• Download Video
• Download Audio
• Print
• Email
• Save As PDF

"And He wrote on the tablets according to the first writing, the Ten Commandments, which the LORD had spoken to you in the mountain..." Deuteronomy 10:4

Text: Exodus 34 : 13-17

ANOTHER ATTEMPT TO MAKE GOOD

God was going to give Israel “a second chance”! How the nation must feel the greatest sense of gratitude to be given another opportunity to make good. Would the nation now pay closer attention to God’s commandments?

HIGHLIGHTING OF THE COVENANT-COMMANDMENTS

Israel’s recent debacle, worshipping a golden calf must not be easily brushed aside. The nation would do well to heed God’s reminder.

“But you shall destroy their altars, break their sacred pillars,
and cut down their wooden images (for you shall worship no
other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous
God), lest you make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land,
and they play the harlot with their gods and make sacrifice to their
gods, and one of them invites you and you eat of his sacrifice, and
you take of his daughters for your sons, and his daughters play the
harlot with their gods and make your sons play the harlot with
their gods. You shall make no molded gods for yourselves.”
EXODUS 34:13-17

1. Features of idolatry in Canaan

Two may be especially highlighted:-

a) Idolatry was a prevalent problem.

b) Almost invariably, immorality was involved (hence the frequent mention of the word “harlot”.

2. Anticipated dangers

Again, three things may compel special attention:-

a) Invitation to participate in special dinners associated with idolatrous worship.

b) Invitation to practise inter-marriage.

c) Israel had proven itself open to the worship of idols.

3. Setting up a strong defence

Israel must set up a strong defence. The following things must be considered.

a) The express Covenant commandments to worship no other gods.

b) Knowledge of the Lord as “A jealous God”.

c) The recent punishment they suffered because they dabbled at Calf-worship.