Exodus 32:31
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 32:31
31 And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold.
Chapter Context
Exodus 32 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of faith, obedience, redemption. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-35: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 32:31
31 And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold.
Analysis
Moses returns (וַיָּשָׁב מֹשֶׁה אֶל־יְהוָה, vayyashov Moshe el-Adonai) to renew intercession. His cry אָנָּא (anna, Oh!) expresses deep anguish. The repeated phrase חָטָא הָעָם־הַזֶּה חֲטָאָה גְדֹלָה (chata ha'am-hazeh chata'ah gedolah, this people has sinned a great sin) emphasizes enormity. The specific sin—וַיַּעֲשׂוּ לָהֶם אֱלֹהֵי זָהָב (vaya'asu lahem elohei zahav, they have made for themselves gods of gold)—is stated plainly before God. Moses doesn't minimize or excuse but confesses fully, prerequisite for atonement. The plural 'gods' (אֱלֹהֵי, elohei) may reflect the people's plural declaration (v4) or emphasize the sin's multiplied wickedness.
Historical Context
Moses' confession before God models proper intercession: acknowledge sin's full reality without excuse or minimization. Only honest confession precedes genuine forgiveness (1 John 1:9).
Reflection
- How does your confession before God honestly acknowledge sin's true nature?
- Why must intercession begin with truthful acknowledgment rather than excuse-making?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H430 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- References God: Exodus 20:23
- Sin: Exodus 32:30, Daniel 9:8, 9:11