Exodus 33:1 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Leave this place, you and the people you brought up out of Egypt, and go up to the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, saying, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’
Commentary says verse 3 is a test to see if the Israelites are satisfied with God’s promised rewards alone. Are they ok with inheriting the land and losing the nearness of God? Verse 4 shows that the answer is No, they are not.
Exodus 33:2 I will send an angel before you and drive out the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites.
But I was caught off guard by the idea of a test. I’m a rule-follower, which means that I would (probably, hopefully) not have engaged in the golden calf debacle, but it also means I would have taken God’s words here at face value. I would have tried to do what God wanted (go up to the land) to make Him happy, even if it’s not what I wanted (His nearness).
Exodus 33:3 Go up to the land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people and I might destroy you on the way.”
Precious Savior, This idea of tests and games is deeply unsettling to me, a rule-follower, a people-pleaser, a God-pleaser. If I don’t understand the game, I can’t play to win, and my ultimate goal is a closer relationship with You. Always. Thank You that You do not play games. Help me to draw closer to You. Amen.
Exodus 33:4 When the people heard these distressing words, they began to mourn and no one put on any ornaments.
Have a blessed day.