Charles Ellicott Commentary Exodus 33:5

"And Jehovah said unto Moses, Say unto the children of Israel, Ye are a stiffnecked people; if I go up into the midst of thee for one moment, I shall consume thee: therefore now put off thy ornaments from thee, that I may know what to do unto thee." — Exodus 33:5 (ASV)

For the Lord had said unto Moses.—Rather, And the Lord said unto Moses. The message did not precede the repentance of the people, but followed it.

I will come up into the midst of thee in a moment, and consume thee.—Rather, were I to go up in the midst of thee, even for a moment (a brief space), I should consume thee.

The people learned from this the reason for God’s proposed withdrawal. It was in mercy, so that they might not be consumed, as there was a danger of their being consumed unless they repented and turned to God.

Put off thy ornaments.—Rather, leave off thy ornaments, i.e., put them aside altogether. Show your penitence by giving up the use of them; then I will know what to do with you; then I will be able to deal with you in a way that would otherwise be impossible.