Matt. 6:9-13 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory (1391), for ever. Amen.
The glory of God is an important subject. We are still discussing words, or ideas, that try to express the greatness of God. The author is of the opinion that words alone cannot express the person of God; God has to be experienced. It is only through experiencing God that the people of God come to true knowledge of God. But what choice is there, words, written or spoken, are the tools of communication, so choose your words wisely, it is God that we speak of, His Son, His kingdom, His power, and His glory.
We are also discussing the final part of the Lord's Prayer, eternal things that belong to God and the people of God, which show a relationship between God and His people, the overcomers.
To prevent misunderstanding in the study of glory, there is more than one Greek word being translated as glor*. Therefore, glorying can mean boasting, depending on the Greek word being considered. It is important that nothing is taken for granted, always consider the context, as you know, prayer and wisdom is needed to understand the word of God.
Be careful glorying in a knowledge that is not the precise and correct knowledge of God.
- The lack of giving glory to God is a reason for the downfall of the people of God and mankind. Rom. 1:18-23 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified (1392) him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish (801) heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools (3471), 23 And changed the glory (1391) of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
- Definition of terms: We begin with the verb and noun form of the words that constitute the majority of uses of Glory and glorify in the New testament and the Septuagint.
- First use of 1391(nf). Matthew 4:1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. 2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. 3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. 4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. 5 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, 6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. 7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. 8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; 9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. 10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. 11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.
- First use of 1392. Matt. 5:14-18 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. 17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
- There is a story to be told by the light, a story that glorifies the Father (Matthew 5:16). Matt. 4:12-17 Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee; 13 And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim: 14 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, 15 The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles; 16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up. 17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
- How is the Father glorified? Back to the first use of 1392. ... Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
- Second use of 1392. Matthew 6:1-4 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. 2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: 4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
- Third use of 1392. Matthew 9:1-8 And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city. 2 And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. 3 And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth. 4 And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? 5 For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? 6 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. 7 And he arose, and departed to his house. 8 But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.
- Glory in the Old Testament. Will the New testament definition of glory also apply to the Old Testament word and its uses? Is glory in the eyes of the individual, opinion, judgement, view?
- Glory in the eyes of the individual in relation to earthly things. 1st use of 'glory' or 03519 in the Old Testament.
- Glory in the eyes of the individual in relation to the heavenly. 2nd use of 'glory' or 3519 in the Old Testament.
- Have the children of Israel glorified God? Manna. Exodus 16:1-10 And they took their journey from Elim, and all the congregation of the children of Israel came unto the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after their departing out of the land of Egypt. 2 And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness: 3 And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger. 4 Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no. 5 And it shall come to pass, that on the sixth day they shall prepare that which they bring in; and it shall be twice as much as they gather daily. 6 And Moses and Aaron said unto all the children of Israel, At even, then ye shall know that the LORD hath brought you out from the land of Egypt: 7 And in the morning, then ye shall see the glory of the LORD; for that he heareth your murmurings against the LORD: and what are we, that ye murmur against us? 8 And Moses said, This shall be, when the LORD shall give you in the evening flesh to eat, and in the morning bread to the full; for that the LORD heareth your murmurings which ye murmur against him: and what are we? your murmurings are not against us, but against the LORD. 9 And Moses spake unto Aaron, Say unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, Come near before the LORD: for he hath heard your murmurings. 10 And it came to pass, as Aaron spake unto the whole congregation of the children of Israel, that they looked toward the wilderness, and, behold, the glory of the LORD appeared in the cloud.
- The actions of the children of Israel indicate that they have not, and do not, glorify God. Exod. 24:13-18 And Moses rose up, and his minister Joshua: and Moses went up into the mount of God. 14 And he said unto the elders, Tarry ye here for us, until we come again unto you: and, behold, Aaron and Hur are with you: if any man have any matters to do, let him come unto them. 15 And Moses went up into the mount, and a cloud covered the mount. 16 And the glory of the LORD abode upon mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days: and the seventh day he called unto Moses out of the midst of the cloud. 17 And the sight of the glory of the LORD was like devouring fire on the top of the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel. 18 And Moses went into the midst of the cloud, and gat him up into the mount: and Moses was in the mount forty days and forty nights.
- The lack of giving glory to God is a reason for the downfall of the people of God and mankind. Rom. 1:18-23 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified (1392) him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish (801) heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools (3471), 23 And changed the glory (1391) of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
- Inanimate objects can have glory. Exodus 28:1-3 And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons. 2 And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty. 3 And thou shalt speak unto all that are wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron's garments to consecrate him, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.
- Will the children of Israel see the glory of the High Priest, Jesus Christ the Son of God? Heb. 2:16-3:3 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. 17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. 18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted. Hebrews 3:1 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; 2 Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. 3 For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house.
- God's glory shall sanctify the tabernacle. Exod. 29:43-46 43 And there I will meet with the children of Israel, and the tabernacle shall be sanctified by my glory. 44 And I will sanctify the tabernacle of the congregation, and the altar: I will sanctify also both Aaron and his sons, to minister to me in the priest's office. 45 And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God. 46 And they shall know that I am the LORD their God, that brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, that I may dwell among them: I am the LORD their God.
- Show me thy glory. Exodus 33:1-23 And the LORD said unto Moses, Depart, and go up hence, thou and the people which thou hast brought up out of the land of Egypt, unto the land which I sware unto Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, saying, Unto thy seed will I give it: 2 And I will send an angel before thee; and I will drive out the Canaanite, the Amorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite: 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. 4 And when the people heard these evil tidings, they mourned: and no man did put on him his ornaments. 5 For the LORD had said unto Moses, Say unto the children of Israel, Ye are a stiffnecked people: I will come up into the midst of thee in a moment, and consume thee: therefore now put off thy ornaments from thee, that I may know what to do unto thee. 6 And the children of Israel stripped themselves of their ornaments by the mount Horeb. 7 And Moses took the tabernacle, and pitched it without the camp, afar off from the camp, and called it the Tabernacle of the congregation. And it came to pass, that every one which sought the LORD went out unto the tabernacle of the congregation, which was without the camp. 8 And it came to pass, when Moses went out unto the tabernacle, that all the people rose up, and stood every man at his tent door, and looked after Moses, until he was gone into the tabernacle. 9 And it came to pass, as Moses entered into the tabernacle, the cloudy pillar descended, and stood at the door of the tabernacle, and the LORD talked with Moses. 10 And all the people saw the cloudy pillar stand at the tabernacle door: and all the people rose up and worshipped, every man in his tent door. 11 And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle. 12 And Moses said unto the LORD, See, thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people: and thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me. Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight. 13 Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people. 14 And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest. 15 And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence. 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. 17 And the LORD said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name. 18 And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory. 19 And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy. 20 And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live. 21 And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock: 22 And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by: 23 And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen.
Verse 21: Just amazing to consider, a people that 'knew' God. Consider 'knew'; knew = ginosko (1097), what the author refers to as general knowledge, specially when being compared to precise or correct knowledge, which is epiginosko.
A people knew God, but were not thankful for God, nor did they glorify God, amazing. Did this people really know God? Is the problem a lack of knowledge, or the lack of application of the knowledge that they have? If a person knows God it seems that they would have no choice but to glorify God, but this study quickly revealed how wrong this assumption is.
What if mankind has forgotten the value of God, of the need to worship God, and to serve God? If mankind is not glorifying God, then mankind is not worshipping and serving God. If mankind is not glorifying God, then mankind no longer believes that God is worthy of worship and service. Although glory and worship are two different ideas and words, the practical application overlaps with regard to purpose.
Note that 'glorified' is the verb form in the 21rst verse (aorist, active, indicative), God was not being glorified in an ongoing sense; and God not being glorified is associated with His people not being thankful. Can the people that know God come to the point where they are no longer thankful for God, therefore they do not glorify God? Consider the inverse, can the people that know God come to the point where they no longer think that God is glorious, therefore they are not thankful for God? Yes, and yes!
Verse 22-23: Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools (3471), 23 And changed the glory (1391) of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
Verse 22: Professing themselves to be wise ..., exactly what satan was selling in the garden, knowledge to make mankind equal with God, which in this context is the result of a stupid (801) heart (verse 21 foolish heart). Some now profess to have knowledge that makes them superior to God. ... they became fools. Oddly the same warning given by Jesus to the disciples; ...
Matt. 5:12-14 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. 13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour (3471), wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
This is the first use of 3471; fool here translated as savor, a surprising usage considering the primary meaning of the word; the usage seems completely unrelated to Romans 1:21-22. But, it is fascinating to consider in plain terms; ... but if the salt acts foolishly, ... Jesus is speaking to His disciples first, and then the multitude of Israelites. To them Jesus says, you are the salt of the earth, but if the salt acts foolishly, in what to salt ... So how does salt act foolishly? There are a few things that salt does, the primary one that people use salt for is the seasoning of food for taste, it is also used for preservation. What is a student of Jesus good for? Preservation of the will, and word of God. If the salt is not acting like salt, it is acting 3471 foolishly.
3471 moraino {mo-rah'-ee-no} Meaning: 1) to be foolish, to act foolishly 2a) to make foolish 2a1) to prove a person or a thing foolish 2b) to make flat and tasteless 2b1) of salt that has lost its strength and flavour Origin: from 3474; TDNT - 4:832,620; v Usage: AV - lose savour 2, become a fool 1, make foolish 1; 4
Verse 23: The foolish changed the glory (1391 noun) of God into an image made like to ...
Changed the glory of God, that is, in their mind, (opinion, judgment, view 1391) God is no different than mankind and other creatures upon the earth. This also explains the lack of respect, honor, praise, and worship that God receives.
Mankind not glorifying God does not change God, it is a reflection of the heart of mankind. What mankind loves can be seen in what mankind glorifies.
If glory only belongs to God (innate), it could not be changed. This means that glory is not a term that only describes God. Glory is not distinctive to God. Glory is subjective to the whims of mankind.
This is fascinating to consider when you know the meaning of the word glory.
Glorified (verse 21)= 1392 doxazo {dox-ad'-zo} Meaning: 1) to think, suppose, be of opinion 2) to praise, extol, magnify, celebrate 3) to honour, do honour to, hold in honour 4) to make glorious, adorn with lustre, clothe with splendour 4a) to impart glory to something, render it excellent 4b) to make renowned, render illustrious 4b1) to cause the dignity and worth of some person or thing to become manifest and acknowledged Origin: from 1391; TDNT - 2:253,178; v Usage: AV - glorify 54, honour 3, have glory 2, magnify 1, make glorious 1, full of glory 1; 62
A verb shows action, is it true in this case?
Glory (verse 23) = 1391 doxa {dox'-ah} Meaning: 1) opinion, judgment, view 2) opinion, estimate, whether good or bad concerning someone 2a) in the NT always a good opinion concerning one, resulting in praise, honour, and glory 3) splendour, brightness 3a) of the moon, sun, stars 3b) magnificence, excellence, preeminence, dignity, grace 3c) majesty 3c1) a thing belonging to God 3c1) the kingly majesty which belongs to Him as supreme ruler, majesty in the sense of the absolute perfection of the deity 3c2) a thing belonging to Christ 3c2a) the kingly majesty of the Messiah 3c2b) the absolutely perfect inward or personal excellency of Christ; the majesty 3c3) of the angels 3c3a) as apparent in their exterior brightness 4) a most glorious condition, most exalted state 4a) of that condition with God the Father in heaven to which Christ was raised after He had achieved his work on earth 4b) the glorious condition of blessedness into which is appointed and promised that true Christians shall enter after their Saviour's return from heaven Origin: from the base of 1380; TDNT - 2:233,178; n f Usage: AV - glory 145, glorious 10, honour 6, praise 4, dignity 2, worship 1; 168
The word 'glory' is in the New Testament 157 times; and 145 times it is 1391. Illustrating primary words.
The first use of glory is not referring to the glory of God, or of Christ Jesus. But it teaches something of the word that we need to understand. The idea of glory is a matter of opinion, judgement, or of view (see definition of 1391). Who said the kingdoms of the world are glorious?
Consider, is Jesus really moved by the glory of the nations of the world? Satan is moved by the glory of the nations of the world, is it not the work of his hands? The glory of the nations is a matter of opinion, judgement or view. Is Jesus interested in the nations of the world; their monuments, cities, military, beasts and land. Our Savior is more interested in glorifying Our Father, and the people of the world glorifying the Father.
Kingdom = 932 basileia {bas-il-i'-ah} Meaning: 1) royal power, kingship, dominion, rule 1a) not to be confused with an actual kingdom but rather the right or authority to rule over a kingdom 1b) of the royal power of Jesus as the triumphant Messiah 1c) of the royal power and dignity conferred on Christians in the Messiah's kingdom 2) a kingdom, the territory subject to the rule of a king 3) used in the N.T. to refer to the reign of the Messiah Origin: from 935; TDNT - 1:579,97; n f Usage: AV - kingdom (of God) 71, kingdom (of heaven) 32, kingdom (general or evil) 20, (Thy or Thine) kingdom 6, His kingdom 6, the kingdom 5, (My) kingdom 4, misc 18; 162
The first use of 'glorified 1392'; speaks of glorifying our Father which is in heaven. The real, real interesting part is that the verb form speaks to how our Father is glorified, ... by the disciples letting their light shine before men, that mankind may see their good works, and glorify God (upcoming).
It is in the definition, (1392 to think, suppose, be of opinion) that this is seen, it is the actions of the people of God that causes mankind to glorifying God. By doing as God has said, the people of God are of the opinion that God is worthy of worship and service; the people of the world see this and it becomes a testimony against them.
Jesus is the light, and the light in Jesus lights the world. The figures that are found in this passage are quite wonderful to see. The darkness is the oppression of the flesh, the sin nature which results in the surety of death, but then people saw the grand light and its promise of an end to oppression and death. The light promises life, precious, precious, life, a life that is not measured by decay, a life where there is no corruption/corrosion. What was the source of the light that the people saw? Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.
John 1:1-9 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
Jesus is life, and the life is the light of mankind. John came as a witness of the light, that all mankind would believe, John was not that light, he came to bear witness of the true light which lights every man that comes into the world.
As darkness does not understand light; death does not understand life. But this is not a complicated issue, the people of the world live in the shadow of death, waiting for that unknown moment when death overtakes them, this is normal everyday life to the people of the world. How can they understand light, how can they know life?
To have life, they must accept that there is a God, and accept Jesus Christ the Son of God as their Savior.
The question of how is the Father glorified? Stated previously, ... how our Father is glorified, ... by the disciples letting their light shine before men, that mankind may see their good works.
We have come a long way in this discussion, we have found out that the light that is in the people of God is the life that comes from Jesus, it is Jesus Himself that is within His people (and the Father is in the Son).
This life, this new man (Nicodemus Study), is the life that the people of God are to be living. This new life is the light of this world, showing the Father and the Son, allowing Jesus to live through mankind to do the work of God in this world. Which glorifies God.
So, the people of God the light of the world, that is, the people of God need to let the life of Jesus shine through them.
The second use of 1392 might not be speaking of God, but it will help us understand what glory (1392) is. Alms are offerings for the poor.
Consider the primary meaning of 1392, to think, suppose, be of opinion. Consider the people that desire to be glorified of mankind as servants of God, and keepers of the law of Moses. Interesting that Jesus calls this hypocrisy, and says of them, ... they have their reward. A reward that comes from mankind, ... which has no eternal value, but no reward from your Father which is in heaven (verse 2).
So far, glory is in the eye of the individual, therefore anything can be glorified based on the opinion of the individual. This means that glorifying God, or the glory of God, says a lot about the relationship between God and an individual.
The power of God has been displayed (Luke 5:17-26 last lesson) and the multitude glorifies God for the power of God, as it should be.
03519 kabowd {kaw-bode'} rarely kabod {kaw-bode'} Meaning: 1) glory, honour, glorious, abundance 1a) abundance, riches 1b) honour, splendour, glory 1c) honour, dignity 1d) honour, reputation 1e) honour, reverence, glory 1f) glory Origin: from 03513; TWOT - 943d,943e; n m Usage: AV - glory 156, honour 32, glorious 10, gloriously 1, honourable 1; 200
The Septuagint is translating 03519 as 1391. This answer the question asked above, glory is in the eyes of the individual.
03519 comes from 03513.
Genesis 31:1-3 And he heard the words of Laban's sons, saying, Jacob hath taken away all that was our father's; and of that which was our father's hath he gotten all this glory. 2 And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as before. 3 And the LORD said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee.
The people of the world find the things of this world to be glorious; they value the physical over the spiritual.
The glory spoken of by the sons of Laban pertain to the things of the earth. It is interesting to note that glory is related to the perception of the individual in this case. They do not see God in the servant of God, Jacob, whom God continually blessed in all circumstances.
Genesis 45:1-14 Then Joseph could not refrain himself before all them that stood by him; and he cried, Cause every man to go out from me. And there stood no man with him, while Joseph made himself known unto his brethren. 2 And he wept aloud: and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard. 3 And Joseph said unto his brethren, I am Joseph; doth my father yet live? And his brethren could not answer him; for they were troubled at his presence. 4 And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt. 5 Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life. 6 For these two years hath the famine been in the land: and yet there are five years, in the which there shall neither be earing nor harvest. 7 And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. 8 So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt. 9 Haste ye, and go up to my father, and say unto him, Thus saith thy son Joseph, God hath made me lord of all Egypt: come down unto me, tarry not: 10 And thou shalt dwell in the land of Goshen, and thou shalt be near unto me, thou, and thy children, and thy children's children, and thy flocks, and thy herds, and all that thou hast: 11 And there will I nourish thee; for yet there are five years of famine; lest thou, and thy household, and all that thou hast, come to poverty. 12 And, behold, your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin, that it is my mouth that speaketh unto you. 13 And ye shall tell my father of all my glory in Egypt, and of all that ye have seen; and ye shall haste and bring down my father hither. 14 And he fell upon his brother Benjamin's neck, and wept; and Benjamin wept upon his neck.
This is an interesting example of glory. In verse 13 Joseph says, '... ye shall tell my father of all my glory in Egypt ...', this use of glory includes the earthly things, Joseph was second only to Pharoah, he was a man of wealth and stature among the Egyptians, '... ye shall tell my father of all my glory in Egypt ...'. But there is a greater glory of which Joseph speaks. In verse 5 Joseph says, ... God did send me before you to preserve life; verse 7-8 tell of this. ...
7 And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. 8 So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.
... Joseph glorifies God for the salvation that He has provided. Note that glory is used in reference the salvation that God provides.
Joseph recognized that the real glory is God. It was the will of God that has been accomplished for the glory of God. It was God that provided salvation.
The glory of the Lord, what a blessed thing this is; that the people of God judge God worthy of glory, therefore they see the glory of Jehovah.
In this passage the people of God go from murmuring and complaining about God, about the activities of God, to ... well, actually, it is not recorded in this passage that the people of God rejoiced or glorified God. As a matter of opinion, it appears that the people are not thankful for God's provision.
The sixth verse says, 'In the morning, then ye shall see the glory of the Lord, ...'. It does not say that the people glorified God. The tenth verse says, '... they looked toward the wilderness, and behold, the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud', it does not say that the children of Israel glorified God. It can be deduced from these verses that the one noticing the glory of God is the one writing about it.
The difference between a noun and a verb is stark in these verses. Why are not the children of Israel glorifying (verb) God? How come the children of Israel have no opinion, judgement, or view of God that He is glorious? Not even a suppose or to think, there is a problem with the people of God that have recently been delivered by the mighty hand of the Almighty.
The verb is present in the Hebrew, just not in this passage in verses 7 or 10, both are a noun.
Verse sixteen states, the glory of the Lord appeared on mount Sinai. In whose opinion, judgement, or view; did the glory of the Lord appear on mount Sinai? Clearly the one that wr ote these things down is stating his opinion, judgement, or view, which is the truth, and that person is Moses. The seventeenth verse then tells us that the sight of the glory of the Lord was like a devouring fire on top of the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel, the children of Israel could not deny seeing this sight. Still no reference to the children of Israel glorifying God. Sadly, what was seen was not glorious in their judgement, opinion, or view.
And this answers a question long asked by the author. How could the children of Israel turn from that sight, the glory of God on mount Sinai, and build an idol to worship after forty days? And this occurred after God's descent on the mount; Exodus 19:16-20.
Remember our discussion from Romans 1:18-23??? It was just discussed, and it appears to be written perfectly for this situation, or because of this situation.
Verse 21: ...
A people knew God, but were not thankful for God, nor did they glorify God, amazing. Did this people really know God? Is the problem a lack of knowledge, or the lack of application of the knowledge that they have? If a person knows God it seems that they would have no choice but to glorify God, but this study quickly revealed how wrong this assumption is.
What if mankind has forgotten the value of God, of the need to worship God, and to serve God? If mankind is not glorifying God, then mankind is not worshipping and serving God. If mankind is not glorifying God, then mankind no longer believes that God is worthy of worship and service. Although glory and worship are two different ideas and words, the practical application overlaps with regard to purpose.
Note that 'glorified' is the verb form in the 21rst verse, God was not being glorified in an ongoing sense; and God not being glorified is associated with His people not being thankful. Can the people that know God come to the point where they are no longer thankful for God, therefore they do not glorify God? Yes, and yes!
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The children of Israel, the people of God, that knew God, did not glorify God, and were not thankful for God. Just as Romans states, they made an idol, then they called that idol Jehovah, and proclaimed that it was this idol that had brought them out of the land of Egypt, i.e., had saved them. Was the glory of Jehovah still present on the mount?
Exodus 32:1-10 And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him. 2 And Aaron said unto them, Break off the golden earrings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them unto me. 3 And all the people brake off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them unto Aaron. 4 And he received them at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf: and they said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. 5 And when Aaron saw it, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made proclamation, and said, To morrow is a feast to the LORD. 6 And they rose up early on the morrow, and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play. 7 And the LORD said unto Moses, Go, get thee down; for thy people, which thou broughtest out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves: 8 They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them: they have made them a molten calf, and have worshipped it, and have sacrificed thereunto, and said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. 9 And the LORD said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people: 10 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.
These are not the actions of a people that glorify God, that worship (bow down) God, that are serving God. Showing that the children of Israel seeing the glory of God is not the same as glorifying God.
Were the children of Israel in anyway inclined to glorify God? Do they reverence God, praise God, or thank God? As incredible as this sounds the similarities to Romans 1:18-24 are too hard to ignore. God at this point does not refer to them as His people, in Egypt they were His firstborn sons; but the children of Israel have not accepted that role.
Garments made for glory and beauty. We have heard it said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, it appears that this might also be true of glory. Will the children of Israel see the glory of the high priest?
Exod. 28:40 And for Aaron's sons thou shalt make coats, and thou shalt make for them girdles, and bonnets shalt thou make for them, for glory and for beauty.
Is the reason that the garments are made for glory and beauty because they are to be a type of the glory and beauty of Jesus? And to help the children of Israel to glorify Jehovah?
Moses came down the mount after being in the presence of God and he radiated with the glory of God (Exodus 34:29-35), this might be the purpose of the garment for glory and beauty, and how the priests that do the service of God should appear. Glory and beauty to illustrate the glory and beauty of Jesus the Son of God.
Jesus is the advocate, the lamb of God, and the High Priest that brings the blood of the sacrifice into the presence of God.
This passage of scripture compares Jesus the Apostle and High Priest of our profession with Moses, who advocated for Israel in the presence of God on more than one occasion.
Gods' glory is something that can be tangible, visible, and can have an effect on things that it touches.
Does the reader recall the comments about the power of God that seemed to radiate from the person of Jesus, and the power that was present in the shadow of the apostles? Can we compare this aspect of the glory of God with power of God? Could it be the power of God that is at work, which people see, or understand, and glorify God?
Oddly though, as God's glory on mount Sinai, can a conclusion be drawn based on the discussions to this point that God's glory can only be seen by a people that desire to worship God?
This is an amazing passage. Moses is asking questions of God that are really interesting and go well beyond, let me see your face, what do you look like. Moses wants to know something about God that the author does not comprehend at this time. Moses has a desire to see the glory of God, something beyond what he has already witnessed.
Let's take a brief look at this passage.
Verses 1-7: Israel has sinned a great sin while Moses is on mount Sinai, the golden calf, referred to up the page. The children of Israel have disavowed God and claimed allegiance to an idol. In God's wrath many died, God acting through His people (unseen servant), and the idol could not save the children of Israel from the wrath of God. In the process the children of Israel learned to fear God.
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God moves to separate Himself from His people.
Exod. 32:30-35 And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses said unto the people, Ye have sinned a great sin: and now I will go up unto the LORD; peradventure I shall make an atonement for your sin. 31 And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold. 32 Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin--; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written. 33 And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book. 34 Therefore now go, lead the people unto the place of which I have spoken unto thee: behold, mine Angel shall go before thee: nevertheless in the day when I visit I will visit their sin upon them. 35 And the LORD plagued the people, because they made the calf, which Aaron made.
Contrary to popular opinion, God will separate Himself from His people! This group of the children of Israel had no personal relationship with 'our Father'. Consider: doing or saying something because this is what you are told to do is not the same as a personal, heartfelt, familiar, relationship with our Father and /or His Son Jesus Christ.
The counter argument to this point is based on the earthly concept of love, not the heavenly concept. Romans 8:28-39 is a beautiful passage, and the love of God is at the center of it; but if heavenly - agape - is to be understood, the pathway laid out in Romans must be understood also, faith = righteousness. The context given shows the basic elements of God's plan for all to consider. But the author fears that few want to consider love in any other sense than the earthly concepts, the familiar knowledge. The Almighty God ... must be met on His terms and not mankind's.
Verse 7: And Moses took the tabernacle, and pitched it without the camp, afar off from the camp, and called it the Tabernacle of the congregation. And it came to pass, that every one which sought the LORD went out unto the tabernacle of the congregation, which was without the camp.
The tabernacle being moved illustrates God separating Himself from His people. God has not disinherited at this point, God is still planning on doing as He promised, but He is separating Himself from His people, as the children of Israel have maintained separation from Him.
... sought the Lord went out unto the … encouraging words in this discussion, suggesting that there were some of the children of Israel that were seeking after God. Were they seeking to know God in order to understand the will of God; thereby seeking a personal, or intimate, relationship with God?
Verse 10: And all the people saw the cloudy pillar stand at the tabernacle door: and all the people rose up and worshipped, every man in his tent door.
The first reference to worship (07812) since the Passover (Exodus 12:27). The exception to this statement is in Exodus 24:1, and it refers to seventy-four people specifically. This verse further buttresses a point made earlier, to the nation of Israel God is not glorious. But things can change.
God now has the respect of the children of Israel, but what a price Israel paid before they learned to glorify God through the worship of God. They bow down, thereby showing humility before God, by placing themselves in the position of submission to God; worship. True submission comes from the heart, which then can be expressed outwardly; outward fealty does not always come from the heart.
Verse 11-17: And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle. 12 And Moses said unto the LORD, See, thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people: and thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me. Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight. 13 Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people. 14 And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest. 15 And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence. 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. 17 And the LORD said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name.
To understand that Moses wanted more than to see what God looked like, a person needs to consider the special relationship that existed between God and Moses, which was extended by God to Israel.
1st: God speaks to Moses face to face as unto a friend (verse 11). Gen 32:24-30.
2nd: God knew Moses by name, and Moses had found grace before God (verse 12).
3rd: Moses says, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee (verse13).
4th: God says, my presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest (verse 14).
5th: Moses says, If your presence does not go with us, then do not send us (verse 15). This is how it will be known that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight, because you are with us (verse 16); this is what separates us from the world.
6th: God says, I will do this thing that you have said, because you have found grace in my sight and I know you by name (verse 17).
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1st: A relationship that was supposed to extend beyond Moses, to all of the children of Israel. Compare Jesus and the Church with Moses and Israel.
Deuteronomy 5:1-5 And Moses called all Israel, and said unto them, Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judgments which I speak in your ears this day, that ye may learn them, and keep, and do them. 2 The LORD our God made a covenant with us in Horeb. 3 The LORD made not this covenant with our fathers, but with us, even us, who are all of us here alive this day. 4 The LORD talked with you face to face in the mount out of the midst of the fire, 5 (I stood between the LORD and you at that time, to shew you the word of the LORD: for ye were afraid by reason of the fire, and went not up into the mount;) saying,
The Lord talked with you face to face in the mount out of the midst of the fire. Did the people of God remember this? Do the people of God understand the relationship that God desires to have with them? The modern day assembly begun by Jesus, is not intended to be an obligation, but the continual gathering of God with His people for face to face meeting.
Fear of God, specifically, fear of the power of God, keeps the people of God at a distance from Him.
Fire; are the people of God afraid of the fire? Remember that the glory of the Lord was as a devouring fire on the mount? Or are the people of God afraid of the thundering, the lightening, the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking?
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Exod. 20:18-22 And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off. 19 And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die. 20 And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not. 21 And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was. 22 And the LORD said unto Moses, Thus thou shalt say unto the children of Israel, Ye have seen that I have talked with you from heaven.
c.f. Numbers 12:-5-8
It also interesting to note that God desires to speak directly to His people.
This is the relationship that God is seeking with His people, that they dwell in His presence, as a friend. This relationship is not supposed to change in the New Testament. Face to face.
Jn. 15:13-15 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. 15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.
Moses and Israel, Jesus Christ and the Church.
Or, are the people of God still afraid of God, and the power of God? Can they accept to the fullest extent the salvation that God has provided through Jesus Christ His Son?
2nd: God knew Moses by name, and Moses had found grace before God (verse 12).
Grace is associated with salvation, even in the Old Testament. And a name can be a very special thing.
Gen. 6:5-18 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. 7 And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. 8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. 9 These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God. 10 And Noah begat three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. 11 The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. 12 And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth. 13 And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.14 Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch. 15 And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits. 16 A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it. 17 And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and every thing that is in the earth shall die. 18 But with thee will I establish my covenant; and thou shalt come into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons' wives with thee.
Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord, then the Lord told Noah to build an ark and to get into it, why, well this is a story about God providing salvation for the righteous.
Moses found grace in God's sight, and this is a story of God providing salvation for His people.
Note the relationship between God and Moses, which was intended to be the relationship between God and His people.
And, there is something special about knowing people by name, and being on a first name basis was at one time considered special. But the bible goes beyond these concepts and speaks of a greater relationship.
Rev. 2:17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
A new name written, a name known only to God and the person that has received the name. God knew Moses by name, is that same name we know Moses by?
3rd: Moses says, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, if I may find grace in thy sight (verse13).
13 Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people.
Does Moses need directions to the promised land, the specific path that God would have them to walk? Or is Moses wanting to know more about God, more about the heavenly or spiritual realm? More than what He looks like and His favorite color?
Consider what Jesus said of Himself; then ask yourself what was Moses seeking?
John 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. 4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. 5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
Was Moses seeking Jesus? The Law has been given, the plans for the tabernacle laid out, Moses saw the pattern of things in the heavens; does Moses know that these things are teaching of greater things? What has God showed Moses already? (Hebrews 9:23, 24 figures of the true; Exodus 25:1-9, 40; Numbers 8:1-4; Hebrews 8:5, 10:1shadow; Colossians 2:15).
4th: God says, my presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest (verse 14).
Rest? Is there a promise from God to Israel about rest?
Actually, this might be where the promise about 'rest' originates regarding the promised land; although the teaching about the sabbath day also speaks of that rest.
Heb. 3:7-11 Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, 8 Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: 9 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. 10 Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. 11 So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)
Heb. 3:17-4:11 But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness? 18 And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? 19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief. Hebrews 4:1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. 2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. 3 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. 4 For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. 5 And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest. 6 Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: 7 Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. 8 For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. 9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. 10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. 11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
How many times is rest mentioned? Strange how something that is so important in scripture is unimportant to the people of God. Rest is the end of a person's own works, hmm. This means that the sabbath day was a weekly reminder of the future when God's people dwell in the land that God promised them, the day when God's people dwell in the presence of God for eternity, where there is no corruption, and no need to sustain the body, because God will provide all that is needed which is the people of God being spiritual beings at that time.
5th: Moses says, If your presence does not go with us, then do not send us (verse 15). This is how it will be known that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight, because you are with us (verse 16); this is what separates us from the world.
Exodus 33:14 And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest. 15 And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence. 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.
By the text it can be seen that the word presence means, God being with His people. Considering that tidbit of information, presence = face, before, or in front. Which is a beautiful picture of God leading His people, and they willingly following.
Presence/face = 06440 paniym {paw-neem'} pl. )but always as sing.) of an unused noun hnP' paneh {paw-neh'} Meaning: 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of Origin: from 06437; TWOT - 1782a; n m Usage: AV - before 1137, face 390, presence 76, because 67, sight 40, countenance 30, from 27, person 21, upon 20, of 20, ...me 18, against 17, ...him 16, open 13, for 13, toward 9, misc 195; 2109
Thy presence. What are the people of God without God amongst them?
Face to face in verse eleven of the text (Exodus 33) is the same Hebrew word as presence in the remainder of the text. It is not two different things, verse eleven just applies God's presence to an individual and verses fifteen and sixteen apply God's presence to all of the children of Israel. Moses is pleading for God to remain with His children and not separate Himself from them.
6th: God says, I will do this thing that you have said, because you have found grace in my sight and I know you by name (verse 17).
It is important to understand that God does hear the requests that His people make. It is also interesting to note that the people of God, led by the Spirit of God, will make requests that bring honor and glory to God; and that are according to the will of God.
It is amazing to see, notice that the words of Moses lifted up God, and glorified God; emphasizing that there is no story to tell if God is not in it.
The people of God. the unseen servants, seeking the will of the Father, make requests and do those things that please God; because they seek to glorify God.
A few final thoughts on verses 11-17: In these verses the relationship between God and Moses is highlighted, and shown as an example for all of the children of Israel. Most surprising was the realization that this is speaking of Jesus Christ and the New testament assembly. What are the people of God without God?
Back to the discussion of Exodus 33:11-23.
Verses 18-23: And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory. 19 And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy. 20 And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live. 21 And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock: 22 And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by: 23 And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen.
Verse 18: Exodus 33:18 And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory.
Moses pleads, shew me thy glory (03519).
This is the reason that we are having this discussion, For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever, Amen. This is the reason that we came to this passage of scripture, the glory of God.
Every indication is that Moses was not speaking about the face of God, that is, what did God look like. Moses had also already seen a manifestation of the glory of God, somebody saw it and wrote it down, Exodus 24:16-17; plus, Moses has received the law from God, and is currently speaking to God face to face as a man speaks to a friend.
What is Moses desiring to see now? Fascinating to consider, knowing the definition, and application of the word glory to this point in this study. It does not seem that Moses was satisfied seeing God in a limited sense, Moses had come to know that there is much more to God than he had already experienced.
Moses has seen the glory of God, and God in a way that could only be applied to Adam and Eve, and John the Revelator; what else is there? How much more of the glory of God is there to be revealed? If we know the glory of God, and we do, we should understand the question.
Verse 19: And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.
Jehovah responds, I will make all my goodness (02898, goods, good things, goodness) to pass by.
'Good things' are an interesting thought, but the Septuagint has 1391 'glory' for the Hebrew 02898 'good things'.
Note the word 'all', as in 'all my goodness', God is going to show all of His glory. This gives an explanation for the question that Moses asked, stated above, 'It does not seem that Moses was satisfied seeing God in a limited sense, Moses had come to know that there is much more to God than he had already experienced'.
But some might say, considering the depths of Moses relationship with God maybe there is no more to see here. But that argument is made void by Moses own words. Why did Moses, who has seen so much of Jehovah, want to see more if there was no more to see?
There is so much more to the glory of God that has not been revealed at this point.
How little mankind knows of the glory of God.
We do know of one thing that Moses has not seen, Jesus Christ the Son of God; who is the glory of God, something that the people of God today take for granted.
Verse 20: And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.
Jehovah continues to speak, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.
This seems to be all confusion. Does face then mean just face? No, presence! Verse 11 face to face is the same Hebrew word as is used here. Verses 14-15 the word presence is the same as the word face. So what does face/presence speak of? A further discussion of 06440 is found in the twenty-third verse.
Moses pleads to see the glory of God, God responds saying, I will make 'all' my glory to pass by, but you cannot see my face/presence. This is interesting, is this, "all my glory', the something more glorious about God that has not been seen to this point? Something more glorious that is found in the face/presence of God that has been obscured previously, something so glorious that mortal mankind cannot see it. Is it a glory so great that the mortal flesh cannot deny, or ignore, the holiness of it, and the gloriousness of it? The sight of this glory is fatal to the flesh. Does this eliminate Jesus Christ as the something more glorious of Jehovah?
The glory of God, seen in the face of God, is something that mortal mankind cannot see and live; which gives another reason that Jesus will reign for a thousand years then give the kingdom to the Father. It also says something of the white throne judgement, and maybe of the judgement of the saved at the return of Christ. And what might this suggest about the nations of people that are on the new earth forever, who eat of the tree of life that grows along the river that flows out of the throne of God, is this why they cannot enter into the city?
How limited is our understanding? What have we seen or experienced that caused us to glorify God? Now consider how little we have truly seen or experienced.
When speaking of Jehovah, the glory of Jehovah, His face, or presence; it is needful that we are reminded, ...
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1 Corinthians 13:1-13 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
... that our sight, or understanding, might not be fully developed at this time.
Post resurrection of Jesus Christ, post the establishment of the church, this is written. We know in part, ... for now (now at this time) we see through a glass darkly; but then face to face, now I know in part, but then ...
Darkly = in a riddle.
The danger when reading this is to assume that the 'part', 'child', and 'in a riddle' does not apply to the reader. That these things were fulfilled when Jesus rose from the dead. Some might like to think that they are complete, mature, and a puzzle solver; but this is a perilous assumption. Has the perfect returned to the earth, thus putting away the part? Are we fully mature, or perfect? Do we have full understanding of all the heavenly things?
When that which is perfect is come, has Jesus Christ returned as a victorious King to rule and to reign?
Do not forget the church at Laodicea; who, unwittingly, thought way too much of themselves. The Laodiceans had no idea of their true condition.
Verses 21-22: And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock: 22 And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by:
Just so beautiful. The author looks forward to the day when we shall have a full understanding of all the things of God.
The pictorial language found in these verses is wonderful to consider. If Moses is to see the glory of God, He must stand in a certain place by Jehovah, which happens to be upon a rock (elevated place?). But it is not enough to be on the rock, Moses must stand in a hole or crevice of the rock. In other words, Moses will stand in the Rock. Does any of the language or situations sound familiar; as in New Testament familiar?
The Rock is Christ Jesus.
1 Corinthians 10:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; 3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat; 4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
Christ Jesus can be found at the side of the Father.
Acts 7:54-60 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. 55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, 56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. 57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, 58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. 59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
Is Moses standing in the place of Jesus at the side of the Father? Not as a usurper but as a forerunner? Teaching about the Son of God, showing the plan of the Father from the foundation of the world?
In the Rock.
Gal. 3:22-29 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. 23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. 24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. 26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
On the Rock, while being in the Rock. It must be a mighty big Rock! The Rock is Jesus Christ.
'... baptized into Christ have put on Christ.' 'into' carries meaning pertinent to this discussion, but 'put on' is the most interesting part. When you put on Christ, you are now in Christ.
On/in the Rock at a place by God, you can now see some of the 'all' the glory of God. Do you see Jesus?
Verse 21-22 continued. 21 And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock: 22 And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by:
'... and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by.'
Incredible, what an incredible statement. This speaks of God's grace, of God's protection, and of God's love.
Speaking of protection; see how God cares for His Son, and for all that are in the Son, that is, in Christ.
Moses was a blessed man, it is hard to find similar references to this, and one of the references that refer to the hand is speaking of Jesus (Isaiah 49:1-6).
But another reference that speaks of a special relationship between God and His faithful servants, but does not mention the hand, is ...
Psalm 91:1-9 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. 3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. 4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. 5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; 6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. 7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. 8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. 9 Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;
Think of Moses on the Rock while in the Rock. Secure at the side of Jehovah, lifted up, and blessed to be in the presence of the Father. A picture of Jesus Christ the Son of God.
Verse 23: And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen.
Therefore, when Moses asks to see the glory of God (verse 18), and God responds, I will make my glory to pass by (verse 19), but you cannot see my face (presence), because you will die if you see my face (verse 20). However, you may see my back parts (is this the riddle-darkly), but not my forward part.
First, has Moses stood in the presence of God and talked with God without clearly seeing God. This is implied in these scriptures. Now extrapolate that comment. If Moses stood in the presence of God without clearly seeing God, then what have the people of God today seen of God? What do the people of God today really know of God?
Second, the cloudy pillar, or the thick darkness (Exodus 20:21), that is associated with the presence of God, might be all that Moses has ever seen, but it is not God.
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It appears that if God is not in the hearts of His people they will never see His glory. The glass being looked into is a mirror, and whose image should be seen in the mirror? Mankind sees themselves and proclaims their deity, the people of God see the glory of God and changed into the same image as they seek after God.
2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
What have the people of God seen today? They should be seeing the glory of the Lord and being changed into the same image.
Third, to see the full extent of the glory of God is the same as seeing the forward part of God. The original intent, and ultimate purpose of God, face to face (2 Corinthians 3:18).
The 'all' of the glory of God is not a bright light, or a thick cloud, it is not a fire, or a loud noise; it is something hidden, see Exodus 20:21 '... thick darkness ...'. In the list of things just mentioned, God might be found in these manifestations, but they do not singularly explain, or show, the fullness God. c.f. 1 Kings 19:9-12 - the still small voice is quite a contrast to all the noise.
