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The LORD used to speak to Moses
face to face, just as a man speaks to his friend. Exodus 33:11a.
(NASB)
This verse does not say that Moses looked on God. It says
that God would converse with him in the manner that a man will
speak with his friend. A friendship of familiarity and affection
is one that grows out of like interests, mutual trust, and joint
activity. That kind of friendship is very worthwhile and is characterised
by good communication.
The Israelite nation had a hard time trusting Moses the way
he trusted God. All they knew was that being slaves to Pharoh
wasn't pleasant and the promise offered by a man who clearly
had a direct line to God was very much to be desired.
The journey from Egypt to Canaan, however, was to prove much
more arduous and would be used of God to call out a people for
His Name. The Israelites would be completely transformed along
the way in preparation for true nationhood and true allegiance
to the one and only God. |