Pentecost Season · Proper 19 · Year C
Exodus 32:7-14
The Golden Calf
September 17, 2028
Overview & Insights
“These are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.” (Exodus 32:4)
Exodus 32–34 forms an important watershed for understanding God’s relationship to the world. The Creator had sought to redeem, form, and live among the people. To this end God delivered them out of Egypt, brought them to Mt. Sinai by going with them in the fiery cloud, and provided for them in the wilderness. At Sinai God set about forming them into the sort of community originally intended: in trust and fidelity with the Lord, with each other, and with the nonhuman creation.
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Commentary
Commentary on Exodus 32:7-14 Working Preacher
Explains Moses' three-part argument that turns aside God's wrath.
Exodus 32:1-14 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
Reads the golden calf as impatience turned into idolatry, a temptation not unique to Israel.
Exodus 32 Commentary: The Golden Calf Enduring Word · David Guzik
Walks through the whole golden calf episode including Moses' intercession.
Exodus 32:7 Commentaries BibleHub
Collects several classic commentaries on God's report of the people's apostasy.
Exodus 32 Commentary Precept Austin
Provides a devotional, verse by verse study of the golden calf and its aftermath.
Background & Word Study
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
What is the golden calf?
While Moses is on the mountain, Israel makes and worships a golden calf (Exodus 32). God’s anger burns, but Moses intercedes and “the Lord relented.” It is the archetypal story of idolatry and of a mediator who pleads for the people.
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