Who- Moses, God
Where- Mt.Sinai
When- After the Golden Calf is made
What- Moses is asking God to go with them when they leave Mt. Sinai and to be able to see God. God agrees but says Moses shall not see his face.
Quote:
“If your presence will not go, do not carry us up from here. For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight. I and your people, unless you go with us? In this way, we shall be distinct, I and your people from every people on the face of the earth”(Exod. 33.15-16).
-Moses seems to still be afraid and uncertain of his abilities to lead the Israelites. He wants God there to continue protecting him.
-Shows how Moses is playing into God’s ego by saying they will only be special and above others if God goes with them.
– Seems to be saying that the Israelites are distinct and special because they worship God and are blessed by him. Meanwhile, everyone else is ordinary and below them for not worshipping God.
Why is it that you think Moses is uncertain and maybe afraid of leading the Israelites?
I think Moses is afraid of leading the Israelites because he has always had help. When he had doubts about his abilities God gave him Aaron to speak for him and then God sent the plagues to get them away from the Egyptians. All of a sudden God tells Moses he is on his own and doesn’t seem to know how to handle it.
What exactly is God’s glory? God’s shadow? How do we know this? How come do they (the narrator) does not simply say shadow? How come God allows Moses to see his back (Exodus 33:22-23) and not his face? How do we know what he (God) looks like?