Throughout the Bible, we see faithful men and women seeking a deeper connection with God. One of the most profound and awe-inspiring moments in Scripture is when Moses boldly asks to see God’s face. This request, found in Exodus 33:18-23 (KJV), reveals Moses’ deep longing for intimacy with God—a longing that many of us share today.
Moses had already witnessed God’s power through miracles in Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, and the provision of manna in the wilderness. Yet, despite all these experiences, he desired something greater: to see God’s glory. His request was not just for a vision of God's power but for a deeper revelation of who God is.
Let’s explore this powerful passage and the encouragement it brings to those who long to see God’s face.
Moses’ Bold Request
Exodus 33:18 (KJV) –"And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory."
Moses had already experienced God’s presence through the burning bush and divine encounters on Mount Sinai. However, he wanted more. His heart was hungry for the fullness of God’s glory. This is the mark of a true seeker of God—someone who is not content with distant knowledge but craves deeper fellowship.
Many times in our spiritual walk, we desire to see God more clearly, to know Him more deeply, and to experience His presence more fully. Moses’ request reminds us that it is not only permissible but pleasing to God when we seek Him with all our hearts.
God's Response: A Loving Protection
Exodus 33:19-20 (KJV) –"And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy. And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live."
God did not reject Moses' request outright. Instead, He revealed a profound truth: no man can see God’s face and live. His holiness and glory are beyond what human eyes can handle. Our mortal bodies are simply not capable of beholding the full radiance of God’s majesty.
However, notice God’s kindness in this passage—He does not ignore Moses' desire but responds with grace and protection. Though Moses could not see God’s face, the Lord promised to show him His goodness, His name, and His mercy—which are just as powerful and revealing.
God’s Glory Revealed in a Special Way
Exodus 33:21-23 (KJV) –"And the Lord said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock: And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by:And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen."
This moment is one of the most intimate encounters between God and man recorded in Scripture.
God provides a place of safety—"a clift of the rock"—to protect Moses from being overwhelmed by divine glory.
God covers Moses with His hand—a sign of His loving care and protection.
God allows Moses to see His “back parts”—not His full face, but a portion of His glory that Moses could handle.
What an amazing revelation! Even though Moses could not see God’s face, he experienced the very presence of God in a way no one else had before. This teaches us that even when we feel we cannot fully understand God, He still reveals enough of Himself to draw us closer.
The Aftermath: A Transformed Moses
Exodus 34:29 (KJV) –"And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses' hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him."
Even though Moses did not see God's face, his encounter with God's glory changed him physically. His face shone with radiant light because he had been in the presence of the Almighty!
This is a reminder that seeking God’s face transforms us. When we spend time in His presence—through prayer, worship, and His Word—His light shines through us. We reflect His glory to the world, just as Moses did.
Seeking God's Face Today
Although no man can see God's full glory in this life, we are invited to seek His presence continually. Jesus Christ has made a way for us to draw closer to God in a way that Moses never experienced.
John 14:9 (KJV) –"Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?"
Through Jesus, we see the face of God! When we study His life, His love, and His teachings, we are beholding the very character of God.
Additionally, we have a glorious promise for the future:
Revelation 22:4 (KJV) –"And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads."
One day, in the New Earth, we will finally see God’s face! The longing that Moses had—the same longing that we have—will be fulfilled in eternity. We will behold our Creator, our Redeemer, and our King, face to face, forever.
Conclusion: A Call to Seek His Glory
Moses' bold request teaches us several powerful lessons:
It is good to desire more of God. Like Moses, we should hunger for His presence and seek Him with all our hearts.
God reveals Himself in ways we can handle. He is always willing to show us more, even if we cannot yet see His full glory.
Seeking God transforms us. The more time we spend with Him, the more we reflect His light.
Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God. When we look at Christ, we are seeing the heart of the Father.
One day, we will see God’s face. Our longing will be fulfilled in eternity, where we will dwell in His presence forever.
Until that glorious day, let us continue to seek His face through prayer, worship, and His Word. Let us, like Moses, say:
“Lord, I beseech Thee, shew me Thy glory.”
May we walk daily in His light, trusting that He is revealing Himself to us in ways beyond our comprehension. His presence is our greatest treasure, and one day, we will see Him face to face!
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