Exodus 32:15-33:6

Exodus 32:15-33:6

Although Moses knew what he was about to walk into, it was still a bit of a surprise for him when he came down the mountain. With Joshua by his side, they were both stunned to find that the people were rejoicing and singing around this golden calf. Rightfully, Moses became angry, and he then expressed his anger in a very extreme measure. Not only did he break the tablets that God had given him on the mountain, but he also destroyed the golden calf, getting rid of the idol. He then confronted Aaron on what he had done, and Aaron immediately played the blame game. As humans, we naturally do not want to take the blame ourselves, and we always try to pass it off on someone else. Now while it was true that the people came up to Aaron to make this golden calf, he could have resisted. He did not have to go along with their suggestion. He knew what God had done for him since they had left Egypt, and he knew God’s true power. So he was at as much fault as they were. But v24 is the worst part of his excuse. It is not bad enough that he passed the blame on the people, but he even blamed the fire. Instead of saying that he is the one who made the calf, he just casually says that the calf just came out, as if it was the calf’s fault. This is just another example of how when we are not careful, we will let one sin lead to another. In an attempt to cover up one mistake, we end up making several more.

But God had promised forgiveness, and He was committed to keep His end of the promise, so Moses immediately got to business after dealing with Aaron. He gathered the Levites together (those willing to follow God) and sent them out to kill one of their brothers. Now I am not sure if this was to be a form of punishment for their idolatry or just a way to show that these men were committed to the Lord’s service. Either way, God was still drawing His people unto Himself, and He was beginning to put the Law into place.

Moses once again spoke with God about forgiving the people for what they had done, and the Lord agreed. He told Moses to continue on the journey, heading to the Promised Land. But he also promised that there would be punishment for their sin. So He sent a plague down on all those who had worshipped the golden calf. The intent of this plague was to bring about repentance from the Israelites, hoping that they would recognize their sin and seek God’s forgiveness. So in Exodus 33, God sends them on the journey once again, this time leaving Mount Sinai. Although God is still promising protection for His people, protecting them from the different people groups along the way, He is also protecting them from Himself. He was still angry for what they had done, calling them “stiff-necked.” He knew that because of their stubborn ways, He might decide to wipe them out (as He had almost done anyways). For that reason, He sent an angel with them instead to lead the way. The people were grieved that God saw them in this fashion, which shows that they might have been coming to some sort of repentance. Again, this shows that when we sin, God is hurt. He does not want to see His children falter. At times, consequences will come, to grab our attention and draw us back to Him. But in the midst of it all, it should cause us to seek repentance.

Matt