I. Consider what Moses desired when he prayed, "I beseech Thee, show me Thy glory." It could not have been a mere external display of glory and power. He had seen enough, and more than enough, of these to satisfy the most enlarged desire. It could not have been to behold the glory of God as manifested in His past government of the world. In this he had been already taught. He had been the world's sole historian for nearly two thousand years. It is probable that in this prayer, "Show me Thy glory," he desired to comprehend the merciful purpose of God towards the Israelites, and through them to the world. He wished to understand more fully the whole plan of salvation, and to see the things that should happen in the latter days.
II. Consider how far this desire was satisfied. God made His goodness to pass before Him. (1) This was probably a prophetic view of His mercy to the Israelites as a nation. (2) God showed him His administration as a Sovereign. (3) He gave him a prophetic view of the mission of Christ. "Thou shalt see My back parts" might be translated "Thou shalt see Me as manifested in the latter days."
III. Why was not the petition of Moses fully granted? The reason why man could not behold God's glory would not be because of its terror or majesty, but because the view of the riches of His grace, His compassion, and benevolence, would excite emotions of reverence, admiration, and love too terrible for humanity to bear.
Bishop Simpson, Sermons,p. 347.
References: Exodus 33:18. Homiletic Magazine,vol. xiv., p. 234; J. M. Neale, Sermons for the Church Year,vol. i., p. 64; J. Hamilton, Works,vol. v., p. 252; Parker, Fountain,May 30th, 1878. Exodus 33:18; Exodus 33:19. S. Baring-Gould, Village Preaching for a Year,vol. ii., p. 264; H. Wonnacott, Christian World Pulpit,vol. xiv., p. 107; J. E. Vaux, Sermon Notes,1st series, p. 50. Exodus 33:19. Spurgeon, Sermons,vol. x., No. 553.Exodus 33:20-23. A. L. Mansel, B ampton Lecture,1858, p. 67.