Day 37 · Part 3: Out of Egypt
The Golden Calf
In the Story
In context
While Moses is on the mountain forty days (Exodus 24:18), the people say they don’t know what has become of him and ask Aaron to make them gods. He makes a calf from their gold earrings, and they hold a feast (32:1–6). The Lord says he will consume them; Moses pleads, reminding him of his promise to Abraham, Isaac and Israel, and the Lord turns away from the harm he had spoken of (32:10–14). Moses breaks the tablets when he sees the calf (32:19). This is a hard reading: the Levites kill about three thousand men (32:28).
Moses meets the Lord in a tent outside the camp, where the Lord speaks with him “face to face, as a man speaks to his friend” (33:11), and promises, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest” (33:14). On the mountain with two new tablets, Moses hears the Lord proclaim his name: “a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness and truth” (34:6). These words come back often in the Bible (Joel 2:13; Jonah 4:2). Coming down, Moses doesn’t know his face is shining, and afterward he covers it with a veil (34:29–35).
Yahweh is gracious, merciful, slow to anger, and of great loving kindness. Yahweh is good to all. His tender mercies are over all his works.
Psalms 145:8–9 · The Lord proclaims himself “a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger” (Exodus 34:6); this psalm praises him in nearly the same words.
In the Bible
World English Bible, as published by eBible.org (public domain).
Exodus 32
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Exodus 33
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Exodus 34
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A hymn for today
Amazing Grace · words by John Newton
- Amazing grace! how sweet the soundThat saved a wretch like me!I once was lost, but now am found,Was blind, but now I see.
- 'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,And grace my fears relieved;How precious did that grace appearThe hour I first believed!
- Through many dangers, toils and snares,I have already come;'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,And grace will lead me home.
- When we've been there ten thousand years,Bright shining as the sun,We've no less days to sing God's praiseThan when we first begun.