Exodus 32
BSB1 Now when the people saw that Moses was delayed in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said, “Come, make us gods who will go before us. As for this Moses who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has happened to him!" 2 So Aaron told them, “Take off the gold earrings that are on your wives and sons and daughters, and bring them to me." 3 Then all the people took off their gold earrings and brought them to Aaron. 4 He took the gold from their hands, and with an engraving tool he fashioned it into a molten calf. And they said, “These, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!" 5 When Aaron saw this, he built an altar before the calf and proclaimed: “Tomorrow shall be a feast to the LORD." 6 So the next day they arose, offered burnt offerings, and presented peace offerings. And the people sat down to eat and drink, and got up to indulge in revelry. 7 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go down at once, for your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves. 8 How quickly they have turned aside from the way that I commanded them! They have made for themselves a molten calf and have bowed down to it. They have sacrificed to it and said, ‘These, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.’" 9 The LORD also said to Moses, “I have seen this people, and they are indeed a stiff-necked people. 10 Now leave Me alone, so that My anger may burn against them and consume them. Then I will make you into a great nation." 11 But Moses sought the favor of the LORD his God, saying, “O LORD, why does Your anger burn against Your people, whom You brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand? 12 Why should the Egyptians declare, ‘He brought them out with evil intent, to kill them in the mountains and wipe them from the face of the earth’? Turn from Your fierce anger and relent from doing harm to Your people. 13 Remember Your servants Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, to whom You swore by Your very self when You declared, ‘I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky, and I will give your descendants all this land that I have promised, and it shall be their inheritance forever.’" 14 So the LORD relented from the calamity He had threatened to bring on His people. 15 Then Moses turned and went down the mountain with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands. They were inscribed on both sides, front and back. 16 The tablets were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, engraved on the tablets. 17 When Joshua heard the sound of the people shouting, he said to Moses, “The sound of war is in the camp." 18 But Moses replied: “It is neither the cry of victory nor the cry of defeat; I hear the sound of singing!" 19 As Moses approached the camp and saw the calf and the dancing, he burned with anger and threw the tablets out of his hands, shattering them at the base of the mountain. 20 Then he took the calf they had made, burned it in the fire, ground it to powder, and scattered the powder over the face of the water. Then he forced the Israelites to drink it. 21 “What did this people do to you,” Moses asked Aaron, “that you have led them into so great a sin?" 22 “Do not be enraged, my lord,” Aaron replied. “You yourself know that the people are intent on evil. 23 They told me, ‘Make us gods who will go before us. As for this Moses who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has happened to him!’ 24 So I said to them, ‘Whoever has gold, let him take it off,’ and they gave it to me. And when I threw it into the fire, out came this calf!" 25 Moses saw that the people were out of control, for Aaron had let them run wild and become a laughingstock to their enemies. 26 So Moses stood at the entrance to the camp and said, “Whoever is for the LORD, come to me.” And all the Levites gathered around him. 27 He told them, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Each of you men is to fasten his sword to his side, go back and forth through the camp from gate to gate, and slay his brother, his friend, and his neighbor.’" 28 The Levites did as Moses commanded, and that day about three thousand of the people fell dead. 29 Afterward, Moses said, “Today you have been ordained for service to the LORD, since each man went against his son and his brother; so the LORD has bestowed a blessing on you this day." 30 The next day Moses said to the people, “You have committed a great sin. Now I will go up to the LORD; perhaps I can make atonement for your sin." 31 So Moses returned to the LORD and said, “Oh, what a great sin these people have committed! They have made gods of gold for themselves. 32 Yet now, if You would only forgive their sin…. But if not, please blot me out of the book that You have written." 33 The LORD replied to Moses, “Whoever has sinned against Me, I will blot out of My book. 34 Now go, lead the people to the place I described. Behold, My angel shall go before you. But on the day I settle accounts, I will punish them for their sin." 35 And the LORD sent a plague on the people because of what they had done with the calf that Aaron had made.
Study Notes — Exodus 32
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Exodus 32
- Themes from Exodus 32
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Exodus 32
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
In Exodus 32, the Israelites, impatient for Moses' return from Mount Sinai, persuade Aaron to create a golden calf for them to worship. God sees their actions and tells Moses, who is still on the mountain, about the Israelites' idolatry. Moses descends, sees the calf, and breaks the tablets of the covenant. He then confronts Aaron and the people, and many are killed as a result of their idolatry. Moses intercedes for the people, asking God to spare them, and God relents. The chapter ends with Moses calling for those who are on the Lord's side to come to him, and the Levites respond by executing those who had participated in the idolatry.
Context for the Chapter
Exodus 32 is part of the larger narrative of the Israelites' journey from slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land. The chapter follows the giving of the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20 and serves as a reminder of the importance of obeying God's commands. The chapter also looks forward to the rest of the book of Exodus, which describes the construction of the tabernacle and the establishment of the priesthood.
Heart Application
The events of Exodus 32 serve as a warning to believers about the dangers of idolatry and the importance of faithfulness to God. The chapter encourages readers to examine their own hearts and lives, to identify any areas of idolatry or rebellion, and to turn to God in repentance and faith.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Exodus 32 tells the story of the Israelites' rebellion against God, their creation of a golden calf, and the consequences that follow. The chapter highlights the importance of faithfulness to God and the dangers of idolatry. In Exodus 32:26, Moses calls for those who are on the Lord's side to come to him, demonstrating the importance of loyalty to God.
Voices from the Church
“The golden calf was a monstrous thing, and yet the people thought it was a god. This shows how blind and foolish humanity is when it comes to spiritual things.”
— John Calvin
“Idolatry is a sin that is always lurking in the heart, waiting to pounce. We must be constantly on guard against it, and seek to worship God alone.”
— Charles Spurgeon
Outline for Preaching
- The Israelites' Rebellion (Exodus 32:1-6) — The Israelites, impatient for Moses' return, persuade Aaron to create a golden calf for them to worship.
- God's Judgment (Exodus 32:7-14) — God sees the Israelites' idolatry and tells Moses, who is still on the mountain, about their rebellion.
- Moses' Intercession (Exodus 32:15-22) — Moses descends from the mountain, sees the calf, and breaks the tablets of the covenant. He then confronts Aaron and the people, and many are killed as a result of their idolatry.
- The Levites' Response (Exodus 32:23-29) — Moses calls for those who are on the Lord's side to come to him, and the Levites respond by executing those who had participated in the idolatry.
- The Aftermath (Exodus 32:30-35) — Moses intercedes for the people, asking God to spare them, and God relents. The chapter ends with Moses calling for the people to consecrate themselves to God.
Core Doctrines
- The sinfulness of humanity
- Exodus 32 demonstrates the sinfulness of humanity, highlighting the Israelites' rebellion against God and their desire to create their own god.
- The importance of faithfulness
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God, demonstrating the consequences of idolatry and the rewards of loyalty.
- The power of intercession
- Moses' intercession on behalf of the Israelites demonstrates the power of prayer and the importance of pleading with God for mercy and forgiveness.
- The role of the Levites
- The Levites' response to Moses' call demonstrates their commitment to following God's commands, even when it is difficult.
Lessons from Exodus 32
- The dangers of idolatry — Exodus 32 teaches us about the dangers of idolatry and the importance of worshiping the one true God.
- The importance of faithfulness — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God, demonstrating the consequences of idolatry and the rewards of loyalty.
- The power of intercession — Moses' intercession on behalf of the Israelites demonstrates the power of prayer and the importance of pleading with God for mercy and forgiveness.
- The role of the Levites — The Levites' response to Moses' call demonstrates their commitment to following God's commands, even when it is difficult.
- The importance of consecration — The chapter ends with Moses calling for the people to consecrate themselves to God, highlighting the importance of setting oneself apart for God's service.
Themes from Exodus 32
- Idolatry and rebellion — Exodus 32 explores the themes of idolatry and rebellion, demonstrating the dangers of turning away from God and the importance of faithfulness.
- Faithfulness and loyalty — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and loyalty to God, demonstrating the rewards of obedience and the consequences of disobedience.
- Intercession and prayer — Moses' intercession on behalf of the Israelites demonstrates the power of prayer and the importance of pleading with God for mercy and forgiveness.
- Consecration and service — The chapter ends with Moses calling for the people to consecrate themselves to God, highlighting the importance of setting oneself apart for God's service.
- God's judgment and mercy — Exodus 32 explores the themes of God's judgment and mercy, demonstrating the seriousness of sin and the importance of seeking God's forgiveness.
Questions for Meditation
- What are some ways that you can be patient and faithful to God, even when circumstances are difficult?
- How can you identify and repent of idolatry in your own life?
- What are some ways that you can intercede for others, praying for their salvation and spiritual growth?
- How can you demonstrate loyalty to God, even when it is difficult or unpopular?
- What are some ways that you can consecrate yourself to God, setting yourself apart for His service?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Israelites' Rebellion (Exodus 32:1-6)
| 32:1 | The Israelites, impatient for Moses' return, persuade Aaron to create a golden calf for them to worship. |
| 32:2 | Aaron tells the people to bring him their gold jewelry, which he uses to create the calf. |
| 32:3 | The people say, 'These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt!' |
| 32:4 | Aaron builds an altar in front of the calf and announces a festival to the Lord. |
| 32:5 | The people offer sacrifices to the calf and engage in revelry. |
| 32:6 | The people sit down to eat and drink, and then rise up to play. |
2. God's Judgment (Exodus 32:7-14)
| 32:7 | God tells Moses about the Israelites' idolatry and says, 'Your people, whom you brought up out of Egypt, have corrupted themselves.' |
| 32:8 | God says, 'They have quickly turned aside from the way I commanded them.' |
| 32:9 | God says, 'I have seen these people, and they are a stiff-necked people.' |
| 32:10 | God says, 'Now leave me alone, that my anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them.' |
| 32:11 | Moses intercedes for the people, asking God to spare them. |
| 32:12 | Moses reminds God of His promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. |
| 32:13 | Moses asks God to remember His covenant with the Israelites. |
| 32:14 | The Lord relents and does not bring on the people the disaster He had threatened. |
3. Moses' Intercession (Exodus 32:15-22)
| 32:15 | Moses descends from the mountain with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands. |
| 32:16 | The tablets are the work of God, and the writing is the writing of God, engraved on the tablets. |
| 32:17 | Joshua hears the noise of the people and says to Moses, 'It is not the sound of victory, it is not the sound of defeat; it is the sound of singing that I hear.' |
| 32:18 | Moses says, 'It is not the sound of victory, it is not the sound of defeat; it is the sound of singing that I hear.' |
| 32:19 | Moses sees the calf and the dancing, and his anger burns. |
| 32:20 | Moses throws the tablets out of his hands and breaks them to pieces at the foot of the mountain. |
| 32:21 | Moses asks Aaron, 'What did these people do to you, that you led them into such great sin?' |
| 32:22 | Aaron says, 'Do not be angry, my lord. You know how prone these people are to evil.' |
4. The Levites' Response (Exodus 32:23-29)
| 32:23 | Moses stands in the gate of the camp and says, 'Who is on the Lord's side? Come to me.' |
| 32:24 | All the Levites rally to him. |
| 32:25 | Moses says, 'Each of you, put to death your brothers, your friends, and your neighbors.' |
| 32:26 | The Levites do as Moses commands, and about three thousand of the people die. |
| 32:27 | Moses says, 'You have been set apart to the Lord today, and you have received a blessing.' |
| 32:28 | The Levites say, 'We have done as you commanded, and we have been set apart to the Lord.' |
| 32:29 | Moses says, 'You have been ordained for service to the Lord, and you will receive a blessing.' |
5. The Aftermath (Exodus 32:30-35)
| 32:30 | The next day Moses says to the people, 'You have committed a great sin. But now I will go up to the Lord; perhaps I can make atonement for your sin.' |
| 32:31 | Moses returns to the Lord and says, 'Oh, what a great sin these people have committed! They have made for themselves gods of gold.' |
| 32:32 | Moses asks God to blot him out of His book if He will not forgive the people's sin. |
| 32:33 | The Lord says to Moses, 'Whoever has sinned against me I will blot out of my book.' |
| 32:34 | The Lord says, 'Now go, lead the people to the place I spoke of, and my angel will go before you.' |
| 32:35 | The Lord strikes the people with a plague because of what they did with the calf Aaron made. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the golden calf in Exodus 32?
The golden calf represents the Israelites' idolatry and rebellion against God. It serves as a reminder of the dangers of turning away from God and the importance of faithfulness. (Exodus 32:1-6)
Why does God want to destroy the Israelites in Exodus 32?
God wants to destroy the Israelites because of their idolatry and rebellion against Him. However, Moses intercedes for the people, asking God to spare them, and God relents. (Exodus 32:7-14)
What is the role of the Levites in Exodus 32?
The Levites respond to Moses' call to come to his side and execute those who had participated in the idolatry. They demonstrate their commitment to following God's commands, even when it is difficult. (Exodus 32:26-29)
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 32:1 → Deuteronomy 9:16 | The Israelites' creation of the golden calf is also described in Deuteronomy 9:16, which emphasizes the seriousness of their sin. |
| 2 | Exodus 32:4 → 1 Kings 12:28 | The golden calf is also mentioned in 1 Kings 12:28, which describes how Jeroboam sets up golden calves in Bethel and Dan. |
| 3 | Exodus 32:7 → Psalm 106:19-20 | The Israelites' idolatry is also described in Psalm 106:19-20, which emphasizes the seriousness of their sin and God's judgment. |
| 4 | Exodus 32:11 → Numbers 14:13-20 | Moses' intercession for the Israelites is also described in Numbers 14:13-20, which emphasizes the importance of prayer and intercession. |
| 5 | Exodus 32:26 → Deuteronomy 33:9 | The Levites' response to Moses' call is also described in Deuteronomy 33:9, which emphasizes their commitment to following God's commands. |
| 6 | Exodus 32:30 → Leviticus 16:20-22 | Moses' offer to make atonement for the people's sin is also described in Leviticus 16:20-22, which emphasizes the importance of atonement and forgiveness. |
| 7 | Exodus 32:32 → Psalm 69:28 | Moses' request to be blotted out of God's book is also mentioned in Psalm 69:28 and Revelation 3:5, which emphasize the importance of being written in God's book. |
| 8 | Exodus 32:34 → Hebrews 13:20-21 | The Lord's promise to go before the people is also described in Hebrews 13:20-21, which emphasizes God's presence and guidance. |
| 9 | Exodus 32:35 → 1 Corinthians 10:7-8 | The Israelites' idolatry and subsequent judgment are also described in 1 Corinthians 10:7-8, which emphasizes the importance of avoiding idolatry and following God's commands. |
| 10 | Exodus 32:1-35 → John 1:1 | The events of Exodus 32 serve as a reminder of humanity's sinful nature and the need for a Savior, which is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. (John 1:1) |
Sermons on Exodus 32
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Your Passion for God by Gbile Akanni | In this sermon, the preacher shares his personal experience of longing for something more in his preaching and his relationship with God. He expresses a dissatisfaction with just g |
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Intercession - Part 1 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the preacher discusses four important aspects of Jesus' sacrifice. Firstly, Jesus poured out his soul unto death by shedding every drop of his blood, as the scriptu |
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Aaron's Failure by Duncan Campbell | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of his daughter giving a testimony before leaving for Nepal. She attributes her faith and presence at the meeting to her pa |
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Intimacy With God - Prayer Meeting (Cd Quality) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing the word of God to understand His glory and majesty. He refers to Acts chapter 4 verse 13, where it is mentioned th |
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Esther - Prayer Meeting by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a fixed heart in times of trouble. He warns that America is heading towards serious trouble and those whose hearts |
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(Gospel in the Book of Esther) 1. the Doom of the People by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the theme of redemption and foreshadowing in the word of God. He emphasizes that even though the nation of Israel faced discipline and conseq |
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Disappointments Can Be Dangerous by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a pastor who falls asleep while traveling and has a dream about a ladder reaching into heaven. He sees angels coming and going, sy |
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The Man Who Didn't Want the Job by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the challenges and criticisms faced by Moses during his ministry. Despite the difficulties, Moses remained focused on the glory of God. The |
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(Blood Covenant) 6 - Intercession by Milton Green | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of listening to the tapes in numerical order to fully understand the series. The sermon begins with a prayer of worship to God |
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Hannah Effectual Prayer by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the pastor begins by praying for the breaking of spiritual bondage and for the transformation of the past into light. He then talks about the importance of having a |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Exodus 32
In Exodus 32, we see the Israelites' rebellion against God, their creation of the golden calf, and the subsequent judgment. This chapter serves as a warning to believers about the dangers of idolatry and the importance of faithfulness. Matthew Henry notes that the Israelites' sin was not just a minor infraction, but a serious rebellion against God. He also emphasizes the importance of Moses' intercession, which demonstrates the power of prayer and the importance of pleading with God for mercy and forgiveness. Ultimately, the chapter highlights God's character, demonstrating His justice, mercy, and patience. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Impatience leads to idolatry
The Israelites' impatience for Moses' return leads them to create their own god, demonstrating how quickly people can turn away from God when they are not patient and faithful.
Idolatry has consequences
The Israelites' idolatry results in judgment and death, highlighting the seriousness of sin and the importance of worshiping the one true God.
Intercession is powerful
Moses' intercession on behalf of the Israelites demonstrates the power of prayer and the importance of pleading with God for mercy and forgiveness.