The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 33:5
― For the Lord had said unto Moses, etc. Rather, "And the Lord said unto M ." (so most recent commentators, as Keil, Kalisch, etc.) The message was sent to the people after their repentance, and in reply to it. It was not, however, as our version makes it, a threat of destruction, but only a repetition of the statement made in Exodus 33:2 , that, if God went up with them, the probable result would be their destruction. Translate—"Ye are a stiff-necked people; were I for one moment to... read more
The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 33:4
When the people heard. Moses had communicated to the people what God had said to him. They felt it to be evil tidings —they woke up at last to a feeling of the ineffable value of the privileges which they bad hitherto enjoyed—his guidance by the pillar of the cloud ( Exodus 13:21 )—his counsel, if there were need to ask anything ( Exodus 15:25 )—his aid in the day of battle ( Exodus 17:8-13 )—his near presence, by day and by night, constantly ( Exodus 13:22 )—and they dreaded a... read more