Exodus 32:14

And the LORD repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people.

And the LORD {H3068} repented {H5162} of the evil {H7451} which he thought {H1696} to do {H6213} unto his people {H5971}.

ADONAI then changed his mind about the disaster he had planned for his people.

So the LORD relented from the calamity He had threatened to bring on His people.

And Jehovah repented of the evil which he said he would do unto his people.

Commentary

Exodus 32:14 is a pivotal verse in the narrative of Israel's journey through the wilderness, revealing profound truths about God's character and the power of intercessory prayer. It states, "And the LORD repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people."

Context

This verse immediately follows one of the most dramatic episodes in the Old Testament: the making and worship of the golden calf by the Israelites at Mount Sinai. While Moses was receiving the Law from God, the people, impatient and fearful, pressured Aaron to create an idol. God, witnessing their profound betrayal and idolatry, expressed intense anger and declared His intention to consume them, offering to make a great nation from Moses instead (see Exodus 32:10). It is in response to this divine wrath that Moses steps forward with fervent intercession, appealing to God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and to His own glory among the nations.

Key Themes

  • Divine Relenting and Repentance: The most striking aspect of this verse is the statement that "the LORD repented." The Hebrew word here is nacham (נָחַם), which implies a deep sigh, a feeling of sorrow, comfort, or a change of mind concerning an intended action. When applied to God, it does not mean He made a mistake or changed His eternal character, but rather that He altered His declared course of action in response to changing circumstances (the people's potential repentance, or more directly, Moses' intercession) and in faithfulness to His own covenant. It signifies a turning from a threatened judgment. This concept is further explored in passages like Jeremiah 18:8, where God states He will "repent of the evil" if a nation turns from its wickedness.
  • The Power of Intercessory Prayer: Moses' bold and selfless prayer was instrumental. He stood in the gap for a rebellious people, reminding God of His character and promises. This highlights the profound impact that earnest prayer can have on divine action, demonstrating God's responsiveness to His faithful servants.
  • God's Justice and Mercy: While God's initial reaction was a just response to severe idolatry and covenant breaking, His ultimate decision to relent showcases His immense mercy and patience. This illustrates the beautiful tension between God's righteous wrath against sin and His abounding compassion for His people, particularly when an advocate stands before Him.
  • Covenant Faithfulness: Moses' appeal was rooted in God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. By relenting, God affirmed His unwavering commitment to His promises, even when His people proved unfaithful.

Linguistic Insight: "Evil" (KJV)

The word "evil" in "the evil which he thought to do" (KJV) is the Hebrew word ra' (Χ¨Φ·Χ’). In this context, it refers not to moral evil or sin on God's part, but to the severe calamity, disaster, or destructive judgment He had purposed to bring upon the Israelites due to their sin. It means misfortune, distress, or harm, which would have been a just consequence of their idolatry.

Reflection and Application

Exodus 32:14 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • The Seriousness of Sin: The immediate threat of destruction underscores the gravity of idolatry and disobedience in God's eyes.
  • The Efficacy of Prayer: This verse is a powerful encouragement to engage in intercessory prayer for others, even when they are undeserving. Our prayers can genuinely impact God's actions and bring about His mercy.
  • Understanding God's Character: It teaches us that God is not a rigid, unfeeling deity, but one who is just, yet also compassionate, merciful, and responsive to the humble pleas of His servants. While God's character is immutable, His actions towards humanity can change based on our response and His covenant faithfulness.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jonah 3:10

    And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did [it] not.

  • Jeremiah 26:13

    Therefore now amend your ways and your doings, and obey the voice of the LORD your God; and the LORD will repent him of the evil that he hath pronounced against you.

  • Psalms 106:45

    And he remembered for them his covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his mercies.

  • Jeremiah 18:8

    If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them.

  • 1 Chronicles 21:15

    And God sent an angel unto Jerusalem to destroy it: and as he was destroying, the LORD beheld, and he repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed, It is enough, stay now thine hand. And the angel of the LORD stood by the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.

  • 2 Samuel 24:16

    And when the angel stretched out his hand upon Jerusalem to destroy it, the LORD repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed the people, It is enough: stay now thine hand. And the angel of the LORD was by the threshingplace of Araunah the Jebusite.

  • Jeremiah 26:19

    Did Hezekiah king of Judah and all Judah put him at all to death? did he not fear the LORD, and besought the LORD, and the LORD repented him of the evil which he had pronounced against them? Thus might we procure great evil against our souls.