In Exodus, chapter thirty-three verse three, God tells Moses that He will not go up with them. God stated that an angel would take His place on the way to the promised land. However, Moses, not wanting to accept this decision, once again interceded with God, as he had just done. Notice the sequence of events regarding Israel’s sin with the golden calf, Moses’ perseverance in prayer, and God’s revelation to Him.
God intended to destroy the people. Moses’ intercession provided a basis for God to change His course of action and not fulfill His threat to the people. God then decided the people to go to Canaan only by Moses and an angel. God clearly and sincerely stated that He would not go with them. After more prayer, the Lord changed His plan, responded to Moses’ petition, and agreed that His presence would accompany them.
God’s response to Moses’ intercession reveals something of His ways with His people. Not every decision with God is fixed and irrevocable. He is a God who responds to His people. He changes His declared course of action when His people sincerely call upon Him in prayer and commit themselves to Him and His will. God always remains free to change His judgment to show His love and mercy.
God said to Moses He would not go up lest He consumes them
in the way to the land of Canaan, and so never get there. The meaning is with the Lord being in their midst, the potential risk of sin would be more likely to be committed in his presence. Before his face, the glory of his majesty would require that immediate notice and action taken and just punishment inflicted. Therefore by this step, God consulted his honor and their safety. God does not tolerate sin and knows what lies ahead for every one of us.