Exodus 33:13Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

What did Moses understand—was it an insight into the essence of God or a glimpse of His majesty? Moses, dear brethren, yearned to behold God, driven by his love for the Divine, without realizing that his desire might be beyond reach. This longing was revealed in his heartfelt plea to God. What did he express? He implored, "If I have found grace in Thy sight, I pray Thee, show me Thy way, that I may know Thee and find grace in Thy sight." He resembled Philip, who asked, "Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us" (John 14:8).

"If I have found grace in Your sight, reveal Yourself to me, that I may behold You with understanding." St. Moses, the devoted servant of God, expressed this heartfelt longing when he spoke to the Almighty, with whom he communicated as a friend, face to face: "If I have found favor in Your sight, show me Your glory" (cf. Exod. 33:18). What could he have wished to see if not God Himself? Had it not been Himself, Moses would have requested, "Show me God," but instead he implored Him, "Show Yourself to me." Yet, had he actually perceived God's essence and being, he would not have phrased his request in this manner.

"If I have found grace in Your sight, manifest Yourself to me, so that I may truly behold You." Moses, recognizing that human intellect cannot grasp the Divine, requested, "Manifest Yourself to me," and was drawn into the obscurity (Ex. 20:21) where God's voice resided, that is, into the sacred and unseen understanding of all matters. For God exists not in darkness nor in any specific location, but transcends both space and time, as well as the distinct characteristics of creation. Thus, He is not confined to any particular place, for He encompasses all things and cannot be defined or divided.

“If I have found grace in Your sight, reveal Yourself to me, that I may rightly behold You.” Moses implores Him, “Show me Your glory.” The prophets glimpsed Christ, but each could only perceive so much. “Reveal Yourself to me, so that I may rightly perceive You.” However, God responds, “No one can see My face and live” (cf. Exodus 33:20). Thus, since no living soul can witness the divine countenance, He assumed a human visage, so that by gazing upon it, we might find life. When He desired to display this glory, and His face radiated like the sun, the disciples were overcome with fear (Matthew 17:2-7).

In the realm of multiplicity, one encounters variety, dissimilarities, and distinctions. However, to transcend this multiplicity and find oneself in the singularity of God, the true One, is to elevate one's thoughts to the contemplation of the Divine. This is exemplified by Moses, who established the mental tabernacle and then engaged in dialogue with God (Ex. 33:7, 11-23). It is unwise to attempt to articulate the inexpressible through spoken language, as words inherently entail duality and beyond. It is far more fitting to perceive reality silently and with a unified heart, for in that state, one rests in indivisible oneness rather than in fragmentation.

The complete revelation found in Christ urges us to long for a divine intersection with the heavens. The call echoes the sentiments expressed by David: "Lord! Bow Thy heavens and come down" (Ps 143:5). Moreover, Moses yearned for a clearer vision, pleading, "Show me Thyself to me, that I may see Thee intelligently" (Ex 33:13, LXX). Yet, despite being granted a proximity to God's presence through the giving of the law amid the pillar of cloud, Moses sought an even more profound encounter with the divine. This raises the question of why, having experienced God more intimately than anyone else, he still desired further revelation. We can indeed hope that the fulfillment the apostle spoke of may also be bestowed upon us. The Lord manifested in the flesh has vividly shown Himself to the world and has been exalted in glory. Consequently, the saints ultimately beheld with their physical eyes what they had previously envisioned with their spiritual insight.

"If I have found grace in Your sight, show Yourself to me, that I may behold You." The deep desire to see God, even beyond mere human understanding, signifies a divine yearning. This is reflected in Moses’ bold request: “If I have found grace in Your sight, show me Your glory” (cf. Exodus 33:20). Similarly, it is stated elsewhere: "Show me Your face" (Song 2:14). In fact, even the Gentiles have constructed idols for this very purpose, seeking to visualize what they revere, despite the futility of their misconceptions.

If I have indeed found favor in Your sight, reveal Yourself to me, that I may comprehend Your essence. Moses, through the kindness of God shown to him, beseeches the Lord for a direct manifestation of His presence rather than through a messenger, affirming that he would continue to guide the Israelites toward the Promised Land. At the same time, he requests to perceive this presence clearly, desiring tangible signs that would allow him to witness the manifestation of God in His divine glory. Moses longs for grace in order to grasp the significance of the Lord’s people, a great nation. He implores God to restore His former mercies to the people so he might once again find favor in the Lord’s eyes.