768. EXO 33:18. THE SUBLIME PRAYER OF MOSES
Exo_33:18. The Sublime Prayer of Moses
"And he said, I beseech thee show me thy glory."’97Exo_33:18.
What astounding facts are associated with the biography of the ward of God! Those who are interested in the marvellous, need not pass by the records of inspiration. Besides, the wonders of God’s word are true, they are fair and faithful likenesses, and they are adapted to improve the heart as well as to astonish and interest the mind. The biography of Moses occupies a full place in the Old Testament scriptures, and his life is crowded with wonders. The child of obscurity, yets the adopted of the princess of Egypt. The shepherd of Midian, and then the ambassador of heaven to the court of Pharaoh. He appears as the high servant of Jehovah, the leader, lawgiver, and mediator to the nation of Israel. He was distinguished as a man of devotion; his prayers were lofty, fervent, powerful, and prevailing. Of all the occasions wherein his supplications are recorded, none equal that which the text records. Oh, that we might drink into the same spirit, while we meditate on the subject!
I. The immediate circumstances which preceded the prayer.
II. The prayer itself.
III. The answer returned.
(1.) Moses had been receiving the law from the mouth of Jehovah on the summit of Sinai. Here the moral law was pronounced by the mouth of the Lord.
(2.) After this, Moses again ascended, and God gave a resplendent exhibition of his majesty, &c., and with this revelation, Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, with seventy of the elders of the children of Israel, were favored. Exo_24:10, Exo_24:11.
(3.) Moses was invited to ascend the mount, and there alone he was surrounded by the glory of the Lord. "And Moses went up into the mount, and a cloud covered the mount. And the glory of the Lord abode on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days, and the seventh day he called unto Moses out of the midst of the cloud. And the sight of the glory of the Lord was like devouring fire on the top of the mount, in the eyes of the children of Israel; and Moses went into the midst of the cloud, and gat him up into the mount, and Moses was in the cloud forty days and forty nights." Exo_24:14-18. On this occasion the whole ritual was given, and every minuti’e6 which had respect to the tabernacle, sacrifices, and worship.
(4.) Moses is dismayed on account of the idolatry of the people. See Exo_32:1. "And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what has become of him." God’s wrath was enkindled, &c. Moses intercedes, and his prayer is heard. He then descends to the camp,’97burns the golden calf, grinds it to powder, &c. The people are punished, and three thousand are put to death by the sword.
(5.) Moses again ascends the mount, and again affectionately intercedes for the people. It was on this occasion that he chose rather to perish than that. Israel should be blotted out of God’s book, Exo_32:32. God now engages to send his angel, Exo_33:1, &c. Moses now causes the people to put aside their ornaments and to assemble in the tabernacle of the congregation. Moses doubtless went into the holy place, and thus prayed with the Lord. See Exo_33:12, Exo_33:13. He obtains his suit, God engages his presence, &c., Exo_33:17 Then, strengthened and encouraged, Moses prayed, "I beseech thee, show me thy glory." Such were the immediate circumstances, &c. Notice,
II. The prayer itself.
"Show me thy glory." It is clear from the context that he meant, Unveil thyself to my vision; let me see thy essential majesty and splendor; remove every veil from my eyes, all obscurity from my vision. Such was doubtless the desire of Moses. We have to observe here,
1. The imperfection of the best saints.
Imperfect in knowledge and judgment; fallible in our desires and devotions. Moses a man of prayer, yet knew not how he prayed on this occasion. Peter prayed in like manner,’97"Let us build three tabernacles," &c. Paul, that the thorn in the flesh might be removed.
2. The beneficence and care of God for his people.
Not only in giving, but in withholding. Well has the poet expressed it:
"Good when he gives, supremely good,
Nor less when he denies;
E’en crosses from his sov’reign hand,
Are blessings in disguise."
How important to ask according to his will. To refer all to his wisdom and love, and in every thing to be able to say, "He hath done all things well." Observe, III. The answer returned.
1. The literal request was mercifully refused.
And he said, "Thou canst not see my face and live," Exo_33:20. We need not wonder at this. The sun in the heavens, a feeble emblem of Deity, can overwhelm and destroy both vision and life. Even the moon, which shines with subdued brightness, yet in certain latitudes, by a single stroke, can produce paralysis and death. The brightness of celestial beings has often dazzled almost to destruction those favored by the vision. See the account given of Daniel, Exo_8:15. John when he had the vision of the Redeemer, on whose bosom he had formerly rested, "fell down at his feet as dead." Rev_1:1. Was it not then merciful in the Lord refusing the literal desire of Moses?
2. The spirit of the prayer was graciously answered.
The Lord pitied his servant’s weakness. He did not chide; he was not grieved: and, in the fulness of his grace, granted the spirit of his request. "I will make all my goodness pass before," &c. As much as the sight could bear was granted. But the chief revelation was to the ear. "And the Lord passed by," &c. God’s goodness is his glory. And his glory the transcript of his goodness. But how can we see the glory of God? It is presented broadly and fully in four scenes, for our contemplation and improvement.
(1.) The first scene is that of the divine works.
All the works of God praise him. "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament," &c. We see in the mountain and the plain,’97in the brook and in the ocean,’97in the vastness and in the minuteness of his works and ways, "How marvellous are thy works, O Lord God Almighty!"
(2.) The second scene is that of the divine word.
The word of the Lord is full of the glory of the divine mind. Here we have the beams of the divine wisdom and goodness, opening the way to life and immortality.
"Father of mercies, in thy word
What endless glory shines!
Forever be thy name ador’d,
For these celestial lines."
(3.) The third scene is that in which the Deity tabernacled in human flesh.
Of him John wrote, "We beheld his glory," &c.’97he was the brightness of the Father’s glory, &c. All the attributes of Deity are resplendent in him. If the goodness of God be his glory, then Christ was the embodiment of that goodness. That goodness made palpable;’97that goodness clothed in our flesh,’97living,’97speaking, suffering,’97dying,’97ascending; and then diffusing itself, by the Holy Spirit, to all the members of his body, the church.
(4.) The fourth scene is reserved for heaven and eternity to disclose.
The pure in heart shall see God. How, in what medium, to what extent, we know not. The oracles respond not to these inquiries; but it is written that the visions of heaven will be satisfying: "I shall be satisfied," &c. Transforming: "We shall be like him," &c.
Application
1. Learn the lofty eminence to which true piety exalts a man. Intercourse with heaven. Communion with God. Friendship with Deity.
2. The true breathings of the devout soul. "Show me thy glory." Every thing else is tinsel. Let me see thy glory, especially in extending thy kingdom, and saving souls; see it in the sanctuary, &c.
3. A perfect acquaintance with God’s goodness is offered us in the gospel. "Oh, taste and see," &c. "God is love," &c.
Autor: JABEZ BURNS