Exodus 33:16

For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? [is it] not in that thou goest with us? so shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that [are] upon the face of the earth.

For wherein shall it be known {H3045} here {H645} that I and thy people {H5971} have found {H4672} grace {H2580} in thy sight {H5869}? is it not in that thou goest {H3212} with us? so shall we be separated {H6395}, I and thy people {H5971}, from all the people {H5971} that are upon the face {H6440} of the earth {H127}.

For how else is it to be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people, other than by your going with us? That is what distinguishes us, me and your people, from all the other peoples on earth."

For how then can it be known that Your people and I have found favor in Your sight, unless You go with us? How else will we be distinguished from all the other people on the face of the earth?”

For wherein now shall it be known that I have found favor in thy sight, I and thy people? is it not in that thou goest with us, so that we are separated, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth?

Commentary

Exodus 33:16 captures a pivotal moment in Moses' intercession for the people of Israel after the devastating golden calf incident. Here, Moses articulates the profound significance of God's personal presence with His people, linking it directly to their identity and God's favor.

Context

Following Israel's egregious sin of idolatry with the golden calf, God's anger was kindled, and He initially threatened to withdraw His personal presence from them, offering instead to send an angel to lead them to the Promised Land (Exodus 33:3). Moses, however, understood that an angel's leadership was insufficient; the very essence of their covenant relationship and unique identity depended on God Himself dwelling among them. This verse is part of Moses' passionate plea for God to reconsider and accompany them on their wilderness journey, emphasizing that God's presence is the ultimate sign of divine favor and separation.

Key Themes

  • The Indispensability of God's Presence: Moses argues that God's personal accompaniment is the sole tangible proof of His grace and favor upon Israel. Without it, their journey and purpose lack divine sanction. This theme resonates throughout the Bible, emphasizing that true blessing and success come from God's active involvement with His people.
  • Divine Grace and Favor: The phrase "found grace in thy sight" highlights God's unmerited favor. Moses implies that if God's presence is withheld, it would signal a withdrawal of His grace, leaving Israel indistinguishable from other nations.
  • Separation and Distinction: God's presence is the distinguishing mark of Israel. It sets them apart from "all the people that are upon the face of the earth." This separation is not merely geographic but spiritual and moral, signifying their unique status as God's chosen people, a "peculiar people" dedicated to Him.
  • Covenant Relationship: The core of the covenant was God's promise to be their God and for them to be His people. Moses understood that God's presence was the living embodiment of this covenant, making the relationship real and distinct from any other nation's experience.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "grace" here is chen (Χ—Φ΅ΧŸ), which signifies favor, kindness, or charm. When used in relation to God, as in "found grace in thy sight," it speaks of God's benevolent disposition towards an individual or group, leading to His active blessing and presence. Moses' argument hinges on this concept: God's favor must be visibly demonstrated through His tangible presence, which was often symbolized by the pillar of cloud by day and fire by night leading them.

Practical Application

Exodus 33:16 offers timeless insights for believers today. Just as God's presence was essential for ancient Israel, it remains vital for the church and individual Christians. Our true distinction and evidence of God's grace in our lives is not found in outward displays or earthly achievements, but in the manifest presence of the Holy Spirit within us and among us. This verse reminds us to:

  • Prioritize God's Presence: Seek God's presence above all else, recognizing that His guidance and companionship are our greatest treasures.
  • Embrace Our Distinction: Understand that God's presence sets believers apart from the world. We are called to live distinct lives that reflect His character and purpose, not conforming to the world's standards (Romans 12:2).
  • Pray for God's Manifestation: Like Moses, we should passionately pray for God's active presence in our lives, our churches, and our communities, knowing that it is the ultimate sign of His favor and power.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 4:7 (9 votes)

    For what nation [is there so] great, who [hath] God [so] nigh unto them, as the LORD our God [is] in all [things that] we call upon him [for]?

  • Numbers 14:14 (8 votes)

    And they will tell [it] to the inhabitants of this land: [for] they have heard that thou LORD [art] among this people, that thou LORD art seen face to face, and [that] thy cloud standeth over them, and [that] thou goest before them, by day time in a pillar of a cloud, and in a pillar of fire by night.

  • 1 Kings 8:53 (6 votes)

    For thou didst separate them from among all the people of the earth, [to be] thine inheritance, as thou spakest by the hand of Moses thy servant, when thou broughtest our fathers out of Egypt, O Lord GOD.

  • Matthew 1:23 (5 votes)

    Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

  • Exodus 34:10 (5 votes)

    ΒΆ And he said, Behold, I make a covenant: before all thy people I will do marvels, such as have not been done in all the earth, nor in any nation: and all the people among which thou [art] shall see the work of the LORD: for it [is] a terrible thing that I will do with thee.

  • Exodus 8:22 (4 votes)

    And I will sever in that day the land of Goshen, in which my people dwell, that no swarms [of flies] shall be there; to the end thou mayest know that I [am] the LORD in the midst of the earth.

  • 2 Samuel 7:23 (4 votes)

    And what one nation in the earth [is] like thy people, [even] like Israel, whom God went to redeem for a people to himself, and to make him a name, and to do for you great things and terrible, for thy land, before thy people, which thou redeemedst to thee from Egypt, [from] the nations and their gods?