Exodus 32:10

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}.

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.โ€

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.

Commentary

Context

Exodus 32:10 is a pivotal moment following the infamous golden calf incident. While Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments and further instructions from God, the Israelites, growing impatient, compelled Aaron to fashion an idol for them to worship. This act represented a direct and profound violation of the very first commandments God had just given: having no other gods before Him and not making graven images (Exodus 20:3-4). God, witnessing their rebellion, expresses His righteous indignation to Moses, revealing His intent to destroy the unfaithful nation and start anew through Moses.

Key Themes

  • Divine Wrath and Justice: The verse vividly portrays God's intense anger (His wrath "may wax hot") and His just response to blatant idolatry and covenant-breaking. God's holiness demands a response to such profound sin.
  • God's Test of Moses: By offering to "consume" Israel and make a "great nation" of Moses, God presents a profound test of Moses' character and leadership. It challenges Moses' allegiance and compassion for the very people who had so quickly turned away from God.
  • The Seriousness of Idolatry: This passage underscores the extreme gravity with which God views idolatry. It is not merely a ritualistic error but a direct affront to His sovereignty and uniqueness.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "may wax hot" comes from the Hebrew word charah (ื—ึธืจึธื”), which conveys a sense of burning, intense anger or indignation. It emphasizes the fiery nature of God's righteous displeasure. The word "consume" (Hebrew: kalah, ื›ึธึผืœึธื”) signifies complete destruction or annihilation, illustrating the full extent of God's potential judgment.

Related Scriptures

This verse sets the stage for Moses' powerful intercession on behalf of Israel in Exodus 32:11-14, where he appeals to God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Genesis 12:2, Genesis 15:5). God's offer to make a great nation of Moses echoes the original promise to Abraham. This passage also highlights God's attribute of being slow to anger and abounding in mercy, as seen in subsequent verses like Psalm 103:8.

Practical Application

Exodus 32:10 serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of unfaithfulness and idolatry, urging us to examine what we prioritize in our lives. It also powerfully illustrates the critical role of intercessory prayer; Moses' willingness to plead for his people changed the course of their history. For believers today, it highlights the seriousness of sin and the profound grace and mercy of God, often brought about through the humble prayers of His servants. It challenges us to be intercessors for others, appealing to God's character and promises.

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Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 9:14 (10 votes)

    Let me alone, that I may destroy them, and blot out their name from under heaven: and I will make of thee a nation mightier and greater than they.

  • Numbers 14:12 (8 votes)

    I will smite them with the pestilence, and disinherit them, and will make of thee a greater nation and mightier than they.

  • Deuteronomy 9:19 (5 votes)

    For I was afraid of the anger and hot displeasure, wherewith the LORD was wroth against you to destroy you. But the LORD hearkened unto me at that time also.

  • Numbers 16:45 (4 votes)

    Get you up from among this congregation, that I may consume them as in a moment. And they fell upon their faces.

  • Numbers 16:48 (4 votes)

    And he stood between the dead and the living; and the plague was stayed.

  • Numbers 16:22 (3 votes)

    And they fell upon their faces, and said, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and wilt thou be wroth with all the congregation?

  • Exodus 22:24 (3 votes)

    And my wrath shall wax hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless.