Exodus 32:19
And 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.
Original Language Analysis
וַֽיְהִ֗י
H1961
וַֽיְהִ֗י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 20
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
2 of 20
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
קָרַב֙
And it came to pass as soon as he came nigh
H7126
קָרַב֙
And it came to pass as soon as he came nigh
Strong's:
H7126
Word #:
3 of 20
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֔ה
unto the camp
H4264
הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֔ה
unto the camp
Strong's:
H4264
Word #:
5 of 20
an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e
וַיַּ֥רְא
that he saw
H7200
וַיַּ֥רְא
that he saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
6 of 20
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָעֵ֖גֶל
the calf
H5695
הָעֵ֖גֶל
the calf
Strong's:
H5695
Word #:
8 of 20
a (male) calf (as frisking round), especially one nearly grown (i.e., a steer)
וַיִּֽחַר
waxed hot
H2734
וַיִּֽחַר
waxed hot
Strong's:
H2734
Word #:
10 of 20
to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy
אַ֣ף
anger
H639
אַ֣ף
anger
Strong's:
H639
Word #:
11 of 20
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
וַיַּשְׁלֵ֤ךְ
and he cast
H7993
וַיַּשְׁלֵ֤ךְ
and he cast
Strong's:
H7993
Word #:
13 of 20
to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)
מִיָּדָו֙
out of his hands
H3027
מִיָּדָו֙
out of his hands
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
14 of 20
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
15 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַלֻּחֹ֔ת
the tables
H3871
הַלֻּחֹ֔ת
the tables
Strong's:
H3871
Word #:
16 of 20
probably meaning to glisten; a tablet (as polished), of stone, wood or metal
אֹתָ֖ם
H853
אֹתָ֖ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
18 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
This is the only time Moses' anger is recorded positively. His rage mirrored God's (v10), showing godly leaders should reflect God's attitude toward sin, particularly idolatry that attacks His unique glory.
Questions for Reflection
- What role does righteous anger play in spiritual leadership?
- How does Israel's covenant-breaking prefigure the need for a new covenant (Jer 31:31-34)?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Moses' reaction was visceral: וַיִּחַר־אַף מֹשֶׁה (vayyichar-af Moshe, Moses' anger burned hot)—the same phrase used of God's wrath (v10). His shattering the tablets וַיְשַׁבֵּר אֹתָם (vayshabber otam, and broke them) at the mountain's foot symbolized Israel's covenant-breaking. The tablets represented God's covenant; their destruction enacted the broken relationship. Moses saw הָעֵגֶל וּמְחֹלֹת (ha'egel umecholot, the calf and dancing)—the מְחֹלֹת (mecholot) suggests whirling, ecstatic pagan-style dancing likely with sexual overtones. Righteous anger at sin against God's glory is appropriate, especially for leaders.