You might imagine that their reaction would be one of relief: despite their sin, they weren't going to forfeit the wonderful inheritance that God had promised them. But no, Moses' reaction and the people's reaction was to go into mourning.
You see, as Moses expresses in vs 15-16, they knew that the presence of the living God with us is the only thing that truly distinguishes us from any other people on the face of the earth. And so Moses prays, "If you don't personally go with us, please don't make us leave this place."
In other words, Moses cared more about God's presence than about God's promise. He was saying that they would rather stay there in the desert with the presence of God than travel without the presence of God to the "land flowing with milk and honey" that He had promised them.
I know that I feel the same. In my present circumstances, I am trusting and praying that some miracle will make it possible for me to stay here in Alhaurín de la Torre - my land of "springs and palm trees." I know that such a miracle would be a huge testimony to others who are observing my journey. But I also know that the biggest testimony of all, no matter where I end up living, is the reality of God's presence with me.
God promises Moses, "My presence will go with you and I will give you rest." My NLT Bible translation of verse 14 adds, "Everything will be fine for you." It's not being in a familiar place that gives us rest and security; it's being in the presence of God.
Read on below for more reasons why Exodus 33 is a favourite chapter of mine.
