Moses asked to see God’s glory because he longed for a deeper revelation of God’s character and presence after interceding for Israel’s forgiveness. Following the golden calf incident, Moses pleaded with God to continue leading His people and to confirm His favor toward them.
Exodus 33:18 records Moses’ request:
“And he said, ‘Please, show me Your glory.’”
This was more than a desire for a visual display; Moses wanted assurance of God’s nearness and a fuller understanding of His nature. In response, God revealed His goodness and proclaimed His name, declaring His mercy and justice.
Exodus 33:19–20 says:
“Then He said, ‘I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before you… But He said, ‘You cannot see My face; for no man shall see Me, and live.’”
God placed Moses in the cleft of the rock, covering him with His hand while His glory passed by (Exodus 33:22). Moses saw a partial manifestation, not God’s full essence, because His holiness is unapproachable by sinful man.
Exodus 34:6–7 reveals the true glory of God—not in radiant light alone, but in His character:
“And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed, ‘The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty…’”
Moses’ request teaches that intimacy with God comes through knowing His attributes. It foreshadows Christ, who perfectly reveals the glory of God (John 1:14). While Moses saw God’s back, believers see His glory fully in the face of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6).
