Exodus 32:11 - Printer Friendly

ESV: But Moses implored the Lord his God and said, "O Lord, why does your wrath burn hot against your people, whom you have brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand?

NIV: But Moses sought the favor of the Lord his God. "Lord," he said, "why should your anger burn against your people, whom you brought out of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand?

NASB: Then Moses pleaded with the Lord his God, and said, 'Lord, why does Your anger burn against Your people whom You have brought out from the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand?

CSB: But Moses sought the favor of the Lord his God: "Lord, why does your anger burn against your people you brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and a strong hand?

NLT: But Moses tried to pacify the Lord his God. 'O Lord!' he said. 'Why are you so angry with your own people whom you brought from the land of Egypt with such great power and such a strong hand?

KJV: And Moses besought the Lord his God, and said, Lord, why doth thy wrath wax hot against thy people, which thou hast brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power, and with a mighty hand?

NKJV: Then Moses pleaded with the Lord his God, and said: “Lord, why does Your wrath burn hot against Your people whom You have brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand?

God made a symbolic point, and Moses answers with his own rhetorical question. There is no doubt as to why God is angry. Israel committed idolatry (Exodus 32:1–6) while Moses is away communicating with the Lord (Exodus 24:18). The first demonstration of the Lord's anger (Exodus 32:7–9) was in calling the Israelites "your people" and "this people" instead of "my people" (Exodus 3:7; 6:7; 12:31). Next was a symbolic suggestion: that God could erase the Israelites and start over with Moses.

Moses responds with a plea on Israel's behalf—including a reference to the nation being "your" people, meaning God's. The conversation which follows is not an example of Moses convincing God to change His mind. Rather, Moses explains the reasons why he does not think the Lord would do such a thing. God has the required power and authority. But He has also made promises (Exodus 3:7–10). Everything He has done for Israel until now has been to demonstrate His merciful love (Exodus 12:40–41). For those and other reasons, Moses knows God would not erase Israel. When God "relents" from the idea of annihilating Israel, He simply stops bringing up the idea. This is much like Abraham's discussion with the Lord about Sodom (Genesis 18:27–33).

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.