed" of Abraham ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Promise to Abraham's Seed")) through whom all the promises of God find their definitive "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). He leads His people not merely to a geographical land, but into the very presence of God, into a new creation and an eternal city with foundations, whose designer and builder is God ([Hebrews 11:10](/hebrews/11-10 "Hebrews 11:10 - The City with Foundations")). The tension in Exodus 33 regarding God's holy presence among a sinful people is perfectly resolved in Christ, who, as Immanuel, "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel, God With Us")), perfectly bridges the chasm between a holy God and sinful humanity, making true fellowship possible and guaranteeing the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises to His redeemed people.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 12:7

And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him.

Exodus 32:13

Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, thy servants, to whom thou swarest by thine own self, and saidst unto them, I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have spoken of will I give unto your seed, and they shall inherit [it] for ever.

Exodus 32:7

¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Go, get thee down; for thy people, which thou broughtest out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted [themselves]:

Genesis 26:3

Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father;

Genesis 15:18

In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:

Exodus 32:34

Therefore now go, lead the people unto [the place] of which I have spoken unto thee: behold, mine Angel shall go before thee: nevertheless in the day when I visit I will visit their sin upon them.

Genesis 22:16

And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only [son]: