"And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy."-Ex 33:19
Today’s Verse:
The context of today’s verse is – God has become frustrated with the sinful and rebellious ways of His people, Israel. When Moses was on Mount Sinai with God, the people have made for themselves a golden calf to worship (Exodus 32:1-6). This event makes GOD hurt and gets angry. Initially, He tells Moses that he would destroy all people of Israel and start over with Moses (Exodus 32:9-10). But Moses disagrees and debates, argues and pleads God to show mercy and forgive the people of Israel and finally convinces GOD not only to forgive them but also GOD would accompany with them to the Promised land. It was not a simple and easy thing to convince the creator of this universe. Moses finds favour in the sight of GOD and asks a wish from Moses and promised to fulfil it.
In response, Moses asks to see the glory of God. Then GOD gives a statement that He will be gracious to whom He wants and will show compassion upon whom He desires (Exodus 33:18-19). God will not, however, for Moses' own sake, fulfill that request fully. Moses can see only God's back, not God's face, because GOD says "For no one shall see me and live."
God is not a deity who rules with an iron fist. He rules with mercy and compassion, and always takes into considering the input and needs of His people. This is the God revealed to Moses. This is the God revealed in Jesus. This is the God of the Bible.