17. Then the Lord said to Moses, “I will do what you ask. This is because I know you very well, and I am pleased with you.”
18. Then Moses said, “Now, please show me your greatness.”
19. The Lord answered, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you. I will announce my name, the Lord, so you can hear it. I will show kindness to anyone I want to show kindness. I will show mercy to anyone I want to show mercy.
20. But you cannot see my face. No one can see me and stay alive.
21. “There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock.
22. My greatness will pass that place. I will put you in a large crack in that rock. And I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by.
23. Then I will take away my hand, and you will see my back. But my face must not be seen.”