Exodus 32:1-14

Exodus 32:1-14

After several chapters of instructions for the Israelites, the text shifts back to the next major event in Israel’s history. Exodus 32 parallels the previous section of chapters, giving readers a glimpse into what was going on at the base of the mountain, where Moses had left the Israelites as he went up the mountain. Remember that at this point they did not know all of the commands about their future tabernacle, and Aaron did not yet know what role he was about to play in the life of Israel; however, they had already been given the Ten Commandments. Therefore, they knew that God had commanded them, the God they saw descend on the mountain and who had provided for them so much since they left Egypt, to not worship any other god. He alone deserved their worship. Yet in a time of uncertainty, they panicked. They had been without their leader for several days at this point, for Moses was on the mountain with God for 40 days, and they demanded that Aaron make them a new god to worship.

But what is worse than making this new god is the fact that Aaron then tells them that this man made object is the “god” that delivered them from the hands of the Egyptians. I do not understand how Aaron, the one who had stood by Moses’ side the entire time and had been following God faithfully for so long could have done this. It is easy for me to get upset at the Israelites, especially Aaron, over this tragic mistake. Yet I know that I do this in my life as well. Like those mountain top experiences (summer camp), once they are so far removed, it becomes easy to forget about them and to move on in life without God. So realize that the Israelites were wrong in their actions, but also understand that we do this very thing any time we put something in our lives above God.

Understanding that God is all knowing, He knew what the Israelites had done while He was still with Moses. So He told Moses that He was ready to go down and basically wipe out the entire nation of Israel, similar to the flood. He was rightfully upset that His people had turned from Him so quickly, forgetting all that He had done for them. Noticing the anger and disappointment He had towards them, brings conviction on me to make sure that I never find myself in a place in life where He would feel this way toward me. He deserves all of our life and all of our worship, not just a part. Although God felt this way towards the people of Israel, He remembered His promise that He had made with Abraham and spared them on account of him. He was still planning on making a great nation out of these people, but that did not mean that He was not disappointed. The same is true for us. Nothing can separate us from His love when are truly His children. He will not strip us of our salvation and condemn us to Hell. However, that does not mean that He will not convict us. He will remind us of our sin, and He will be disappointed in our choices. But because of His great love, He will also continue to draw us back to Himself.

Matt