Exodus 19:6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These [are] the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.
God’s original plan was for the nation of Israel to serve as a Kingdom of Priests unto Him. Priest are those who represent people to God and minister to the Lord on the behalf of people. Prophets on the other hand, go to the people on behalf of God thus the roles of the two are clearly defined. However, despite of God’s desire for the entire nation to serve him as a Kingdom of Priest the children of Israel placed boundaries on their relationship with the Lord. Unwilling to come apart and meet with the Lord the children of Israel demanded that a mediator go on their behalf. This mediator was Moses.
Moses desired intimacy with God and enquired of the Lord. Exodus 33:13 Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee…
The children of Israel lived in a miracle culture. Think about it, fiery pillar by night & cloud by day, manna from heaven, & shoes that never wore out for 40 years.
Psalm 103:7 He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.
The children of Israel only knew His acts and His acts were not enough to keep them. The point is simply this: living in a miracle culture is not enough to keep people in obedience. Those who walk in obedience are those who desire to know His ways and seek intimacy with God.