Moses Intercedes for Israel

Moses has been on Mount Sinai for forty days, receiving the law from God. Meanwhile, the Israelites have grown restless and afraid. They pressure Aaron into making a golden calf and worship it as their deliverer. They’ve broken God’s first two commands to have no other gods before him and to not make an image to worship (Exodus 20:3–4). God sees it all, and his anger burns. He tells Moses he will destroy them and start over. Moses responds with remarkable faith. He steps in to intercede. Moses prays for the people, appealing to God’s reputation and covenant promises. Moses stands in the gap between a holy, righteous God and a people who have quickly rebelled against him.