In the book of Exodus, we witness a profound moment in the relationship between God and His chosen people. In Exodus 32:11-13, we find a scene filled with tension, emotion, and most importantly, divine intercession. These verses encapsulate Moses’ plea to God for the Israelites, showcasing the power of prayer, the seriousness of rebellion, and the faithfulness of God’s promises.
Moses stands in the gap as a mediator, begging the Lord to reconsider His decision to destroy the people He has led out of Egypt. Verse 11 begins with the words, "And Moses besought the Lord his God," illustrating the urgency and desperation of his plea. Moses does not approach God with entitlement; he approaches with humility, recognizing the gravity of the situation. His question, "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?" illustrates a deep knowledge of God’s character and His past actions. Here, Moses affirms that it was God alone who liberated the people from slavery, emphasizing that these are not just any people; they are God’s people.
Yet, Moses does not shy away from the reality of the Israelites’ sin. The previous chapter reveals that the people, in anticipation of Moses' return, created a golden calf to worship, turning away from God almost as soon as His back was turned. This blatant act of idolatry elicited God’s righteous anger; He is ready to consume His people in judgment. However, Moses, aware of both God's justice and mercy, implores for mercy instead of judgment. "Turn from thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against thy people" (v. 12) becomes the crux of his intercession. Moses isn’t simply asking for a change of heart; he’s reminding God of the stakes involved, particularly the reputation of God among the Egyptians.
In verse 13, Moses adds another layer to his plea by reminding God of the covenant made with Abraham, Isaac, and Israel. "Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, thy servants, to whom thou swarest by thine own self..." His argument is steeped in the history of God’s faithfulness. Moses appeals to God's unchanging nature and promises, asking God to remember His word, which is the foundation of hope for humanity. When Moses recalls the covenant, he demonstrates an understanding of God’s overarching plan, reminding the Lord and himself that the Israelites are part of a larger narrative of redemption.
Through these verses, we are challenged to consider our own approach to God. Are we coming to Him with empty requests, or are we engaging in heartfelt intercession that appeals to His character and promises? Moses illustrates the importance of prayer not just as a means of communication, but as a tool for advocating on behalf of others.
Furthermore, this passage teaches us about the power of remembrance—Moses invokes the memory of God’s past actions and commitments. God’s promises are not fickle; they are steadfast. They are grounded in His nature. In difficult times, as we often face our own modern 'golden calf' moments, we too can remember God's promises to us: promises of love, hope, guidance, and grace.
In closing, let us be more like Moses: willing to intercede for others, fully aware of God’s power to change situations, and ever reminding ourselves and God of His eternal faithfulness. May our prayers be rooted in His promises and character, and may we find assurance that, just as He listened to Moses, He hears us today. As we navigate the challenges of life, may we always turn to our gracious God in prayer, knowing that He responds to the cries of His people.
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Artwork for Exodus 32:11-13
Exodus 32:11-13 - "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? Why should the Egyptians say, ‘It was with evil intent that he brought them out, to kill them in the mountains and to wipe them off the face of the earth’? Turn from your fierce anger; relent and do not bring disaster on your people. Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac and Israel, to whom you swore by your own self: ‘I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and I will give your descendants all this land I promised them, and it will be their inheritance forever.’”"
"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? Why should the Egyptians say, ‘It was with evil intent that he brought them out, to kill them in the mountains and to wipe them off the face of the earth’? Turn from your fierce anger; relent and do not bring disaster on your people. Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac and Israel, to whom you swore by your own self: ‘I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and I will give your descendants all this land I promised them, and it will be their inheritance forever.’”" - Exodus 32:11-13
Exodus 32:28
Exodus 13:11 - "¶ And it shall be when the LORD shall bring thee into the land of the Canaanites, as he sware unto thee and to thy fathers, and shall give it thee,"
Exodus 32:11 - "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?"
Exodus 32:31-32 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. / Yet now, if You would only forgive their sin.... But if not, please blot me out of the book that You have written.” Exodus 32:31-32
Exodus 32:13 - "Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, thy servants, to whom thou swarest by thine own self, and saidst unto them, I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have spoken of will I give unto your seed, and they shall inherit it for ever."
Exodus 32:32 - "Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin--; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written."
Exodus 23:32 - "Thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor with their gods."
Exodus 35:32 - "And to devise curious works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,"
Exodus 9:32 - "But the wheat and the rie were not smitten: for they were not grown up."
The Plague of Flies - Exodus 8:20-32
The Plague of Flies - Exodus 8:20-32.
The Plague of Flies - Exodus 8:20-32
Exodus 32:35 - "And the LORD plagued the people, because they made the calf, which Aaron made."
Nehemiah 11:32 - "And at Anathoth, Nob, Ananiah,"
in the context of Exodus 13:11-15, draw an image of a man presenting his firstborn infant son to the priests, and giving him a sum of money in order to redeem the child.
in the context of Exodus 13:11-15, draw an image of a man presenting his firstborn infant son to the priests, and giving him a sum of money in order to redeem the child.
Romans 11:25-32
Luke 15:11-32
Psalm 1:1-3
Exodus 32:16 - "And the tables were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, graven upon the tables."
Pain 1:1-3
Exodus 32:14 - "And the LORD repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people."
Exodus 32:9 - "And the LORD said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people:"
Jeremiah 32:13 - "¶ And I charged Baruch before them, saying,"
1 Kings 11:29-32
Exodus 29:32 - "And Aaron and his sons shall eat the flesh of the ram, and the bread that is in the basket, by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation."
Exodus 8:32 - "And Pharaoh hardened his heart at this time also, neither would he let the people go."
Exodus 36:32 - "And five bars for the boards of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the tabernacle for the sides westward."