26 July 2021

26 July 2021

As soon as he came near the camp and saw the calf and the dancing, Moses’ anger burned hot, and he threw the tablets from his hands and broke them at the foot of the mountain. He took the calf that they had made, burned it with fire, ground it to powder, scattered it on the water, and made the Israelites drink it.

Exodus 32:15-24, 30-34, NRSV

The people of Israel had not long committed to their Covenant with God when they rebelled and resorted to idolatry.  While Moses was on the holy mountain for forty days, the people began to think that he might not return and they asked Aaron, who had been left in charge, to make them a “god” to go ahead of them. As he descended the mountain, Moses was understandably angry when he saw the people worshipping this “god” in the form of a golden calf. God had already done many great things for these people yet they seemed so easily to forget this and their part in the relationship. When his anger had abated, Moses decided to try and make atonement for their sin. Moses was even prepared to sacrifice himself to gain forgiveness for the people but this was not part of God’s plan. Moses was to continue to lead the people to the Promised Land. The nation would be spared but there would be punishment for those who had been unfaithful.

    • Why do you think Moses was so angry with the people?
    • What forms does idolatry take in our own times?

Pray for those whose lives are are exploited by others.

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