Exodus 32:10
Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation.
Original Language Analysis
וְעַתָּה֙
H6258
הַנִּ֣יחָה
Now therefore let me alone
H3240
הַנִּ֣יחָה
Now therefore let me alone
Strong's:
H3240
Word #:
2 of 11
to deposit; by implication, to allow to stay
וְיִֽחַר
may wax hot
H2734
וְיִֽחַר
may wax hot
Strong's:
H2734
Word #:
4 of 11
to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy
אַפִּ֥י
that my wrath
H639
אַפִּ֥י
that my wrath
Strong's:
H639
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
וַֽאֲכַלֵּ֑ם
against them and that I may consume
H3615
וַֽאֲכַלֵּ֑ם
against them and that I may consume
Strong's:
H3615
Word #:
7 of 11
to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
וְאֶֽעֱשֶׂ֥ה
them and I will make
H6213
וְאֶֽעֱשֶׂ֥ה
them and I will make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
8 of 11
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֽוֹתְךָ֖
H853
אֽוֹתְךָ֖
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Deuteronomy 9:14Let me alone, that I may destroy them, and blot out their name from under heaven: and I will make of thee a nation mightier and greater than they.Numbers 14:12I will smite them with the pestilence, and disinherit them, and will make of thee a greater nation and mightier than they.Deuteronomy 9:19For I was afraid of the anger and hot displeasure, wherewith the LORD was wroth against you to destroy you. But the LORD hearkened unto me at that time also.Exodus 22:24And my wrath shall wax hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless.Exodus 32:19And it came to pass, as soon as he came nigh unto the camp, that he saw the calf, and the dancing: and Moses' anger waxed hot, and he cast the tables out of his hands, and brake them beneath the mount.Exodus 32:11And Moses besought the LORD his God, and said, LORD, why doth thy wrath wax hot against thy people, which thou hast brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power, and with a mighty hand?Numbers 16:22And they fell upon their faces, and said, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and wilt thou be wroth with all the congregation?
Historical Context
This parallels Abraham's intercession for Sodom (Gen 18) and anticipates Christ's high priestly intercession (Heb 7:25). God's offer to Moses tests whether Moses would prioritize personal advancement or covenant faithfulness.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's invitation to Moses teach about intercessory prayer's power?
- When tempted with personal advancement, do you advocate for God's glory or your own?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God's command וְעַתָּה הַנִּיחָה לִּי (ve'ata hanicha li, now therefore let Me alone) seems strange—why would omnipotent God need Moses to 'let Him alone'? This reveals God's willingness to be persuaded by intercessory prayer, inviting Moses into the decision. The phrase וְיִחַר־אַפִּי בָהֶם (veyichar-api bahem, that My wrath may wax hot) uses fire imagery for righteous indignation. וַאֲכַלֵּם (va'achalem, and I may consume them) shows the covenant-breaking deserved death. God's promise to make Moses גּוֹי גָּדוֹל (goy gadol, a great nation) echoes His Abrahamic promise (Gen 12:2), offering Moses the patriarchal role.