Exodus 32:7
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 32:7
7 And the LORD said unto Moses, Go, get thee down; for thy people, which thou broughtest out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves:
Chapter Context
Exodus 32 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of grace, prayer, judgment. 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 provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. 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 32:7
7 And the LORD said unto Moses, Go, get thee down; for thy people, which thou broughtest out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves:
Analysis
God's command to Moses לֶךְ־רֵד (lech-red, go, get down) is abrupt and urgent. God disassociates from Israel by calling them עַמְּךָ (amcha, 'your people') rather than 'My people,' and emphasizes אֲשֶׁר הֶעֱלִיתָ (asher he'elita, which you brought up) instead of acknowledging His own redemption. The verb שִׁחֵת (shichet, corrupted themselves) means to ruin utterly, to become depraved—they had destroyed their covenant relationship. The speed of their turning (מִהֲרוּ סָרוּ, miharu saru, quickly turned) reveals the human heart's instability without divine grace.
Historical Context
This occurred while Moses was receiving the law on Sinai. God's immediate knowledge of the sin below emphasizes His omniscience and the impossibility of hiding sin from Him.
Reflection
- How does God's 'your people' versus 'My people' reveal the seriousness of corporate sin?
- What does the speed of Israel's apostasy teach about human nature apart from grace?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Exodus 19:24, 32:11, Deuteronomy 9:12
- Parallel theme: Judges 2:19, Hosea 9:9