Topical Bible: Intercession: Answered: After the Israelites had Made the Golden Calf

Bible > Topical > Intercession

◄ Intercession: Answered: After the Israelites had Made the Golden Calf ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The episode of the Golden Calf is a significant event in the history of Israel, illustrating both the severity of idolatry and the power of intercessory prayer. This event is recorded in the Book of Exodus, chapters 32-34, where Moses acts as an intercessor for the people of Israel after they fall into sin.

Context and Sin of the Golden Calf

While Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving the Law from God, the Israelites grew impatient and demanded that Aaron make them gods to lead them. Aaron complied and fashioned a calf from their gold jewelry, proclaiming it as the god that brought them out of Egypt. The people then engaged in revelry and idolatrous worship around the calf (Exodus 32:1-6).

God's Anger and Moses' Intercession

God's wrath was kindled against the Israelites for their idolatry, and He declared His intention to destroy them and make a great nation out of Moses instead. "Now leave Me alone," God said, "so that My anger may burn against them and consume them. Then I will make you into a great nation" (Exodus 32:10).

Moses, however, pleaded with God on behalf of the people. He appealed to God's reputation among the Egyptians and reminded God of His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Moses implored, "Turn from Your fierce anger; relent and do not bring disaster on Your people" (Exodus 32:12).

God's Response to Intercession

In response to Moses' intercession, the Lord relented from the disaster He had threatened to bring upon His people (Exodus 32:14). This demonstrates the efficacy of intercessory prayer and the mercy of God, who is willing to forgive and restore His people when they repent and when a righteous intercessor stands in the gap.

Renewal of the Covenant

Following this, Moses descended the mountain, confronted the sin of the people, and destroyed the Golden Calf. He then returned to God to seek atonement for their sin. God instructed Moses to chisel out two new stone tablets, and He renewed the covenant with Israel, reaffirming His commitment to them despite their transgression (Exodus 34:1-10).

Significance of Moses' Intercession

Moses' intercession is a profound example of a leader's responsibility to advocate for his people before God. It highlights the importance of prayer and the role of a mediator in seeking God's mercy. Moses' actions foreshadow the ultimate intercessor, Jesus Christ, who stands before God on behalf of humanity.

This event underscores the seriousness of idolatry and the need for repentance, while also showcasing God's readiness to forgive when approached with genuine intercession and humility.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 32:11-14,31-34
And Moses sought the LORD his God, and said, LORD, why does your wrath wax hot against your people, which you have brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power, and with a mighty hand?
Nave's Topical Index

Deuteronomy 9:18-29
And I fell down before the LORD, as at the first, forty days and forty nights: I did neither eat bread, nor drink water, because of all your sins which you sinned, in doing wickedly in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.
Nave's Topical Index

Deuteronomy 10:10
And I stayed in the mount, according to the first time, forty days and forty nights; and the LORD listened to me at that time also, and the LORD would not destroy you.
Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 106:23
Therefore he said that he would destroy them, had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach, to turn away his wrath, lest he should destroy them.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility
... reproved, [514]373; and their sayings answered, [515]374 ... 124; shown from history
of the Israelites, [547]133 ... 161; Apostles patterns of devotion after receiving it ...
/.../abraham his trial in egypt.htm

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... been read and offered up which have not been answered. ... that which puts worth into
his whole intercession is the ... water-brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ;
... by his atonement, mediation, and intercession; and the ... Jesus, slighting their compliment,
answered, "Verily, verily ... given," must be restrained, after the same ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/come and welcome to jesus.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... which threefold state of this city shall be most exactly answered by our gospel ... city,
the city that the Lord hath chosen; for after that he had said before ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm