Exodus 32 Images and
Notes
Brief Summary: It is a very lamentable interruption which
the story of this chapter gives to the record of the
establishment of the church, and of religion among the Jews.
Things went on admirably well towards that happy settlement: God
had shown himself very favourable, and the people also had
seemed to be pretty tractable. Moses had now almost completed
his forty days upon the mount, and, we may suppose, was pleasing
himself with the thoughts of the very joyful welcome he should
have to the camp of Israel at his return, and the speedy setting
up of the tabernacle among them. But, behold, the measures are
broken, the sin of Israel turns away those good things from
them, and puts a stop to the current of God's favours; the sin
that did the mischief (would you think it?) was worshipping a
golden calf. The marriage was ready to be solemnized between God
and Israel, but Israel plays the harlot, and so the match is
broken, and it will be no easy matter to piece it again. Here
is, I. The sin of Israel, and of Aaron particularly, in making
the golden calf for a god (v. 1-4), and worshipping it (v. 5, v.
6). II. The notice which God gave of this to Moses, who was now
in the mount with him (v. 7, v. 8), and the sentence of his
wrath against them (v. 9, v. 10). III. The intercession which
Moses immediately made for them in the mount (v. 11-13), and the
prevalency of that intercession (v. 14). IV. His coming down
from the mount, when he became an eye-witness of their idolatry
(v. 15-19), in abhorrence of which, and as an expression of just
indignation, he broke the tables (v. 19), and burnt the golden
calf (v. 20). V. The examination of Aaron about it (v. 21-24).
VI. Execution done upon the ring-leaders in the idolatry (v.
25-29). VII. The further intercession Moses made for them, to
turn away the wrath of God from them (v. 30-32), and a reprieve
granted thereupon, reserving them for a further reckoning (v.
33, etc.).
Outline
The people cause Aaron to make a golden calf. (1-6)
God's displeasure, The intercession of Moses. (7-14)
Moses breaks the tables of the law, He destroys the golden calf.
(15-20)
Aaron's excuse, The idolaters slain. (21-29)
Moses prays for the people. (30-35)
Photo of the Sinai Wilderness
Important Topics for Bible Study
Quick Reference Map
Map of the Possible Route of the
Exodus
(Click to Enlarge)
Ancient Customs
Ancient People
Geography
the wilderness
the mount of God
Quick Reference Maps
The Exodus of the Hebrews
Mount Horeb
The Red Sea
Map of the Red Sea and Egypt
(Click to Enlarge)
The Old Testament
Exodus Resources
Moses
and the Exodus
The Giving of the Law
The
Tabernacle
The Wilderness Wanderings
