Moses Sees the LORD's Glory

12 Moses said to the LORD, "You have been telling me, `Take these people up to the Promised Land.' But you haven't told me whom you will send with me. You call me by name and tell me I have found favor with you.
13 Please, if this is really so, show me your intentions so I will understand you more fully and do exactly what you want me to do. Besides, don't forget that this nation is your very own people."
        14 And the LORD replied, "I will personally go with you, Moses. I will give you rest—everything will be fine for you."
        15 Then Moses said, "If you don't go with us personally, don't let us move a step from this place.
16 If you don't go with us, how will anyone ever know that your people and I have found favor with you? How else will they know we are special and distinct from all other people on the earth?"
        17 And the LORD replied to Moses, "I will indeed do what you have asked, for you have found favor with me, and you are my friend."
        18 Then Moses had one more request. "Please let me see your glorious presence," he said.
        19 The LORD replied, "I will make all my goodness pass before you, and I will call out my name, `the LORD,' to you. I will show kindness to anyone I choose, and I will show mercy to anyone I choose.
20 But you may not look directly at my face, for no one may see me and live."
21 The LORD continued, "Stand here on this rock beside me.
22 As my glorious presence passes by, I will put you in the cleft of the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed.
23 Then I will remove my hand, and you will see me from behind. But my face will not be seen."