(The Lord speaking is red text)
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.
Now leave me alone, so that my anger can blaze against them, and I can put an end to them! I will make a great nation out of you instead."
Now leave Me alone, so that My anger may burn against them and consume them. Then I will make you into a great nation.”
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.
Now therefore let me alone{H3240}, that my wrath{H639} may wax hot{H2734} against them, and that I may consume{H3615} them: and I will make{H6213} of thee a great{H1419} nation{H1471}.
**Themes:**
- Idolatry and Its Consequences: Exodus 32:10 is part of the narrative where the Israelites, led by Aaron, create and worship a golden calf while Moses is on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments. This act of idolatry is a direct violation of the first commandment and provokes God's wrath.
- Divine Justice and Mercy: The verse reflects God's intention to punish the Israelites for their disobedience, highlighting the theme of divine justice. However, it also sets the stage for Moses' intercession, which ultimately leads to God's mercy, illustrating the tension between justice and forgiveness in the divine-human relationship.
- Covenant and Faithfulness: The incident underscores the importance of the covenant between God and Israel, and the necessity of faithfulness to that covenant. The Israelites' betrayal threatens their status as God's chosen people, which Moses seeks to restore through his plea.
**Historical Context:**
- The Exodus Era: This event occurs during the Exodus, when the Israelites have been freed from slavery in Egypt. They are on their way to the Promised Land, and the establishment of the covenant at Sinai is a pivotal moment in their journey.
- The Formation of Israelite Identity: The incident with the golden calf happens at a time when the Israelites are in the process of forming their identity as a nation under God. Their actions reflect the challenges of monotheism in a polytheistic world and the struggle to maintain religious exclusivity.
- The Role of Moses as Mediator: Moses serves as a mediator between God and the people, a role that is crucial in this instance. His intervention on behalf of the Israelites is a key moment in the narrative, emphasizing his role as a leader and intercessor.
In summary, Exodus 32:10 addresses the seriousness of idolatry and the consequences of breaking the covenant with God. It highlights the themes of divine justice and mercy, and the need for a mediator in the relationship between God and His people. The verse is set against the backdrop of the formative period of Israelite history, as the nation's identity and faithfulness to God are being established.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)