Exodus 33:3
Unto a land flowing with milk and honey: for I will not go up in the midst of thee; for thou art a stiffnecked people: lest I consume thee in the way. Unto a land flowing with milk and honey: for I will not go up in the midst of thee; for thou art a stiffnecked people: lest I consume thee in the way.
The warning came after Israel's idolatry at Sinai had already brought deaths and plague upon the people. At that time the sanctuary built to God's pattern had not yet been made, so the tent in the narrative was a temporary worship tent pitched outside the camp. There Moses met with God, and there penitent sinners could seek mercy.
Even while warning them, God still promised to bring Israel to a land flowing with milk and honey, sending an angel ahead to drive out its peoples and give victory over its inhabitants. He said He would not go up in their midst because they were stubborn and stiff-necked, lest His holy presence consume or destroy them on the way. The refusal showed the danger of persistent rebellion and the consequence of losing God's direct presence, expressing His separation from an unfaithful people.
The withdrawal was a serious rebuke but not the end of hope, for God still held fast to the nation and still met with Moses, even though Israel's victory depended on having His presence. The people responded with mourning, penitence and humility by stripping off their ornaments at God's command while He considered what to do with them. This showed their need to humble themselves and follow Him through every test.