Exodus 33:5 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For the Lord had said to Moses, "Say to the people of Israel, ‘You are a stiff-necked people; if for a single moment I should go up among you, I would consume you. So now take off your ornaments, that I may know what to do with you.’"

NIV: For the Lord had said to Moses, "Tell the Israelites, ‘You are a stiff-necked people. If I were to go with you even for a moment, I might destroy you. Now take off your ornaments and I will decide what to do with you.’ "

NASB: For the Lord had said to Moses, 'Say to the sons of Israel, ‘You are an obstinate people; if I were to go up in your midst for just one moment, I would destroy you. So now, take off your jewelry that I may know what I shall do to you.’?'

CSB: For the Lord said to Moses: "Tell the Israelites: You are a stiff-necked people. If I went up with you for a single moment, I would destroy you. Now take off your jewelry, and I will decide what to do with you."

NLT: For the Lord had told Moses to tell them, 'You are a stubborn and rebellious people. If I were to travel with you for even a moment, I would destroy you. Remove your jewelry and fine clothes while I decide what to do with you.'

KJV: 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.

NKJV: For the Lord had said to Moses, “Say to the children of Israel, ‘You are a stiff-necked people. I could come up into your midst in one moment and consume you. Now therefore, take off your ornaments, that I may know what to do to you.’ ”

Israel leaves Sinai in mourning (Exodus 33:4). They came to receive God's covenant law (Exodus 19:5–6). One of those laws was God's hatred of idols (Exodus 20:3–6). But while Moses communicated with the Lord (Exodus 24:18), the people committed idolatry (Exodus 32:1–6). God could have destroyed the entire nation for this (Exodus 32:7–11). Instead, He has taken away His presence in some sense (Exodus 33:1–3).

The Hebrew phrase translated "stiff-necked" can refer to someone who refuses to bow their heads to authority. It also depicts a working animal resisting the master's harness. In both cases, there is a lack of obedience and an attitude of rebellion. Israel's own founder was given a name referring to a struggle with God (Exodus 32:28). This is not the first time Israel has resisted the Lord's instructions (Exodus 16:19–21). Nor will it be the last (Numbers 14:20–22).

Given this, if the Lord were to arrive among the Israelites, He would destroy them all. Rather than that, or a display of His full glory (Exodus 33:20), God tells them to set aside their fancy clothes and fine jewelry. The nation will observe this sign for an unknown time (Exodus 33:6).

Exodus 33:1–6 records God's command for Israel to leave Mount Sinai, the separation which their sin has caused, and the people's reaction. The Lord will still bring the people into a Promised Land (Genesis 15:18–21). They will receive supernatural help. But idolatry (Exodus 32:1–6) has caused a rift in the covenant relationship. This news drives the Israelites into mourning, including a time of not wearing fine clothing or jewelry.

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.