Exodus 32:10 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them, in order that I may make a great nation of you."

NIV: Now leave me alone so that my anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them. Then I will make you into a great nation."

NASB: So now leave Me alone, that My anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them; and I will make of you a great nation.'

CSB: Now leave me alone, so that my anger can burn against them and I can destroy them. Then I will make you into a great nation."

NLT: Now leave me alone so my fierce anger can blaze against them, and I will destroy them. Then I will make you, Moses, into a great nation.'

KJV: Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation.

NKJV: Now therefore, let Me alone, that My wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them. And I will make of you a great nation.”

When Moses did not return quickly from his visit with God (Exodus 24:18), the people of Israel created an idol and offered sacrifices to it (Exodus 32:1–6). This violated commands they had just recently been given (Exodus 20:3–6). In this passage, God is telling Moses about this development (Exodus 32:7–8).

The Lord notes that the Israelites are stubborn (Exodus 32:9). Since leaving Egypt, the people have resisted putting their full faith and trust in Him (Exodus 14:10–12; 16:19–21; 17:3). To display His offense, the Lord has temporarily stopped referring to Israel as "my people" (Exodus 3:7; 6:7; 12:31). Here, He has called them "your people" (Exodus 32:7) and "this people" (Exodus 32:9).

The Lord makes this statement even clearer by suggesting that He will "consume" the Israelites: He will destroy them. Then, He would begin His plan anew starting with Moses. God is capable of this, of course. But He does not break His promises (Exodus 32:13). This is a rhetorical device. It is a reminder that Israel is defying their all-powerful and all-knowing Creator. The following discussion (Exodus 32:11–14) is more about Moses articulating God's nature than convincing God to change His mind.

Exodus 32:7–14 describes the Lord's anger at Israel for their idolatry (Exodus 32:1–6). While Moses is away (Exodus 24:18), the people have begun to worship a golden statue. God suggests He will eradicate Israel and only spare Moses. Moses pleads with God, who stops discussing this reaction. This resembles how God graciously talked through the issue of Sodom with Abraham, to make a statement about divine justice (Genesis 18:27–33).

During Moses' long absence (Exodus 24:18), the Israelites lose patience. They demand that Aaron (Exodus 24:14) make them a god they can see. Aaron makes a gold idol from donated jewelry and the people worship it as God. On the mountain, God is furious and sends Moses back. Moses arrives, breaks the stone tablets of God's law which he carried, and destroys the idol. Moses then calls on loyal men to execute those responsible. Aaron is spared, but Israel can anticipate more punishment.

Moses went onto Sinai to communicate with the Lord (Exodus 24:12) and has been gone a long time (Exodus 24:18). He is receiving instructions from God (Exodus 25—31). Meanwhile, Israel falls into idolatry. They break the first two commandments just given at Sinai (Exodus 20:3–6). After delivering initial consequences, God commands Israel to move along and discusses how He will renew His covenant (Exodus 33—34).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.