How does Exodus 33:18 connect with God's revelation in the New Testament? Setting the Scene in Exodus 33 Moses has interceded for Israel after the golden-calf disaster (Exodus 32). God promises His presence but Moses longs for more than protection or provision—he longs for God Himself. Moses’ Bold Plea “Then Moses said, ‘Please show me Your glory.’” (Exodus 33:18) • The term “glory” (Hebrew kābôd) speaks of God’s manifested weight, beauty, splendor—His very Self made visible. • Moses asks for a full revelation, yet God grants only a partial glimpse (Exodus 33:19-23). The old covenant could not handle the fullness of divine glory. God’s Answer in the Old Covenant “I will cause all My goodness to pass before you, and I will proclaim My name, the LORD, in your presence.” (Exodus 33:19) • Glory = God’s goodness + His name (character) revealed. • Moses sees the after-effects while sheltered in the rock; God’s face remains unseen (Exodus 33:22-23). The vision is real but veiled. The New Testament Fulfillment: Glory Made Flesh Moses’ request finds its complete answer in the person of Jesus Christ. Consider four key texts: 1. John 1:14 — “The Word became flesh and tabernacled among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only from the Father, full of grace and truth.” • The glory that once passed by Moses now walks among humanity. 2. John 14:9 — “Whoever has seen Me has seen the Father.” • Jesus offers the direct sight Moses could not yet bear. 3. Hebrews 1:3 — “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature.” • No after-glow—He IS the radiance. 4. 2 Corinthians 4:6 — “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Jesus Christ.” • The same Creator who spoke light at Genesis now shines His glory into believing hearts. From Veil to Unveiled Face • Old covenant: glory displayed but obscured (Exodus 34:33-35). • New covenant: “We all, with unveiled faces, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed” (2 Corinthians 3:18). • The rock that sheltered Moses foreshadows Christ (1 Corinthians 10:4). In Him we both behold and are protected from the consuming holiness of God. Why This Matters for Us Today • Assurance: The God who revealed partial glory to Moses fully reveals Himself in Jesus; Scripture’s promises stand firm. • Worship: Fixing our eyes on Christ is the clearest way to “see His glory.” • Transformation: Gazing at Jesus changes us—glory seen becomes glory shared (Romans 8:29). • Mission: As reflectors of His unveiled glory, we carry His goodness and name to the world (Matthew 5:16). |
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