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In today’s reading—Exodus 33–35—at the top of Exodus 33, my Bible has the subheading “The Command to Leave Sinai,” but something far more significant has been unfolding over the past few chapters—the theme of God’s presence. We saw the importance of God’s presence… 

  • … when Moses came down from Mount Sinai and found the people worshiping the golden calf, he called for those who were on the Lord’s side. The tribe of Levi responded, and their reward? God Himself—His presence.
  • … when God provided detailed instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle. At its center was the Holy of Holies, where His presence would dwell. Only those closest to Him—the High Priests—were given the honor of entering.

Today’s chapters reveal the incredible value of God’s presence by showing the intense sadness that overcomes God’s people when it is withdrawn. The Tabernacle was designed so that God would dwell among His people. But after the golden calf incident, where did Moses meet with God?

“Now Moses used to take the tent and pitch it outside the camp, far off from the camp, and he called it the tent of meeting.” (Exodus 33:7)

This description is a reminder of the Holy of Holies that was supposed to be in the Tabernacle. Yet, due to the people’s sin, Moses had to go far outside the camp to meet with God. Why? Because God cannot coexist with sin. Perfection ceases to exist when the imperfect is present. For example, what would happen if I poured you a crystal clear glass of water but then took an eye dropper’s drop of sewage and added it to your drink? There is no way a normal person is going to drink that. Why? Because it is no longer perfect—it’s sewer water.

At the start of Exodus 33, God tells Moses:

“Depart; go up from here, you and the people whom you have brought up out of the land of Egypt … but I will not go up among you, lest I consume you on the way, for you are a stiff-necked people.” (Exodus 33:1, 3)

In His mercy, God distanced Himself from Israel. He knew their tendency to sin and that, in His holiness, He would destroy them before they reached the Promised Land. But Moses pleaded with God, expressing his and the people’s deep sorrow at the thought of moving forward without Him. Once again, God relented. This is a lesson that helps us understand that when we have the right intercessor—the right intermediary—He can stave off the wrath of God for another (1st Timothy 2:5). The right intercessor can turn sewage water, pure. 

Later in Exodus 33, Moses wants more of God and so boldly asks to see His face—he wants to see God’s glory. But God tells him:

“You cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live.” (Exodus 33:20)

Instead, God provided a way for Moses to experience His presence safely—allowing him to see His back as He passed by. This, too, was a great reward—not of material wealth, fame, or power but of intimacy with God. And that is what Moses desired most.

What would it look like for us to desire God’s presence as much as Moses did? It would mean living in a way that reflects that His presence is the most important thing to us. When the Levites chose God’s side, they didn’t receive land or riches, but God Himself as their inheritance. Are you “jealous” of them for what they were given? Or do you desire something more than Him?

The Israelites were about to go on a long journey where they would stumble countless times. Thankfully, Moses interceded on their behalf, God relented, and they were brought safely into the Promised Land. Today, we have an even greater Intercessor—Jesus—who has made it possible for us to reach the end of our journey into the presence of God in eternity. Are you longing for that nearness?