Exodus 32:7 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And the Lord said to Moses, "Go down, for your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves.

NIV: Then the Lord said to Moses, "Go down, because your people, whom you brought up out of Egypt, have become corrupt.

NASB: Then the Lord spoke to Moses, 'Go down at once, for your people, whom you brought up from the land of Egypt, have behaved corruptly.

CSB: The Lord spoke to Moses: "Go down at once! For your people you brought up from the land of Egypt have acted corruptly.

NLT: The Lord told Moses, 'Quick! Go down the mountain! Your people whom you brought from the land of Egypt have corrupted themselves.

KJV: And the Lord said unto Moses, Go, get thee down; for thy people, which thou broughtest out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves:

NKJV: And the Lord said to Moses, “Go, get down! For your people whom you brought out of the land of Egypt have corrupted themselves.

Moses has stayed on Mount Sinai for many days (Exodus 24:18) receiving the Lord's instructions (Exodus 25—31). Back in the Israelite camp, Aaron is supposed to be in charge (Exodus 24:14). But the people think that Moses might not come back; they pressure Aaron to make an idol (Exodus 32:1–4). They set up an altar and begin offering inappropriate sacrifices and celebrations (Exodus 32:5–6).

God describes this as "corruption." The Israelites have already been told that idolatry is forbidden (Exodus 20:3–6). Moses has been away for little more than a month when they blatantly violate a clear command from the Lord (Exodus 32:8). The Lord expresses anger by referring to them as "your people" and "this people" (Exodus 32:9) rather than "my people" (Exodus 3:7; 6:7; 12:31). He will even suggest eradicating the stubborn Israelites and starting over with Moses (Exodus 32:9). Of course, God will not do that since it would break His promises (Exodus 32:13).

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.

Accessed 8/3/2025 12:04:04 PM