Exodus 33:12

KJV

¶ And Moses said unto the LORD, See, thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people: and thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me. Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} said {H559} unto the LORD {H3068}, See {H7200}, thou sayest {H559} unto me, Bring up {H5927} this people {H5971}: and thou hast not let me know {H3045} whom thou wilt send {H7971} with me. Yet thou hast said {H559}, I know {H3045} thee by name {H8034}, and thou hast also found {H4672} grace {H2580} in my sight {H5869}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moshe said to ADONAI, "Look, you say to me, 'Make these people move on!' But you haven't let me know whom you will be sending with me. Nevertheless you have said, 'I know you by name,' and also, 'You have found favor in my sight.'

Berean Standard Bible

Then Moses said to the LORD, “Look, You have been telling me, ‘Lead this people up,’ but You have not let me know whom You will send with me. Yet You have said, ‘I know you by name, and you have found favor in My sight.’

American Standard Version

And Moses said unto Jehovah, See, thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people: and thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me. Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found favor in my sight.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 33:12 captures a pivotal exchange between Moses and the LORD, occurring in the immediate aftermath of Israel's grievous sin with the golden calf. Moses, burdened by the immense responsibility of leading a rebellious people to the Promised Land, confronts God with a profound plea. He acknowledges the divine command to lead but expresses deep concern over the ambiguity of God's presence and the lack of a clear divine companion for the journey. Moses then boldly appeals to the unique, intimate relationship God Himself had previously affirmed with him, reminding the LORD of His declaration: "I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight," thereby leveraging God's personal favor and intimate knowledge as the bedrock for his urgent request for God's explicit, personal presence to accompany the entire nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at a critical juncture in the Exodus narrative, immediately following the catastrophic Golden Calf rebellion in [Exodus 32](/exodus/32 "Exodus 32 - The Golden Calf and Moses' Intercession"). God's wrath was so intense that He threatened to withdraw His personal presence, proposing instead to send an angel to lead the Israelites, lest His consuming holiness destroy them on the way ([Exodus 33:3](/exodus/33-3 "Exodus 33:3 - God's Refusal to Go with Israel")). Moses had already engaged in fervent intercession, even offering himself as an atonement for the people's sin ([Exodus 32:30-32](/exodus/32-30 "Exodus 32:30-32 - Moses' Intercession for Israel")). The verses immediately preceding [Exodus 33:12](/exodus/33-12 "Exodus 33:12 - Moses' Plea for God's Presence") describe the people's mourning and removal of ornaments as a sign of repentance, and Moses' regular practice of meeting with God in the Tent of Meeting outside the camp. There, the pillar of cloud would descend, signifying God's presence, and the LORD would speak with Moses "face to face, as a man speaks with his friend" ([Exodus 33:7-11](/exodus/33-7-11 "Exodus 33:7-11 - The Tent of Meeting and God's Intimacy with Moses")). Thus, verse 12 represents Moses' continued, direct, and deeply personal appeal for God's explicit, personal presence to accompany the nation, building upon the unique intimacy he shared with God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites, a vast multitude recently liberated from Egyptian slavery, faced the daunting prospect of a wilderness journey towards a land inhabited by powerful, hostile nations. Leadership of such a numerous and often rebellious people was an overwhelming task that demanded not merely human skill but undeniable divine authority and presence. In the ancient Near East, the concept of a deity "going with" an army or a people was paramount; it signified divine approval, protection, and guaranteed success in their endeavors. Conversely, the absence of a deity's presence implied vulnerability, divine displeasure, and certain failure. The phrase "know thee by name" (Hebrew: _yada'ticha b'shem_) carried profound cultural weight, signifying far more than mere recognition. It implied a deep, intimate, and often covenantal relationship, denoting personal selection, special favor, and authoritative knowledge. For a king or deity to know someone "by name" meant that person was uniquely chosen, distinguished, and held in high regard. Similarly, "found grace in my sight" (Hebrew: _matzata chen b'einai_) spoke to unmerited favor and acceptance, a divine disposition of goodwill that empowered the recipient. Moses' appeal here is profoundly rooted in this cultural understanding, reminding God of the unique, personal bond and favor He had already extended to him, which served as the foundation for his plea on behalf of the entire nation.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 33:12 contributes significantly to several major theological themes prevalent in the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. Central is the theme of **God's Presence (Shekinah)**, highlighting its absolute necessity for Israel's identity, security, and success. The verse emphasizes the **Intercessory Role of Moses**, showcasing him as the divinely appointed mediator who boldly stands between a holy God and a sinful people, appealing to God's character and promises. It also underscores the theme of **Divine Intimacy and Personal Relationship**, as God's declaration "I know thee by name" reveals a profound, unique bond with Moses that transcends a mere leader-follower dynamic. This intimacy becomes the very ground for Moses' bold petition. Furthermore, the verse touches upon **God's Sovereignty and Faithfulness**, as Moses appeals to God's own prior declarations, implicitly trusting that God will remain true to His word and His chosen servant, even in the face of national sin. This interaction sets the stage for God's revelation of His glory and character in [Exodus 34](/exodus/34 "Exodus 34 - The Covenant Renewed and God's Glory Revealed"), a direct result of Moses' persistent intercession.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** This verb signifies a deep, intimate, experiential knowledge, not merely intellectual acquaintance. When God "knows" someone in this biblical sense, it implies a relationship of covenantal commitment, personal selection, and special care. It suggests a profound understanding and a unique bond that sets Moses apart from the general populace.
* **By name (Hebrew, _shêm'_):** To know someone "by name" in ancient Israelite culture was to know them intimately, personally, and often with an authoritative or proprietary claim. It implies a personal relationship of distinction and favor, a unique identity recognized and affirmed by the speaker. For God to know Moses "by name" underscored the unparalleled intimacy and special status of their relationship, indicating that Moses was individually chosen and distinguished by God.
* **Grace (Hebrew, _chên'_):** This term refers to unmerited favor, goodwill, or acceptance. When someone "finds grace" in another's eyes, it means they have gained favor or approval, often leading to beneficial outcomes. Here, it highlights God's undeserved kindness and benevolent disposition toward Moses, which is the foundational basis for Moses' bold appeal and confidence in approaching God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses said unto the LORD, See, thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people:"** Moses directly addresses the LORD, using "See" (or "Behold") to draw divine attention to the pressing command. He reiterates God's explicit instruction to lead the vast and challenging Israelite nation out of the wilderness, underscoring the immense and seemingly impossible responsibility placed upon him. This opening sets the stage for his subsequent plea, highlighting the overwhelming weight of the task.
* **"and thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me."** This clause encapsulates Moses' core complaint and petition. He acknowledges the divine mandate but expresses his profound need for clarity regarding the divine agent of leadership and presence. Moses implicitly understands that he cannot fulfill this daunting task alone; only God's direct, personal involvement, or a divinely appointed representative, can ensure the success and safety of the journey. This reveals his genuine dependence on God and his deep concern for the people's welfare, recognizing the inadequacy of human leadership without divine partnership.
* **"Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight."** Moses boldly reminds the LORD of God's own prior declarations, appealing directly to the established, intimate, and favored relationship God Himself had initiated and affirmed with Moses. This is a powerful rhetorical move, leveraging God's own words and character as the foundation for his request. He is not asking based on his own merit or the people's worthiness, but solely on God's unmerited favor and personal knowledge of him, which forms the bedrock of their unique bond and provides the confidence for his audacious intercession.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices that amplify Moses' intercession. The overarching device is **Intercession**, with Moses acting as a divinely appointed mediator, standing between a holy God and a sinful people. His address to God contains an element of **Rhetorical Question** or implied challenge, not in defiance, but in earnest seeking of clarity and assurance: "You've given me this monumental task, but you haven't provided the necessary means or explicit companionship." There is a strong element of **Personal Appeal**, as Moses grounds his request in the unique, intimate relationship he shares with God, reminding the LORD of His own words. This is a profound form of **Argument from Character**, where Moses appeals to God's faithfulness to His own declarations and the nature of their established bond. The repetition of "thou hast said" emphasizes God's prior commitment and serves as a powerful **Remembrance** or **Recollection** of divine promises, reinforcing Moses' confidence in approaching God. The contrast between the immense task ("Bring up this people") and the perceived lack of clear divine accompaniment ("not let me know whom thou wilt send with me") creates a sense of **Tension**, which is then resolved by Moses' appeal to the intimate relationship, highlighting his faith and the power of divine favor.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 33:12 profoundly underscores the absolute necessity of God's personal presence and guidance for His people, particularly when facing overwhelming challenges and leadership responsibilities. Moses' bold appeal, rooted in God's prior declaration of intimate knowledge and favor, highlights that divine relationship is the indispensable foundation for effective service and successful navigation through life's wildernesses. It reveals that God's personal knowledge of His chosen ones is not merely an abstract concept but a dynamic reality that empowers and sustains them, inviting a confident and persistent approach to Him in prayer. The verse also implicitly teaches about the nature of true leadership, which recognizes its own inherent limitations and relies utterly on divine partnership and presence for success and spiritual fruitfulness.
* [Isaiah 43:1](/isaiah/43-1 "Isaiah 43:1 - God Calls His People by Name")
* [Psalm 1:6](/psalm/1-6 "Psalm 1:6 - The LORD Knows the Way of the Righteous")
* [Jeremiah 1:5](/jeremiah/1-5 "Jeremiah 1:5 - God Knows Before Birth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Moses' earnest plea in Exodus 33:12 offers a powerful and enduring model for our own walk with God, particularly when we face daunting tasks or profound uncertainties. It reminds us that even when the path ahead seems unclear or the burdens immense, we are invited to approach God with boldness and confidence, not on the basis of our own merit, but on the unshakeable foundation of His established relationship with us. Just as God intimately knew Moses by name, so too does He know each of His children personally and profoundly, having called us by name and extended His unmerited favor through Christ. This profound personal knowledge should instill in us a deep sense of security, value, and belonging, empowering us to articulate our deepest needs, fears, and concerns before Him without hesitation. Furthermore, Moses' humble recognition that he could not possibly lead the people without God's explicit presence and guidance serves as a vital reminder for all believers, especially those in positions of leadership: true effectiveness, spiritual fruitfulness, and enduring success flow not from human strength, wisdom, or strategic planning, but from a constant, conscious, and desperate dependence on God's active presence and clear direction in every endeavor. Our prayers should mirror Moses', persistently seeking God's "whom Thou wilt send with me," knowing that His Spirit is our ultimate guide, companion, and empowerer.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What daunting task or seemingly impossible challenge are you currently facing that requires God's explicit presence and guidance?**
* **How does the truth that God "knows you by name" personally impact your sense of identity, security, and purpose in Him?**
* **In what specific areas of your life or ministry do you need to more consciously acknowledge your dependence on God and ask for His specific direction and companionship?**
* **How can Moses' boldness in appealing to God's own words and established relationship encourage and transform your personal prayer life?**

### FAQ

**Why is Moses so bold in challenging God's initial plan to not go with Israel?**

Answer: Moses' extraordinary boldness stems from a confluence of factors. Firstly, he enjoyed an exceptionally intimate and unique relationship with God, speaking with Him "face to face, as a man speaks with his friend" ([Exodus 33:11](/exodus/33-11 "Exodus 33:11 - God Speaks to Moses Face to Face")). This unparalleled intimacy fostered a deep trust and confidence that allowed for such direct and passionate appeals. Secondly, Moses possessed a profound understanding of the dire implications of God's absence; he knew that without the LORD's personal, manifest presence, the journey to the Promised Land would be utterly impossible, and the very covenant between God and Israel would be jeopardized. His concern was not for his own comfort, but for the people's welfare and, critically, for the glory of God's name among the nations. Finally, Moses was appealing to God's own character and prior declarations of favor towards him, essentially reminding God of His own commitment to their unique relationship and to His people. His boldness was therefore not defiance, but a passionate, faith-filled intercession rooted in a profound understanding of God's nature and promises.

**What does it mean for God to "know thee by name"?**

Answer: In biblical and ancient Near Eastern contexts, to "know by name" signifies a profound, personal, and often covenantal relationship, extending far beyond mere acquaintance or intellectual recognition. It implies intimate familiarity, special recognition, and often a sense of ownership, selection, or deep affection. When God declares, "I know thee by name," it means He has personally chosen, distinguished, and entered into a unique, intimate relationship with that individual. It speaks to a profound understanding of their identity, purpose, and destiny, and invariably carries the connotation of divine favor, protection, and a special, personal investment. It is a declaration that sets that individual apart as uniquely cherished and understood by the Almighty.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 33:12, with Moses' desperate plea for God's personal presence and his bold appeal to God's intimate knowledge and grace, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Moses, as the great intercessor and mediator between God and His people, powerfully foreshadows Christ, who is our perfect and eternal High Priest, continually interceding for us before the Father ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Our Eternal Intercessor")). The very presence Moses longed for, the assurance that God would "go with" His people, is definitively realized in the Incarnation of Jesus, Emmanuel, which means "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Emmanuel: God With Us")). Through Christ's coming, God literally "tabernacled among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), making His dwelling place with humanity in a way far more intimate and permanent than the Tent of Meeting. Furthermore, through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, Jesus secured for believers not just a temporary presence, but the permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit, who is God's abiding presence in every believer, empowering and guiding them into all truth ([John 14:16-17](/john/14-16-17 "John 14:16-17 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")). The deep, personal knowledge God had of Moses is extended to all believers in Christ; Jesus, the Good Shepherd, declares, "I know my sheep and am known by my own" ([John 10:14](/john/10-14 "John 10:14 - Jesus the Good Shepherd Knows His Sheep")), assuring us that we are individually known, loved, and called by name by the Son of God, who Himself found ultimate grace and favor in the Father's sight to accomplish our salvation and grant us access to God's unfailing presence.

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

Exodus 33:17

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.

Jeremiah 1:5

Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, [and] I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

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.

John 10:14

I am the good shepherd, and know my [sheep], and am known of mine.

John 10:15

As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

Isaiah 43:1

¶ But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called [thee] by thy name; thou [art] mine.

2 Timothy 2:19

¶ Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.