Next Steps – The previous chapter left us with a severe rupture of relationship caused by the golden calf incident. This chapter and lesson reflects a series of steps toward rapprochement, Moses being the negotiating go-between. At stake is a people dissolving to no people, thus, the possibility of Israel’s future survival and well-being depends on God’s promise and presence. [1]

Yada – The speeches of Moses in this chapter are intriguing and masterfully written. For example, the writer plays with the verb "to know intimately."

You have not let me know
You said, I know
Show me that I may know

Knowing God – Moses wants to know, to have intimate assurances. What is it that Moses wants to know? Moses wants to know whom God will send with them into the future. What will be God’s relationship with us as we go into the future? But the reverse occurs—Moses wants to know, but ends up by being known.

How does the Tent of Meeting (vs. 7-11) serve as a break in the action of chapters 32-33?

• Why would Moses seek God’s face at a time like this? What were the people expecting?
• Where do you meet with God? What does meeting with God as a friend mean to Moses? Do you consider God a friend?
• What three concerns does Moses bring to God? What do these concerns have in common with the people?

 

Please see the homily, "Spurned Lover," based on this passage on this week’s DPS.

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[1] New Interpreters’ Bible I (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1994), page 938.