Exodus 33:3

Unto a land flowing with milk and honey: for I will not go up in the midst of thee; for thou [art] a stiffnecked people: lest I consume thee in the way.

Unto a land {H776} flowing {H2100} with milk {H2461} and honey {H1706}: for I will not go up {H5927} in the midst {H7130} of thee; for thou art a stiffnecked {H7186}{H6203} people {H5971}: lest I consume {H3615} thee in the way {H1870}.

You will go to a land flowing with milk and honey; but I myself will not go with you, because you are such a stiffnecked people that I might destroy you on the way."

Go up to a land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people; otherwise, I might destroy you on the way.โ€

unto a land flowing with milk and honey: for I will not go up in the midst of thee, for thou art a stiffnecked people, lest I consume thee in the way.

Commentary

Exodus 33:3 (KJV) details a pivotal moment after the golden calf incident, where God expresses His reluctance to accompany the Israelites directly into the Promised Land due to their profound sinfulness.

Context

This verse follows immediately after God's declaration in Exodus 32:10 that He would destroy the rebellious Israelites and make a new nation from Moses. Though Moses interceded, God's anger and the serious breach of the Sinai covenant remained. The people had quickly turned away from God, building and worshipping a golden calf (Exodus 32:4) right after receiving the Ten Commandments. As a result, God declares He will send an angel to lead them to the promised "land flowing with milk and honey," but He Himself will not go "in the midst" of them.

Key Themes

  • Divine Consequence: God's decision not to accompany Israel directly is a severe consequence of their idolatry and rebellion. It highlights the seriousness of sin and God's holy nature, which cannot tolerate unholiness in close proximity without judgment.
  • Israel's Stubbornness: The phrase "thou art a stiffnecked people" encapsulates God's assessment of their persistent obstinacy and unwillingness to obey. This characteristic is frequently mentioned throughout their wilderness journey (Exodus 32:9, Deuteronomy 9:6).
  • God's Holiness and Protection: The reason given, "lest I consume thee in the way," underscores God's immense holiness. While He desires to bless His people with the Promised Land, His direct presence among an unrepentant, rebellious people would inevitably lead to their destruction because of His righteous judgment against sin.
  • The Promised Land: The destination remains "a land flowing with milk and honey," a consistent biblical image of abundance and blessing first promised to Abraham (Genesis 15:18) and reiterated to Moses (Exodus 3:8). Even in judgment, the ultimate promise of inheritance stands, though the means of attaining it changes.

Linguistic Insights

The term "stiffnecked" (KJV) comes from the Hebrew phrase qesheh-oreph (ืงึฐืฉึตืื”ึพืขึนืจึถืฃ), literally meaning "hard of neck." This is a vivid metaphor describing an ox that refuses to submit to the yoke, stubbornly resisting the farmer's direction. Spiritually, it signifies a people unwilling to bow their will to God's commands, characterized by stubborn rebellion and resistance to divine authority.

Practical Application

Exodus 33:3 serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the holiness of God. While God is merciful, His presence demands reverence and obedience. For believers today, it highlights the importance of humility, repentance, and seeking God's will. Our persistent rebellion can hinder the fullness of God's blessing and presence in our lives, though His ultimate promises remain. It also points to the need for a mediator, like Moses in this narrative, and ultimately, to Christ, who reconciles us to a holy God, allowing His presence to dwell among us without consuming us (John 1:14, Colossians 1:21-22).

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Cross-References

  • Exodus 32:9 (7 votes)

    And the LORD said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it [is] a stiffnecked people:

  • Exodus 32:10 (7 votes)

    Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation.

  • Exodus 3:8 (6 votes)

    And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites.

  • Deuteronomy 9:6 (5 votes)

    Understand therefore, that the LORD thy God giveth thee not this good land to possess it for thy righteousness; for thou [art] a stiffnecked people.

  • Deuteronomy 9:13 (5 votes)

    Furthermore the LORD spake unto me, saying, I have seen this people, and, behold, it [is] a stiffnecked people:

  • Jeremiah 11:5 (4 votes)

    That I may perform the oath which I have sworn unto your fathers, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey, as [it is] this day. Then answered I, and said, So be it, O LORD.

  • Acts 7:51 (4 votes)

    ยถ Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers [did], so [do] ye.