The Lord Commands Israel to Leave Mt Sinai

Exodus 33:1–11
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God tells Moses that he and his people were led out of Egypt and they now need to move out of Mt Sinai and go toward the promised land (v. 1). He promised to send an angel with them and defeat their enemies but said He would not go with them (vv. 2-3). Because of their sin of making and worshiping the golden calf, he was inclined to destroy them but because of Moses’ prayer He would spare them.

In contrast to the strained relationship between Israel and the Lord (vv. 4-5), Moses experienced a great relationship with Him. He told Moses to tell the people to take off their fancy jewelry during this time and they started mourning. Soon they stopped wearing fancy jewelry (v. 6). Moses erected a tent outside the camp (v.7). The fact it was erected outside the camp was a constant reminder to the people that because of their sin God was outside their community. This was really a call to separation. Each time he went out to the tent, the other people would stand outside their tents and watch him enter (v. 8).

This tent was not the tabernacle, but Moses own personal dwelling where God met with him and he with God. The larger, more permanent tabernacle of the congregation was not finished and set up until almost seven months later (Ex. 40:2). The people would bow down as a thick cloud would come down in front of the tent as the Lord would speak to Moses (vv. 9-10). Afterward, Moses would return to the camp but Joshua, his assistant, would stay there (v. 11).

Application

I want to be careful to not separate from other Christians over petty things when I am told that I should be “Forbearing one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2). The chief reason for separation is idolatry.