Exodus 33:14

KJV

And he said, My presence shall go [with thee], and I will give thee rest.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559}, My presence {H6440} shall go {H3212} with thee, and I will give thee rest {H5117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He answered, "Set your mind at rest - my presence will go with you, after all."

Berean Standard Bible

And the LORD answered, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

American Standard Version

And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 33:14 presents God's compassionate and pivotal response to Moses' fervent intercession after the golden calf idolatry. Despite Israel's grievous sin, God assures Moses that His personal, active presence will accompany them on their journey, promising to provide them with profound rest—a deep sense of security, peace, and ultimate settlement derived from His faithful accompaniment. This verse underscores God's enduring mercy and commitment to His covenant people, even in the face of their rebellion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial turning point following the catastrophic sin of the golden calf in [Exodus 32](/exodus/32 "Exodus 32 - The Golden Calf"). God's wrath was kindled, and He initially declared His intention to send an angel to lead the Israelites, but explicitly stated He would not go among them Himself, lest He consume them due to their stubbornness ([Exodus 33:3](/exodus/33-3 "Exodus 33:3 - God's Initial Refusal to Go")). Moses, demonstrating remarkable courage and faithfulness, intercedes passionately for the people, arguing that God's personal presence is absolutely essential for Israel's identity, distinction, and safety ([Exodus 33:15-16](/exodus/33-15 "Exodus 33:15-16 - Moses' Plea for God's Presence")). Exodus 33:14 is God's merciful and assuring reply to Moses' desperate plea, signifying a renewal of His commitment to His chosen people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites were in the midst of a perilous wilderness journey, having recently escaped Egyptian bondage. Their destination, the Promised Land, was still distant and formidable, filled with hostile nations. The concept of a deity's "presence" (often represented by a visible manifestation or a sacred object) was paramount in ancient Near Eastern cultures, signifying divine favor, protection, and legitimate leadership. For Israel, God's personal presence in their midst, particularly after such a profound breach of covenant, was not merely a comfort but a vital assurance of their continued existence as God's chosen people and the guarantee of their safe passage and ultimate inheritance. Without it, they were utterly vulnerable and indistinguishable from other wandering tribes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Presence (Hebrew, _pānîm'_):** Literally meaning "face," this word signifies God's direct, personal, and intimate attention and active engagement. When God says "My face shall go with thee," it emphasizes that He Himself, in His full being and favor, will accompany them, not merely a delegated messenger or a distant, detached power. It speaks to a relational, unveiled, and favorable divine accompaniment, which is the very essence of the covenant relationship.
* **Rest (Hebrew, _núaḥ'_):** This term implies far more than simply ceasing from physical wandering or labor. It denotes a deep sense of security, peace, tranquility, and settlement. It is the opposite of anxiety, turmoil, and the constant threat of the wilderness. This "rest" encompasses the cessation of fear, the assurance of protection, the provision of needs, and ultimately, the secure inheritance of the Promised Land. It is a state of being at peace with God and in His sovereign provision, free from the spiritual and physical burdens of their journey.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said, My presence shall go [with thee]":** This clause reveals God's gracious and direct affirmation to Moses. The "he" refers to Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. The promise of "My presence" (My face) going with Moses signifies God's personal, active, and favorable accompaniment. This is a divine commitment, born out of mercy and faithfulness to His covenant, despite Israel's recent idolatry. While spoken directly to Moses, it implicitly extends to the nation through their leader, assuring them that God has not abandoned them.
* **"and I will give thee rest":** This second clause states the profound outcome and blessing of God's promised presence. The "rest" is multifaceted, encompassing not only the cessation of their nomadic wandering but also deep spiritual and psychological peace, security from enemies, and the ultimate fulfillment of the promise of the land. This rest is a direct gift from God, a tranquility that stems from His active involvement, protection, and provision, contrasting sharply with the turmoil and uncertainty that would otherwise characterize their wilderness journey.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 33:14 employs several powerful literary devices. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in "My presence" (literally "My face"), attributing a human characteristic to God to convey His personal, direct, and intimate engagement with His people. This device makes the divine accessible and relatable, emphasizing that God is not distant but deeply involved. The verse also functions as a **Divine Promise**, a solemn and binding declaration from God, reinforcing His covenant faithfulness despite Israel's failures. This promise stands in stark **Contrast** to the wrath and potential abandonment previously declared, highlighting God's mercy and the power of Moses' intercession. Furthermore, the concept of "rest" serves as a **Symbol** for ultimate security, peace, and the fulfillment of God's promises, extending beyond mere physical cessation to a deeper spiritual tranquility found only in God's presence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal verse profoundly underscores God's unwavering commitment to His people, revealing His immanence and the life-giving nature of His presence. It teaches that true security and peace are not found in human strength or strategic planning, but solely in God's personal accompaniment and sovereign provision. This theme of divine presence leading to rest echoes throughout Scripture, from the Sabbath rest established at creation to the ultimate rest promised to God's people. It highlights God's character as merciful, faithful, and intimately involved with His creation, even when they falter.

* [Deuteronomy 12:9-10](/deuteronomy/12-9 "Deuteronomy 12:9-10 - The Promised Rest in the Land")
* [Psalm 23:1-4](/psalms/23-1 "Psalm 23 - The Lord is My Shepherd, Guiding and Comforting")
* [Hebrews 4:9-11](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9-11 - The Sabbath Rest for God's People")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 33:14 offers profound assurance for believers navigating the wilderness of life. It reminds us that God's presence is not contingent upon our perfect performance but is a gracious gift rooted in His covenant faithfulness and mercy. In moments of uncertainty, fear, or the consequences of our own failures, this verse stands as a steadfast promise: God Himself will go with us. This divine accompaniment, mediated through the indwelling Holy Spirit, provides true spiritual rest—a deep peace and security that transcends external circumstances. We are never left to navigate life's challenges alone; God Himself is our guide, protector, and the ultimate source of the rest our souls desperately need.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does knowing God's personal presence accompanies you change your perspective on current challenges or uncertainties in your life?**
* **What does "rest" truly mean to you in the context of your spiritual journey, and how do you experience it in God's presence?**
* **In what practical ways can you cultivate a deeper awareness of God's abiding presence in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of God's "presence" in this verse, and how does it relate to His character?**

Answer: The significance of God's "presence" (Hebrew: *pānîm*, "face") in Exodus 33:14 is profound. It signifies God's direct, personal, and favorable accompaniment, not merely a delegated authority or a distant, impersonal force. It assures Israel, and by extension believers today, that despite their grave sin at the golden calf, God has not abandoned them but remains committed to leading them. This promise reveals God's character as merciful, faithful, and intimately involved with His people. It demonstrates His willingness to forgive and restore, upholding His covenant promises even when His people fail. This personal presence is the very essence of their unique relationship with Him, distinguishing Israel from all other nations ([Exodus 33:16](/exodus/33-16 "Exodus 33:16 - Israel's Distinction by God's Presence")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The promise of God's presence bringing rest finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is Immanuel, "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel, God With Us")), the very embodiment of God's personal presence among humanity. Where Israel struggled to maintain God's presence due to their sin, Christ perfectly reconciled humanity to God, removing the barrier that separated us. He extends an invitation to all who are weary and heavy-laden to come to Him and find true rest for their souls ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Jesus' Invitation to Rest")), a spiritual rest that transcends physical circumstances and the anxieties of life. Through His atoning sacrifice, the way is opened for God's Spirit to dwell within believers ([John 14:16-18](/john/14-16 "John 14:16-18 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")), making God's presence an abiding reality in the life of every Christian. Ultimately, the promise of entering God's rest is realized in Christ, culminating in the eternal rest of the new heavens and new earth, where God's presence is fully and eternally manifest among His redeemed people, wiping away every tear ([Revelation 21:3-4](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3-4 - God Dwells with His 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

Joshua 21:44

And the LORD gave them rest round about, according to all that he sware unto their fathers: and there stood not a man of all their enemies before them; the LORD delivered all their enemies into their hand.

Joshua 1:5

There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, [so] I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Matthew 11:28

Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Isaiah 63:9

In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.

Hebrews 4:8

For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.

Hebrews 4:9

There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.

Joshua 22:4

And now the LORD your God hath given rest unto your brethren, as he promised them: therefore now return ye, and get you unto your tents, [and] unto the land of your possession, which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you on the other side Jordan.