The Depths of Divine Grace and Mercy

In Exodus 33:19, we encounter a profound declaration of God’s character made by Him to Moses: "And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy." This verse encapsulates a divine promise that invites us into a deeper understanding of God's nature, His grace, and His mercy.

To understand the weight of this statement, we must dive into the context surrounding it. Moses, having led the Israelites out of Egypt, was in a unique relationship with God, yearning to know Him more intimately. After the sin of the golden calf, Moses intercedes for the people, seeking assurance from God of His continuing presence among them. In response, God's assurance is both intimate and majestic.

"I will make all my goodness pass before thee…" Speaking of all His goodness, God reveals that His attributes are not just acts of kindness but the very essence of who He is. His goodness is the foundation upon which we can trust and rely. Each aspect of His character - from His patience and love to His omniscience - reflects a goodness that is transformative for those who experience it. In essence, we are invited to behold not merely acts of goodness, but the very being of God that encompasses all goodness.

Next, the proclamation of the name of the LORD signifies a revelation of His identity and nature. The name of the LORD is a sacred marker of His presence and authority. It reminds us that in our spiritual journey, knowing God’s name involves understanding His character. This proclamation binds together His reputation of faithfulness and power, assuring us that He is the God who fulfills His promises consistently.

Moses is then confronted with the concept of grace and mercy. The latter part of Exodus 33:19 states, "and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy." This assertion can be challenging for our human hearts that long for a sense of fairness and equity. However, grace and mercy are not about fairness, but rather about God’s sovereign choice. Grace is God’s unmerited favor - it is a gift bestowed not because of merit but out of His divine will.

When God extends grace, it is an incredible act of love that draws us closer to Him, despite our failures and sin. He grants us favor and blessing, not based on our performance but on His divine nature. Similarly, His mercy is a deep compassion; it is about withholding the judgment that we rightfully deserve. In this light, understanding mercy reveals to us the depth of God’s forgiveness and the bounteousness of His love.

Thinking on these themes, we see how they culminate in the person of Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, John gloriously echoes this truth, “And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace” (John 1:16). The goodness of God, proclaimed through Christ, reveals the depth of God's willingness to extend grace and show mercy to all who come to Him sincerely.

As we reflect on Exodus 33:19, let us approach God with awe for His goodness. When we acknowledge God's sovereign grace and mercy, we recognize that we are recipients of a love that does not conform to our understanding of fairness. Rather, it is an extraordinary invitation to experience His kindness and compassion, shaping us into reflections of His divine character.

In the midst of our struggles, may we remember that the goodness of God encompasses every aspect of our lives, and His grace and mercy are perpetually available as we walk in faith. Let us open our eyes and hearts to see His goodness pass before us, welcoming His nature that leads us into deeper communion with the One who is gracious and merciful.

Artwork for Exodus 33:19

Exodus 33:19 - "And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy."

"And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy." - Exodus 33:19

Exodus 12:33

Exodus 26:31-33

Genesis 19-33

Exodus 33:6 - "And the children of Israel stripped themselves of their ornaments by the mount Horeb."

Jeremiah 33:19 - "¶ And the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah, saying,"

Numbers 33:19 - "And they departed from Rithmah, and pitched at Rimmon-parez."

Exodus 19

Exodus 33:18 - "And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory."

Exodus 33:21 - "And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock:"

Psalms 33:19 - "To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine."

Exodus 33:14 - "And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest."

Exodus 34:33 - "And till Moses had done speaking with them, he put a vail on his face."

Exodus 35:33 - "And in the cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of wood, to make any manner of cunning work."

Exodus 36:33 - "And he made the middle bar to shoot through the boards from the one end to the other."

Leviticus 19:33 - "¶ And if a stranger sojourn with thee in your land, ye shall not vex him."

Exodus 33:15 - "And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence."

Exodus 33:4 - "¶ And when the people heard these evil tidings, they mourned: and no man did put on him his ornaments."

Exodus 33:20 - "And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live."

Exodus 2:19

John 19:33 - "But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs:"

Exodus 21:33 - "¶ And if a man shall open a pit, or if a man shall dig a pit, and not cover it, and an ox or an ass fall therein;"

Exodus 27:19-20

Exodus 12:1-19

Exodus 33:2 - "And I will send an angel before thee; and I will drive out the Canaanite, the Amorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite:"

Exodus 33:9 - "And it came to pass, as Moses entered into the tabernacle, the cloudy pillar descended, and stood at the door of the tabernacle, and the LORD talked with Moses."

Exodus 19:16-20

Exodus 27:19-21

Luke 19:33 - "And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt?"