Yet God reassures him that there is a designated place 'with Me,' where He commands Moses to stand upon a rock, and in a cleft of that rock, God covers Moses as He passes by. Consequently, Moses perceives the back of God and concludes that his longing has been fulfilled, affirming the Divine promise (Ex. 33:21-23).
If we focus solely on the literal interpretation of these events, the deeper meaning eludes those who seek it, potentially leading to a flawed understanding of God’s nature. Those who grasp God merely in outline fail to recognize Him as beyond bodily attributes, as every physical body is inherently composite and subject to decomposition. Thus, a literal comprehension of God’s backside, framed by human concepts, leads to absurdity—since a composite cannot claim incorruptibility. God, in His essence, is incorruptible and transcends physical form. Therefore, the proper understanding of the scriptures lies not in the surface but in seeking deeper significance.
Thus, what do we glean from the narrative of this place with God, the rock, the cleft, Moses's entry, God's hand covering the cleft, and the passing of God? These elements call for reflection within an elevated context of meaning. They suggest a divine ascent akin to how a body, once set in motion downhill, accelerates freely absent any hindrance. In contrast, the soul, relinquishing earthly desires, ascends tirelessly to heavenly realms, perpetually drawn toward the higher call of good. As the Apostle encourages us to stretch ‘forward’ (Phil. 3:13), so our spiritual ascent aims for the highest.
Moses exemplifies ceaseless elevation in virtue, unbound by limits. He renounces worldly ties, stands as a champion for his people, and wanders into solitude, witnessing the Divine light. He divests himself of temporal attachments, receives the call to liberate his brethren, observes divine deliverance amidst the waters, and finds sustenance provided through supernatural means. Even amidst the radiant glory and as he towers above, Moses yearns for more, longing not merely for a glimpse but for a fuller revelation of God’s essence.
This voracious thirst for beauty defines the soul’s inclination toward higher truths. To seek God through lesser reflections is to desire the original Divine beauty face to face. God grants Moses’ bold request but reveals an unfathomable depth within that denial. God concedes to fulfill the desire without granting satisfaction from the sight itself, reaffirming that the essence of life must always elude comprehension. The Divine nature, while life-giving, exists beyond the confines of human understanding. Hence, true existence lies outside human grasp, confirming that those who attempt to limit God's nature inevitably align Him with imperfection.
The beauty of God cannot reside within any bounds; to contain God within limits is to diminish the Divine. The Scriptures affirm that true beauty is incomprehensible, inviting relentless pursuit but never satiation. The stone and the space within it cannot be adequately defined as God intends.
When God refers to ‘this place,’ it is not merely a physical measurement, for the infinite cannot be quantified. It is an invitation to an unending pursuit of good, implying that within those bounds—standing upon the rock—there is continual ascent. This paradox of standing while ascending illustrates that steadfastness in virtue facilitates a dynamic flow in spiritual growth. Thus, the one who is faithful and unwavering will soar higher, akin to the steadfast rock that supports continual spiritual flight.
The Apostle eloquently articulates this life, likening it to the unconstructed heavens reserved for those who endure (2 Cor. 5:1). Each metaphorical reference—whether cleft, paradise, or the Father’s dwelling—points to the same essential truth of communion with God. Centered within Christ, the essence of all goodness, remains the safety and promise for those who strive and succeed.
Recognizing this, we must contemplate the transformative nature of God’s invitation to follow. He who calls leads the way, revealing that true proximity to God involves following in His footsteps—learning to navigate life’s challenges while remaining tethered to His guidance. As David proclaims, abiding under the protection of the Most High provides shelter and assurance (Psalms 90:1-4).
Ultimately, embracing the Divine call to follow propels us beyond mere observation into an active relationship with God, reiterating that true life and higher virtue stem not from instant gratification but from continuous striving—moving forward in trust. The challenge is not to gaze directly at the face of God, as such an encounter is beyond mortal comprehension, but to faithfully follow Him and learn to recognize His presence in every step we take. Thus, in the richness of God’s teaching, we discern our purpose: to be ever seeking, ever ascending, in pursuit of His infinite beauty.
THEOSIS