Exodus 33:17 - Commentary

Verse: "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."

This verse occurs in the context of a significant conversation between Moses and God, following Israel's sin of idolatry. It highlights the themes of divine grace, intercession, and personal relationship with God that are paramount in the understanding of the relationship between God and His chosen leaders.

Contextual Analysis

The backdrop is critical to understand this verse. After the sin of the golden calf, God’s anger is kindled against Israel. Moses intercedes on their behalf, pleading for God to either forgive their sins or to erase him from the book that He has written (Exodus 32:32). In response to this, God offers reassurance to Moses—that He will fulfill his request and lead Israel forward.

Theological Insights

This verse reveals multiple layers of theological insights:

• Divine Response: God's declaration, "I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken," underscores His willingness to respond to prayer and the requests of His faithful servants. It reflects the dynamic nature of the relationship between God and man, where intercession plays a crucial role.
• Grace and Favor: God acknowledges Moses' position and character by saying, "for thou hast found grace in my sight." This emphasizes not just Moses' actions, but also his standing before God—a theme echoed throughout Scripture where grace is the basis of our relationship with the divine.
• Intimacy of Relationship: "I know thee by name" indicates a personalized relationship. Unlike the distant deity of some cultures, the God of Israel is involved, knowing individuals and their character deeply.

Commentary from Public Domain Sources

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry, in his well-regarded commentary, emphasizes the significance of Moses’s intercession. He notes that Moses served as a mediator between God and the Israelites, a role foreshadowing Christ's ultimate intercession for humanity. Henry suggests that God's promise to Moses was both an acknowledgment of his merit and an assurance of continuance in His covenant with Israel.

Albert Barnes

Barnes highlights the implications of grace and favor that Moses experienced. He observes that Moses' relationship with God set a precedent for leaders who seek God’s favor through humility and prayer. Barnes remarks on the importance of knowing God personally, suggesting that it is essential not just for Moses but for all believers, indicating that understanding God's character can deepen faith and commitment.

Adam Clarke

Clarke, in his exposition, reflects on the intimate knowledge God claims to have of Moses. He notes that this relationship is unique and set apart from others—a reflection of God's sovereignty and His desire for an intimate relationship with His people. Clarke points out the practical implications for believers, encouraging them to seek a similar relationship through prayer and supplication.

Practical Applications

For pastors, students, and theologians, the lessons derived from Exodus 33:17 are profound:

• The Power of Intercession: Leaders are encouraged to act boldly in their prayers for those under their care. Just as Moses interceded for Israel, so are pastors called to pray for their congregations with fervor.
• Understanding Grace: The reliance on grace rather than personal merit is liberating. It leads to a life of gratitude and dependency on God, vital for spiritual health.
• Pursuing Intimacy with God: There is a call for all believers to pursue a deeper knowledge of God, transforming their relationship from a mere religious obligation to one characterized by love, trust, and personal engagement.

Conclusion

Exodus 33:17 not only serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative involving Moses and the Israelites but also offers timeless truths about the character of God, the power of grace, and the importance of an intercessory life. By combining insights from the commentaries of Henry, Barnes, and Clarke, we see a multi-faceted view of faith that challenges us to stand firm in prayer, to seek the grace of God, and to cultivate an intimate relationship with our Creator.