Exodus 33:15 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And he said to him, "If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here.

NIV: Then Moses said to him, "If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.

NASB: Then he said to Him, 'If Your presence does not go with us, do not lead us up from here.

CSB: "If your presence does not go," Moses responded to him, "don’t make us go up from here.

NLT: Then Moses said, 'If you don’t personally go with us, don’t make us leave this place.

KJV: And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence.

NKJV: Then he said to Him, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here.

God has indicated that His presence will go with Israel (Exodus 33:14). He had recently withdrawn (Exodus 33:1–3) because of the nation's idolatry (Exodus 32:1–6). But the covenant will be renewed (Exodus 34). Here, Moses presses God for additional assurance.

Moses phrases his question in a form implying ongoing action. This might be translated as, "if your presence will not continue along with me…" He realizes that his need for God is ongoing. Moses does not expect to reach a point of no longer needing the Lord's help. Moses also understands that it is God's presence which sets Israel apart from other nations (Exodus 33:16). Without that, the people are no better off and no different from the nations currently living in the Promised Land (Genesis 15:18–21; Deuteronomy 7:7–8; 9:6).

Exodus 33:12–16 summarizes early conversations between the Lord and Moses in a tent of meeting (Exodus 33:7–11). Moses pleads for guidance. He knows that Israel needs God's help. He also knows that the Lord's active presence will be a sign to the world: that Israel is distinct and favored (Deuteronomy 7:6). So, Moses asks the Lord to accompany the people with His presence, and not just an angel (Exodus 33:2–3).

God commands Israel to leave the Sinai region. They are to move on towards the Promised Land, but without the Lord's usual presence. Moses meets with God outside the camp and the Lord says He will once again accompany Israel. Moses asks to see the full glory of God. Since this would kill Moses, God arranges for a much more limited experience.

Israel fell into idolatry (Exodus 32:1–6) very soon after receiving God's laws against it (Exodus 20:3–6). Yet the Lord still plans to bring them into a Promised Land. In this chapter, the people are commanded to leave Sinai and head towards Canaan. But the covenant must be renewed (Exodus 34). Until then, there is a level of separation between the nation and their God.

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.

Accessed 9/19/2025 7:40:00 AM