Thoughts on the readings for February 21st (Exodus 33, 34, Psalms 90, 91, 1 Corinthians 3)

Exodus 33 is broken into 3 sections – verses 1-6 the command to leave Sinai; verses 7-11 the tent of meeting; and verses 12-23 Moses’ prayer of intercession for the angel of the presence to accompany Israel on its journey. The first three verses deal with the command to leave Sinai – itself being a stepping stone for the fulfilling of the Abrahamic promise; and talking of their final destination, the Promised Land (a land abundantly blessed with the finest products – milk and honey). However, the invitation was accompanied by a serious warning, which disturbed the Israelites. Moses then took from Israel their jewels. Verses 7-11 describe how Moses would enter the Tent of Meeting with the symbols of God’s presence on the Tabernacle at those times. Then the angel of the presence would speak with Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend (Numbers 12 verses 1-8). In verses 12-23 Moses made intercession for the people; claiming that the task of leading them is beyond his capacity. It seems to be the same humble and reluctant man that sought to avoid his responsibility 40 years earlier. Moses said to the angel of God’s presence (quite likely to be Michael) unless you accompany Israel on this journey I will not go. And if you will accompany us on this trip I will know that I have found favour. The angel acceded to Moses’ request. Moses then sought additional assurance in seeking for Yahweh to reveal His glory to Moses. Notice that in verse 19 the revelation of the glory of the LORD is understanding His gracious character. Verse 20 reveals that Moses will only see a fraction of that glory from a sheltered cave; since no mortal man can see God’s face and live (1 Timothy 6 verses 16). This place on the rock was very likely the cave from where Elijah received the revelation of God Almighty. These two men – Moses and Elijah – received a foretaste of the glory revealed in Messiah during the Transfiguration. And Messiah was to find himself near his Omnipotent Fathercont readibng https://christadelphianvideo.org/thoughts-on-the-readings-for-february-21st-exodus-33-34-psalms-90-91-1-corinthians-3/