Bible Society of South Africa

Season after Pentecost: Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost

First reading and Psalm

The LORD Promises to be with his People

12Moses said to the LORD, “It is true that you have told me to lead these people to that land, but you did not tell me whom you would send with me. You have said that you know me well and are pleased with me. 13Now if you are, tell me your plans, so that I may serve you and continue to please you. Remember also that you have chosen this nation to be your own.”

14The LORD said, “I will go with you, and I will give you victory.”

15Moses replied, “If you do not go with us, don't make us leave this place. 16How will anyone know that you are pleased with your people and with me if you do not go with us? Your presence with us will distinguish us from any other people on earth.”

17The LORD said to Moses, “I will do just as you have asked, because I know you very well and I am pleased with you.”

18Then Moses requested, “Please, let me see the dazzling light of your presence.”

19The LORD answered, “I will make all my splendour pass before you and in your presence I will pronounce my sacred name. I am the LORD, and I show compassion and pity on those I choose. 20I will not let you see my face, because no one can see me and stay alive, 21but here is a place beside me where you can stand on a rock. 22When the dazzling light of my presence passes by, I will put you in an opening in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. 23Then I will take my hand away, and you will see my back but not my face.”

Exodus 33:12-23GNBOpen in Bible reader

God the Supreme King

1The LORD is king;

and the people tremble.

He is enthroned above the winged creatures

and the earth shakes.

2The LORD is mighty in Zion;

he is supreme over all the nations.

3Everyone will praise his great and majestic name.

Holy is he!

4Mighty king, you love what is right;

you have established justice in Israel;

you have brought righteousness and fairness.

5Praise the LORD our God;

worship before his throne!

Holy is he!

6Moses and Aaron were his priests,

and Samuel was one who prayed to him;

they called to the LORD, and he answered them.

7He spoke to them from the pillar of cloud;

they obeyed the laws and commands that he gave them.

8O LORD, our God, you answered your people;

you showed them that you are a God who forgives,

even though you punished them for their sins.

9Praise the LORD our God,

and worship at his sacred hill!

The LORD our God is holy.

Psalms 99:1-9GNBOpen in Bible reader
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