Definition: And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this very interesting verse from Exodus 33:23. It’s a powerful and somewhat mysterious passage that speaks to God's plan for the future and his desire to test His people. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is preparing to send Moses to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. He wants to show Moses his back – his physical form – but he’s going to hide it, keep it hidden, so that Moses doesn't become too attached to it or lose his focus on his mission. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And I will take away mine hand…” : This is a bit metaphorical. God isn’t physically removing his hand. It means he’s withdrawing, withdrawing his power and influence from the situation. He’s choosing not to intervene directly. "...and thou shalt see my back parts..." : This is where it gets interesting. The Hebrew word "back parts" (לִבּוֹ שְׁמִי – libō sh'mi ) means “his face.” So, God is revealing his physical form to Moses. "...but my face shall not be seen." : This is the crucial part. God is deliberately concealing his face. This isn’t a sign of weakness or vulnerability; it’s a deliberate act of strategy and control. It's about testing Moses’ faith, his obedience, and his ability to trust in God's plan. Why might this be happening? Testing Moses: The Bible says that God wants to see how Moses responds to the challenges he will face. He’s testing him to ensure he is worthy and capable of leading the Israelites. Preparing for a greater task: This verse is often interpreted as foreshadowing God's grand plan to lead the Israelites into a battle with the enemy, which ultimately leads to their victory. By concealing his face, God is creating suspense and anticipation for what’s to come. Overall Meaning: It's a moment of profound secrecy and divine control. God is choosing to reveal himself to Moses in a way that emphasizes his purpose and prepares him for a significant future event. --- Resources if you want to delve deeper: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/138/23/exodus-33-23](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/138/23) - This provides a more detailed explanation and translation of the verse. Various theological explanations: Search online for "Exodus 33:23 meaning" to find different interpretations from various Christian perspectives. Do you want me to explain this verse in a particular way (e.g., relating it to a story, or exploring its symbolism)?