EXODUS 33 OUTSIDE THE CAMP The consequences of idolatry were great in more ways than one. The 3000 dead were buried each one a testimony to the holiness of God and the self-willed sinfulness of men. The grieving families were never the same again. The seriousness of sin was brought home to each one although it is doubtful that many even yet realized how damaging sin is and how much is lost in terms of fellowship with God when a person allows themselves to indulge the passions of the flesh any place. They were still of the promised seed of Abraham. They were still going to have an angel of the Lord to guide them and open the way for them - but they were going to be on their own. They had made it clear they had their own way they wanted things to be, and the lesson to be learned in regards to self-will and had not been learned well. They were going to have to go without God. He was not going to be in their midst. They mourned for what they had lost but not in repentance for what they had done. Some actions taken by God's people will have lasting effects from which we can never be fully recovered.
The temporary tent where Moses met with God was removed, and Moses took it a long way out from where the children of Israel were camped. Way in the distance they could see it erected and Moses go inside to speak with the Lord. There was remorse when the people of God heard they were on their own and with a sense of guilt they put away all the fancy clothes and ornaments. They had to face themselves as they really were. They were no doubt afraid, but only those who had real affection for the Lord went outside the camp to where that meeting place was. Most just stood at the door of their tents wondering what was coming next. Everyone who went outside the camp would be easily seen by other people as they walked past the tents and beyond the last one to walk to that far-off meeting place. We may know what is right and realize God is working, but unless we "go forth unto Him outside the camp," there is no real fellowship with God and those who are wanting to be separated to God. Many believers step away from the world but to separate unto the Lord is another thing again. That cost many are not willing to pay.
The evident presence of God at that outside place was easily seen. The pillar cloud was at the door of that place, not in the middle of the people. Moses had that special place of responsibility and privilege of meeting with God as the mediator for the people. But Joshua was nearby. This place of meeting with God was never meant to be a "fun place" like so many modern churches. This was where God was and Joshua was going to be there even if Moses wasn't. Joshua must have been conscious of his own need of God and of the need of sincerity and humility on the part of all who came to where God was. Others watched and experienced God's blessings but not God's presence.
When Moses was in conversation with God, he made an appeal on behalf of the people once again. He knew the futility of life without God's presence. The uselessness of forms without reality gives no joy even though people may flock to be entertained and made to feel good about themselves. Those who have known the blessing of true fellowship with God may often find themselves in the position of an intercessor on behalf of God. Moses had experienced the grace of God and on that basis, he makes earnest request of the Lord to work again on their behalf and with be with them again. The servant knew the need of knowing God was fulfilling the work of taking His people to the promised land. He knew the value of the grace of God and the presence of God. He pled with the Lord to not take His presence away from them. He made his appeal on the fact that this nation was God's chosen people. May we never lose sight of our need of God's presence. May we never allow anything to turn us aside from the truth of God and the practice of His revealed will.
It is important for us to understand the value of separation from the world. It is also important for us to remember we are separated unto Him. Moses caught a glimpse of God's glory in a visible way. It was more important to God to show him His goodness and the absolute moral purity of God. He would show not only His goodness but also His grace. That grace was bestowed where God intended it to be seen and experienced by His people. God was going to display His mercy on those who needed mercy. The true attributes of God make His character unmistakably plain to His people. When the Lord Jesus was here, He came "full of grace and truth." His mercy towards toward the undeserving was revealed again and again. We see God in the face of Jesus Christ. Through Him, His life, His walk and words God has been publicly seen.
We can these even today when we go to Him outside the camp. How greatly we need to have God in our midst. How much we lose if we settle for standing in our "tent door" and watch others go out to Him.