Exodus 31-35

“Go down, because your people, whom you brought up out of Egypt, have become corrupt. They have been quick to turn away from what I commanded them ...” (32:7). As Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving the Word that would give the Israelites their pattern of life as God’s people, they were dancing around a golden calf. Moses begged God not to totally destroy the Israelites (32:9-14), and God showed mercy. The original tablets were broken, yet God renewed his promise: “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest” (33:14).

The Israelites’ worst failure revealed God’s character. “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness” ... (34:6).