TRV
Translation
King James Version
Wherefore should the Egyptians speak, and say, For mischief did he bring them out, to slay them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against thy people.
KJV (with Strong's)
Wherefore should the Egyptians H4714 speak H559, and say H559, For mischief H7451 did he bring H3318 them out, to slay H2026 them in the mountains H2022, and to consume H3615 them from the face H6440 of the earth H127? Turn H7725 from thy fierce H2740 wrath H639, and repent H5162 of this evil H7451 against thy people H5971.
Complete Jewish Bible
Why let the Egyptians say, 'It was with evil intentions that he led them out, to slaughter them in the hills and wipe them off the face of the earth'? Turn from your fierce anger! Relent! Don't bring such disaster on your people!
Berean Standard Bible
Why should the Egyptians declare, ‘He brought them out with evil intent, to kill them in the mountains and wipe them from the face of the earth’? Turn from Your fierce anger and relent from doing harm to Your people.
American Standard Version
Wherefore should the Egyptians speak, saying, For evil did he bring them forth, to slay them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against thy people.
World English Bible Messianic
Why should the Egyptians speak, saying, ‘He brought them out for evil, to kill them in the mountains, and to consume them from the surface of the earth?’ Turn from your fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against your people.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Wherefore shall the Egyptians speake, and say, He hath brought them out maliciously for to slay them in the mountaines, and to consume them from the earth? turne from thy fearce wrath, and change thy minde from this euill towarde thy people.
Young's Literal Translation
why do the Egyptians speak, saying, For evil He brought them out to slay them among mountains, and to consume them from off the face of the ground? turn back from the heat of Thine anger, and repent of the evil against Thy people.
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In the KJVVerse 2,451 of 31,102
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Commentary on Exodus 32 verses 7–14
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:
8 They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them: they have made them a molten calf, and have worshipped it, and have sacrificed thereunto, and said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.
9 And the LORD said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people:
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.
11 And Moses besought the LORD his God, and said, LORD, why doth thy wrath wax hot against thy people, which thou hast brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power, and with a mighty hand?
12 Wherefore should the Egyptians speak, and say, For mischief did he bring them out, to slay them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against thy people.
13 Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, thy servants, to whom thou swarest by thine own self, and saidst unto them, I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have spoken of will I give unto your seed, and they shall inherit it for ever.
14 And the LORD repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people.
Here, I. God acquaints Moses with what was doing in the camp while he was absent, Exo 32:7, Exo 32:8. He could have told him sooner, as soon as the first step was taken towards it, and have hastened him down to prevent it; but he suffered it to come to this height, for wise and holy ends, and then sent him down to punish it. Note, It is no reproach to the holiness of God that he suffers sin to be committed, since he knows, not only how to restrain it when he pleases, but how to make it serviceable to the designs of his own glory. Observe what God here says to Moses concerning this sin. 1. That they had corrupted themselves. Sin is the corruption or depravation of the sinner, and it is a self-corruption; every man is tempted when he is drawn aside of his own lust. 2. That they had turned aside out of the way. Sin is a deviation from the way of our duty into a by-path. When they promised to do all that God should command them, they set out as fair as could be; but now they missed their way, and turned aside. 3. That they had turned aside quickly, quickly after the law was given them and they had promised to obey it, quickly after God had done such great things for them and declared his kind intentions to do greater. They soon forgot his works. To fall into sin quickly after we have renewed our covenants with God, or received special mercy from him, is very provoking. 4. He tells him particularly what they had done: They have made a calf, and worshipped it. Note, Those sins which are concealed from our governors are naked and open before God. He sees that which they cannot discover, nor is any of the wickedness in the world hidden from him. We could not bear to see the thousandth part of that provocation which God sees every day and yet keeps silence. 5. He seems to disown them, in saying to Moses, They are thy people whom thou broughtest up out of the land of Egypt; as if he had said, "I will not own any relation to them, or concern for them; let it never be said that they are my people, or that I brought them out of Egypt." Note, Those that corrupt themselves not only shame themselves, but even make God himself ashamed of them and of his kindness to them. 6. He sends him down to them with all speed: Go, get thee down. He must break off even his communion with God to go and do his duty as a magistrate among the people; so must Joshua, Jos 7:10. Every thing is beautiful in its season.
II. He expresses his displeasure against Israel for this sin, and the determination of his justice to cut them off, Exo 32:9, Exo 32:10. 1. He gives this people their true character: "It is a stiff-necked people, unapt to come under the yoke of the divine law, and governed as it were by a spirit of contradiction, averse to all good and prone to evil, obstinate against the methods employed for their cure." Note, The righteous God sees, not only what we do, but what we are, not only the actions of our lives, but the dispositions of our spirits, and has an eye to them in all his proceedings. 2. He declares what was their just desert - that his wrath should wax hot against them, so as to consume them at once, and blot out their name from under heaven (Deu 9:14); not only cast them out of covenant, but chase them out of the world. Note, Sin exposes us to the wrath of God; and that wrath, if it be not allayed by divine mercy, will burn us up as stubble. It were just with God to let the law have its course against sinners, and to cut them off immediately in the very act of sin; and, if he should do so, it would be neither loss nor dishonour to him. 3. He holds out inducements to Moses not to intercede for them: Therefore, let me alone. What did Moses, or what could he do, to hinder God from consuming them? When God resolves to abandon a people, and the decree of ruin has gone forth, no intercession can prevent it, Eze 14:14; Jer 15:1. But God would thus express the greatness of his just displeasure against them, after the manner of men, who would have none to intercede for those they resolve to be severe with. Thus also he would put an honour upon prayer, intimating that nothing but the intercession of Moses could save them from ruin, that he might be a type of Christ, by whose mediation alone God would reconcile the world unto himself. That the intercession of Moses might appear the more illustrious, God fairly offers him that, if he would not interpose in this matter, he would make of him a great nation, that either, in process of time, he would raise up a people out of his loins, or that he would immediately, by some means or other, bring another great nation under his government and conduct, so that he should be no loser by their ruin. Had Moses been of a narrow selfish spirit, he would have closed with this offer; but he prefers the salvation of Israel before the advancement of his own family. Here was a man fit to be a governor.
III. Moses earnestly intercedes with God on their behalf (Exo 32:11-13): he besought the Lord his God. If God would not be called the God of Israel, yet he hoped he might address him as his own God. What interest we have at the throne of grace we should improve for the church of God, and for our friends. Now Moses is standing in the gap to turn away the wrath of God, Psa 106:23. He wisely took the hint which God gave him when he said, Let me alone, which, though it seemed to forbid his interceding, did really encourage it, by showing what power the prayer of faith has with God. In such a case, God wonders if there be no intercessor, Isa 59:16. Observe, 1. His prayer (Exo 32:12): Turn from thy fierce wrath; not as if he thought God was not justly angry, but he begs that he would not be so greatly angry as to consume them. "Let mercy rejoice against judgment; repent of this evil; change the sentence of destruction into that of correction." 2. His pleas. He fills his mouth with arguments, not to move God, but to express his own faith and to excite his own fervency in prayer. He urges, (1.) God's interest in them, the great things he had already done for them, and the vast expense of favours and miracles he had been at upon them, Exo 32:11. God had said to Moses (Exo 32:7), They are thy people, whom thou broughtest up out of Egypt; but Moses humbly turns them back upon God again: "They are thy people, thou art their Lord and owner; I am but their servant. Thou broughtest them forth out of Egypt; I was but the instrument in thy hand; that was done in order to their deliverance which thou only couldest do." Though their being his people was a reason why he should be angry with them for setting up another god, yet it was a reason why he should not be so angry with them as to consume them. Nothing is more natural than for a father to correct his son, but nothing more unnatural than for a father to slay his son. And as the relation is a good plea ("they are thy people"), so is the experience they had had of his kindness to them: "Thou broughtest them out of Egypt, though they were unworthy, and had there served the gods of the Egyptians, Jos 24:15. If thou didst that for them, notwithstanding their sins in Egypt, wilt thou undo it for their sins of the same nature in the wilderness?" (2.) He pleads the concern of God's glory (Exo 32:12): Wherefore should the Egyptians say, For mischief did he bring them out? Israel is dear to Moses as his kindred, as his charge; but it is the glory of God that he is most concerned for; this lies nearer his heart than any thing else. If Israel could perish without any reproach to God's name, Moses could persuade himself to sit down contented; but he cannot bear to hear God reflected on, and therefore this he insists upon, Lord, what will the Egyptians say? Their eyes, and the eyes of all the neighbouring nations, were now upon Israel; from the wondrous beginnings of that people, they raised their expectations of something great in their latter end; but, if a people so strangely saved should be suddenly ruined, what would the world say of it, especially the Egyptians, who have such an implacable hatred both to Israel and to the God of Israel? They would say, "God was either weak, and could not, or fickle, and would not, complete the salvation he began; he brought them forth to that mountain, not to sacrifice (as was pretended), but to be sacrificed." They will not consider the provocation given by Israel, to justify the proceeding, but will think it cause enough for triumph that God and his people could not agree, but that their God had done that which they (the Egyptians) wished to see done. Note, The glorifying of God's name, as it ought to be our first petition (it is so in the Lord's prayer), so it ought to be our great plea, Psa 79:9 Do not disgrace the throne of thy glory, Jer 14:21; and see Jer 33:8, Jer 33:9. And, if we would with comfort plead this with God as a reason why he should not destroy us, we ought to plead it with ourselves as a reason why we should not offend him: What will the Egyptians say? We ought always to be careful that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed through us. (3.) He pleads God's promise to the patriarchs that he would multiply their seed, and give them the land of Canaan for an inheritance, and this promise confirmed by an oath, an oath by himself, since he could swear by no greater, Exo 32:13. God's promises are to be our pleas in prayer; for what he has promised he is able to perform, and the honour of this truth is engaged for the performance of it. "Lord, if Israel be cut off, what will become of the promise? Shall their unbelief make that of no effect? God forbid." Thus we must take our encouragement in prayer from God only.
IV. God graciously abated the rigour of the sentence, and repented of the evil he thought to do (Exo 32:14); though he designed to punish them, yet he would not ruin them. See here, 1. The power of prayer; God suffers himself to be prevailed with by the humble believing importunity of intercessors. 2. The compassion of God towards poor sinners, and how ready he is to forgive. Thus he has given other proofs besides his own oath that he has no pleasure in the death of those that die; for he not only pardons upon the repentance of sinners, but spares and reprieves upon the intercession of others for them.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 7–14. Public domain.
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CassiodorusAD 585
EXPOSITION OF THE PSALMS 89:13
By his very love and charm he begs the Lord to temper his justice with a little gentleness, so that he can be prevailed upon by those sinners with whom he was known to be justly angry. But we must notice that he did not say, “Change your ways wholly” but “Change your ways a little,” for this is more profitable to us when some lash of tribulation afflicts us. Often when admonished we can gain pardon for our sins by a most wholesome conversion.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Exodus 32:12 records Moses' fervent intercession for Israel after their grievous sin of worshipping the golden calf. In this pivotal moment, Moses appeals to God's profound concern for His own reputation among the nations and His covenant faithfulness, urging the Lord to turn from His fierce wrath and relent from the threatened judgment against His people, thereby revealing Moses' deep understanding of divine character and the power of prayer.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Exodus 32:12 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The verse opens with a Rhetorical Question, "Wherefore should the Egyptians speak, and say...?", which serves to highlight the potential damage to God's reputation among the nations. This is a powerful persuasive technique, as it compels the listener (God, in this case) to consider the broader implications of His actions beyond immediate justice. The phrase "For mischief did he bring them out" is an example of Irony, as God's true purpose in deliverance was for their good and His glory, not their destruction. The description of God's anger as "fierce wrath" uses Hyperbole to convey the intensity of divine displeasure, while Moses' plea for God to "repent of this evil" is a profound example of Anthropomorphism, attributing human-like emotional and volitional change to God. This device helps human beings grasp divine attributes and interactions, emphasizing God's responsiveness without implying human limitations or moral failings. Moses' entire act in this passage positions him as an Intercessor, standing in the gap between a holy God and a rebellious people, a recurring and significant motif in biblical narrative.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 32:12 profoundly illustrates the power of intercessory prayer and the dynamic nature of God's relationship with humanity. It underscores the theological truth that while God is just and righteous in His anger against sin, He is also merciful and responsive to the humble pleas of His servants. Moses' appeal to God's reputation among the nations highlights the universal scope of God's glory and His desire for His name to be hallowed and known among all peoples. This intercession, rooted in an understanding of God's character and His covenant promises, serves as a powerful reminder that prayer is not merely a human expression but a divinely ordained means through which God often chooses to accomplish His sovereign will and demonstrate His compassion. It reveals a God who is both transcendent in His holiness and immanent in His willingness to engage with His creation.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 32:12 calls us to a deeper understanding of intercessory prayer, not as a means to manipulate God, but as a humble yet bold participation in His redemptive purposes. Moses' willingness to "stand in the gap" for a rebellious people, appealing to God's character and glory, challenges us to cultivate a similar heart for others. In our own lives, we are often quick to judge and condemn, but this passage invites us to emulate Moses' compassion and selflessness, praying for those who have fallen short, for our communities, and for the world. It reminds us that God is not a capricious deity but a just and merciful Father who listens to the cries of His children. Our prayers, offered in faith and aligned with His revealed will, can genuinely impact outcomes, not by changing God's eternal decrees, but because He has sovereignly chosen to work through the prayers of His people to manifest His grace and uphold His glory in the world. This passage encourages us to pray with boldness, knowing that our petitions can influence the course of events and bring about divine mercy.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does God actually "repent" or change His mind in the same way humans do?
Answer: No, when the Bible speaks of God "repenting" (Hebrew: nâcham), it signifies a change in His declared course of action or a turning from a threatened judgment, not a change in His immutable character, moral perfection, or eternal purposes. Unlike human repentance, which implies turning from sin or error, God's "relenting" demonstrates His dynamic interaction with His creation, His responsiveness to prayer or human repentance, and His freedom to show mercy even when justice is due. It is an anthropomorphism, a way of describing God's actions in human terms to help us understand His character and His relationship with us, without implying any moral failing or inconsistency on His part (Numbers 23:19).
What is the significance of Moses appealing to God's reputation among the Egyptians?
Answer: Moses' appeal to God's reputation among the Egyptians is a strategic and profound argument. It highlights that God's actions have implications beyond Israel; they impact how the surrounding nations perceive Him. If God were to destroy Israel after delivering them, the Egyptians would likely interpret it as a sign of His weakness, malevolence, or inability to complete His redemptive work, thus blaspheming His holy name. Moses understood that God's glory is paramount, and His ultimate purpose is to be known and honored among all peoples (Ezekiel 36:23). This argument appeals to God's own desire for His name to be exalted and His redemptive plan to be fully realized, demonstrating that His covenant faithfulness extends not only to Israel but also to His universal renown.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Moses' fervent intercession in Exodus 32:12 stands as a profound foreshadowing of the ultimate Intercessor, Jesus Christ. Just as Moses stood in the gap for a rebellious Israel, pleading for God to turn from His fierce wrath and relent from the threatened "evil" (calamity), so too does Christ intercede for His people, a humanity steeped in sin and deserving of divine judgment. Moses appealed to God's reputation and covenant promises; Christ, as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, embodies the fulfillment of those promises and perfectly upholds God's glory through His atoning sacrifice. He did not merely plead for mercy; He became the means of it, bearing the full wrath of God on the cross (Romans 5:8-9). Our great High Priest, Jesus, now ever lives to make intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25), ensuring that God's "fierce wrath" against sin is fully satisfied in Him, and that the "evil" of eternal judgment is turned away from all who believe. Moses' bold plea for God to "repent of this evil" finds its ultimate answer in Christ's finished work, where God's justice and mercy perfectly converge, securing salvation and preserving His people for His own glory (2 Corinthians 5:21).