Exodus 33:22 - Exposition

I will put thee in a clift of the rock, The "clift" has been identified with the "cave of Elijah" ( 1 Kings 19:9 ); but the words used are different; and even were they the same, no identity could be established. It is rather in the broader lines of their missions and characters that resemblance is to be sought between Moses and Elijah than in the minuter details of their careers. Cover thee with my hand — i.e; "at once conceal thee and protect thee." Without these precautions, it is implied, the nearness of the Divine Presence might have had injurious effects.