Definition: And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Exodus 33:22. It’s a really interesting and somewhat mysterious verse! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is about to show his power and majesty to Moses. He's about to appear to Moses, but he’s going to put him in a sheltered, protected spot – essentially, a “clift” of rock. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by…” This is the key part. "My glory" refers to God's power and presence. “Pass by” means he’ll be moving quickly past Moses. It’s a moment of intense focus and awe. “…that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by:” This is where it gets a little symbolic. “A clift of the rock”: This isn't just any rock; it’s a sheltered, elevated place – like a cliff or a small hill. It suggests a place of safety and protection. “Will cover thee with my hand…” This is a powerful image. It means God will gently and deliberately protect Moses from harm, shielding him as he passes by. It's not a forceful attack but rather a gesture of care. So, what’s the point of this? This verse is often interpreted as a preview of God’s future plan to deliver his people – specifically, Israel – from Egypt. It speaks of God’s power and his intention to show himself powerfully in the midst of a crucial moment in history. It's a symbolic representation of God’s presence and protection during a significant event. Important Note: This is one of the most debated passages in the Bible. Different interpretations exist, but this verse has been used for centuries to symbolize divine intervention and protection. --- Do you have any specific questions about this passage that you'd like me to answer? For example, are you curious about: The historical context (when was this written)? Different interpretations of the meaning? How it relates to other biblical stories?