Exodus 33:17 - Yahweh said to Moses, “I will do this thing also that you have spoken; for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name.”
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What does "Exodus 33:17" mean?
This verse, Exodus 33:17, is a pivotal moment in the relationship between God (Yahweh) and Moses. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"Yahweh said to Moses, “I will do this thing also that you have spoken..." This refers back to Moses' preceding request in the chapter. Moses had been interceding on behalf of the Israelites after their sin with the golden calf. Specifically, Moses had asked God to show him His glory (Exodus 33:18). God agrees to grant a modified version of this request. He won't show Moses his full glory (as that would be too overwhelming), but he will allow Moses to see his "goodness" pass before him (Exodus 33:19). God's agreement to do "this thing" signifies his willingness to accommodate Moses' plea, a demonstration of his grace and mercy.
"...for you have found favor in my sight..." This is the reason why God is granting Moses' request. "Favor" (in Hebrew, chen) means grace, acceptance, or being regarded with kindness and approval. Moses had earned God's favor through his leadership, his faithfulness, his willingness to plead for the people, and his intimate communication with God. This isn't to say Moses deserved it, but rather that God, in His sovereignty, chose to regard Moses with favor.
"...and I know you by name." This is more than just knowing Moses' identity. In the ancient world, knowing someone's name implied a deep, intimate, and personal relationship. To know someone "by name" meant that God had a personal connection with Moses and a special, caring relationship with him. It speaks to a level of intimacy and understanding that transcends mere acquaintanceship. This phrase emphasizes the unique bond between God and Moses, a bond that has developed throughout their interactions.
In summary, the verse conveys the following:
God's Grace: God is acting in grace by granting Moses' request.
Moses' Favor: Moses has a special standing with God due to his faithfulness and role as intercessor.
Intimate Relationship: God and Moses have a unique, personal relationship.
God's Sovereignty: God is not obligated to grant Moses' requests, but He chooses to do so, highlighting His sovereign power.
Theological implications:
Intercession: The verse highlights the power of intercessory prayer. Moses' persistent pleading for his people influenced God's actions.
God's Character: It reveals God's character as merciful, gracious, and responsive to those who seek Him.
Covenant Relationship: It demonstrates the nature of a covenant relationship between God and His chosen people, exemplified in Moses' leadership.
Election: The verse can also be understood in light of the doctrine of election, that God chooses to bestow grace and favor on certain individuals, as demonstrated in his special relationship with Moses.
In short, Exodus 33:17 is a powerful verse that underscores the special relationship between God and Moses, highlighting God's grace, Moses' favor, and the intimacy of their connection. It speaks to the power of intercession and the responsiveness of God to those who seek Him.
Exodus 33:17 - Yahweh said to Moses, “I will do this thing also that you have spoken; for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name.”
What does "Exodus 33:17" mean?
This verse, Exodus 33:17, is a pivotal moment in the relationship between God (Yahweh) and Moses. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"Yahweh said to Moses, “I will do this thing also that you have spoken..." This refers back to Moses' preceding request in the chapter. Moses had been interceding on behalf of the Israelites after their sin with the golden calf. Specifically, Moses had asked God to show him His glory (Exodus 33:18). God agrees to grant a modified version of this request. He won't show Moses his full glory (as that would be too overwhelming), but he will allow Moses to see his "goodness" pass before him (Exodus 33:19). God's agreement to do "this thing" signifies his willingness to accommodate Moses' plea, a demonstration of his grace and mercy.
"...for you have found favor in my sight..." This is the reason why God is granting Moses' request. "Favor" (in Hebrew, chen) means grace, acceptance, or being regarded with kindness and approval. Moses had earned God's favor through his leadership, his faithfulness, his willingness to plead for the people, and his intimate communication with God. This isn't to say Moses deserved it, but rather that God, in His sovereignty, chose to regard Moses with favor.
"...and I know you by name." This is more than just knowing Moses' identity. In the ancient world, knowing someone's name implied a deep, intimate, and personal relationship. To know someone "by name" meant that God had a personal connection with Moses and a special, caring relationship with him. It speaks to a level of intimacy and understanding that transcends mere acquaintanceship. This phrase emphasizes the unique bond between God and Moses, a bond that has developed throughout their interactions.
In summary, the verse conveys the following:
God's Grace: God is acting in grace by granting Moses' request.
Moses' Favor: Moses has a special standing with God due to his faithfulness and role as intercessor.
Intimate Relationship: God and Moses have a unique, personal relationship.
God's Sovereignty: God is not obligated to grant Moses' requests, but He chooses to do so, highlighting His sovereign power.
Theological implications:
Intercession: The verse highlights the power of intercessory prayer. Moses' persistent pleading for his people influenced God's actions.
God's Character: It reveals God's character as merciful, gracious, and responsive to those who seek Him.
Covenant Relationship: It demonstrates the nature of a covenant relationship between God and His chosen people, exemplified in Moses' leadership.
Election: The verse can also be understood in light of the doctrine of election, that God chooses to bestow grace and favor on certain individuals, as demonstrated in his special relationship with Moses.
In short, Exodus 33:17 is a powerful verse that underscores the special relationship between God and Moses, highlighting God's grace, Moses' favor, and the intimacy of their connection. It speaks to the power of intercession and the responsiveness of God to those who seek Him.