Exodus 33:5
For the LORD had said unto Moses, Say unto the children of Israel, Ye are a stiffnecked people: I will come up into the midst of thee in a moment, and consume thee: therefore now put off thy ornaments from thee, that I may know what to do unto thee.
Exodus 33:5 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from the book of Exodus, God is speaking to Moses about the children of Israel, referring to them as a stiffnecked people. This term is used to describe a stubborn or rebellious attitude. God warns that He will come into their midst and consume them in a moment because of their disobedience. He instructs them to remove their ornaments as a symbol of repentance and humility. This verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of humility before God. It teaches us that God's judgment is just and swift, but also that He is willing to forgive and show mercy if we humble ourselves before Him.
Theological Overview
One theological interpretation of this verse from Exodus 33:5 highlights the concept of God's holiness and the consequences of disobedience. The term "stiffnecked people" refers to the stubbornness and rebellion of the Israelites against God's commands. In this instance, God warns Moses that because of their disobedience, He will come up and consume them. This reveals the severity of God's judgment towards sin and the importance of obedience. The request for the Israelites to put off their ornaments symbolizes a stripping away of worldly distractions and a call for repentance. The word study of "stiffnecked" reveals a people who are unyielding and resistant to God's will, leading to punishment. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the need for repentance and humility before God.
Exodus 33:5 in other translations
American Standard Version
And Jehovah said unto Moses, Say unto the children of Israel, Ye are a stiffnecked people; if I go up into the midst of thee for one moment, I shall consume thee: therefore now put off thy ornaments from thee, that I may know what to do unto thee.
World English Bible
Yahweh said to Moses, “Tell the children of Israel, ‘You are a stiff-necked people. If I were to go up into your midst for one moment, I would consume you. Therefore now take off your jewelry from you, that I may know what to do to you.’”
Douay-Rheims
And the Lord said to Moses: Say to the children of Israel: Thou art a stiffnecked people, once I shall come up in the midst of thee, and shall destroy thee. Now presently lay aside thy ornaments, that I may know what to do to thee.
Geneva Bible (1599)
(For the Lord had said to Moses, Say vnto the children of Israel, Ye are a stiffe necked people, I wil come suddenly vpon thee, and consume thee: therefore now put thy costly rayment from thee, that I may know what to do vnto thee)