Lesson #16 - The Golden Calf / Ex. 32

Terry Siverd
10/09/16 - Sun AM

Series: God's Man Moses - Israel's Exodus From Egypt

WHILE MOSES WAS ON THE MOUNT

As a backdrop to what is about to unfold, we must keep in mind that on at least three previous

occasions the people of Israel had unequivocally avowed obedience to God. – cf. Ex.19:8 and 24:3 & 7

1. Their impatience led to impulsive behavior.

  How long had Moses been on the mount? – Ex.24:18 with Ex.31:18

Come, make us a god who will go before us; as for this Moses…we do not know what has become of him. – vs.1

  Do we, like ancient Israel, sometimes have trouble “waiting on the Lord”?

2. Was Aaron an accomplice?  How does one explain his willingness to cooperate?

  Describe the idol-making scenario. – vss.2-5

…The people sat down to eat and to drink and rose up to play. – vss.6 & 19

~”Play” is sometimes a euphemism for “fornication” - - cf. Gen.39:14

~”Naked” in vs.25/KJV is probably best translated “let loose, or stripped of restraint”

  How believable was Aaron’s “defense”? – vss.21-24

…You know the people yourself, that they are prone to evil  (i.e., set for mischief). – vs.22

~Note Stephen’s commentary in Acts 7:39-41

  Did Moses hold Aaron accountable? – vs.25

WHEN MOSES DESCENDED THE MOUNTAIN

1. Who gave Moses a “heads-up” as to what was transpiring in the camp? – vs.7

  Note the words God employed to describe the people:  corrupted  and obstinate. – vss.7b & 9

  Was God’s wrath provoked? – vs.10

2. Describe Moses’ immediate intercessions for the people. – vss.11f

  Notice the language - - God says, “your” people (vs.7) … Moses reminds God they are “Thy” people (vss.11 & 12)

So the Lord changed His mind about the harm which He said He would do to His people. – vs.14

  When Moses returned to the mount, how did he continue to advocate or intercede for the people? – vss.30f

  Is every man and woman accountable for his or her  own misdeeds? – vs.33

3. Who was with Moses on the mountain (Ex.24:13) and what “sound” did he detect? – vss.17-18

4. What was Moses’ reaction to this turn of events? – vs.19-20

  Was it wrong for Moses to break to tables of stone?  Had the people not broken their covenant with God?

  What did Moses do with the golden calf? – cf. Deut.9:21

  What punishment was inflicted?  How many people were executed? – vss.25f

  Was the more punishment to follow in God’s due time? – vss.34-35

An old Jewish proverb:  No affliction has ever happened to Israel In which there was not some particle of the dust of the golden calf.

? Your assignment for next week:  read Exodus 33-34 4 regarding Resumption, Intercession & Replacement