The Bible says that Moses did not see God's face. In Exodus 33:20, God tells Moses, "you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live." However, God allowed Moses to see his "back" or "afterglow" as he passed by (Exodus 33:23).
This event is interpreted in various ways:
* Some believe it was a symbolic experience. The "back" or "afterglow" represents a glimpse of God's glory and power, but not a direct visual encounter.
* Others believe Moses saw a manifestation of God. This manifestation was not God's full divine essence, which is beyond human comprehension.
* Jewish tradition emphasizes God's mercy in protecting Moses. By not allowing Moses to see his face, God spared him from the overwhelming and potentially fatal experience of witnessing divine glory directly.