And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen.
Thou shalt see my back parts. Since a man whose back only is seen, and not his face, can be but imperfectly known, so God can be but indistinctly and partially discerned in the present state from His works in nature and providence, and from His Word, by material similitudes and analogies (1 Corinthians 13:12). That, however, is no more than shadowy reflection of His glory; and to whatever height of purity a believer may rise after he has become 'a partaker of the divine nature' (2 Peter 1:4), the holiest and most advanced saint in this mortal state must be content with a sight of the "back parts," 'but the face of Yahweh' shall not be seen.'