Exodus: A Group StudySample

WEEK 10 INTRODUCTION: REBELLION AND RENEWAL

Placed between the initial giving of the law and instructions for the tabernacle (Exodus 20-31) and the building of the tabernacle (Exodus 35-40), the golden calf episode is a crescendo of Israel’s true wickedness and Yahweh’s gracious patience. As Moses pleads on behalf of his people, Yahweh relents His judgment and renews His covenant with His people. Even in Israel’s wicked idolatry, Yahweh is “gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in loyal love and faithfulness” (Exodus 34:6).

What is this passage saying?

As Moses spends time on Mount Sinai, the Israelites grow impatient with his absence. Out of fear, they craft a golden calf to give sacrifices and worship. Yahweh threatens to destroy the Israelites but relents after Moses’ intercession.

What is this passage teaching?

This bewildering chapter is an incredible testimony to the deceptiveness of idolatry. First, idolatry is insidiously rooted in the hearts of men. Although Yahweh redeemed Israel from brutal slavery, sent god-defeating plagues, delivered them from extermination at the Red Sea, and miraculously provided water, quail, and manna in the wilderness – it was still not enough to eradicate the idolatry that was woven in their hearts. At the first sign of stress, they chose to revert immediately back to what they knew in Egypt. It would take 40 years of wilderness wandering for Israel to be purged from the idolatry of the Exodus generation. Second, the insidiousness of idolatry requires an extreme response. When Moses sees the Israelites’ idolatry, he burns the golden calf, grinds up the ashes, and mixes it in the drinking water. He wanted to make sure that these materials could never be used again for an idol.

How do I respond?

It is easy to dismiss the golden calf as something foreign or ancient. Few, if anyone, have a golden calf erected in their homes today. However, the golden calf was only an external manifestation of Israel’s fear and insatiable appetite for security. They did not trust Yahweh so they turned to the idols they believed could protect and provide for them. How many times when you are faced with stress or fear do you run to something other than God? Trusting in money, success, sex, affirmation, or substances for security and stability is just as idolatrous as crafting a golden calf. Your tendency may be to manage or coddle your idols, however, the only way to respond to an idol is to destroy it. Pray that God would reveal the idols that have woven themselves into your heart. Write down ways you trust things other than God. Finally, “put to death what is earthly in you” (Colossians 3:5) by confession, repentance, and obedience to God’s gracious commands.