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The Descent from the Mountain

Text: Exodus 32
3 May 2016

THE DESCENT FROM THE MOUNTAIN

1. Moses carries the two stone tablets

2. On them the Laws of God were written

3. The stone tablets were the work of God

4. The writing of God on the tablets   (Exodus 32:15-16)

MEETING UP WITH JOSHUA

1. Joshua was faithfully waiting for Moses at the foot of the mountain

2.The noise from the camp

a) Joshua thinks it was the sound of battle
b) Moses hears people singing   (Exodus 32:17-18)

WORSHIP OF THE GOLDEN CALF

1. The calf was clear for all to see

2. People were dancing around the calf

BREAKING OF THE STONE TABLETS

1. Anger of Moses

2. Casting away the stone tablets and breaking them   (Exodus 32:19)

DESTROYING THE GOLDEN CALF

1. The calf was burned

2. It was then ground to powder

3. The ashes were scattered in the drinking water

4. Moses made the people drink it

CONFRONTATION WITH AARON

1. What did this people do to you?

2. You have brought a great sin upon them?   (Exodus 32:21)

AARON’S RESPONSE

1. Do not let the anger of my lord become hot

2. You know the people, that they are set on evil

3. They said to me, “Make us gods that shall go before us; As for this man Moses, the man that brought us out of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.”

4. I cast it (the gold) into the fire, and this calf came out   (Exodus 32:22-24)

MOSES’ SURVEY OF THE SCENE

1. The people were unrestrained

2. To their shame among the enemies

MOSES’ CALL TO THE PEOPLE

1. Whoever is on the Lord’s side- come to me.

2. The sons of Levi gathered themselves to Moses

A SEVERE COMMAND

1. Killing of those who worshipped the gold calf actively

2. 3000 people fell

3. The Levites obeyed the command of Moses   (Exodus 32:25-29)

THE AFTERMATH

1. The sin of idolatry was great

2. Moses knew that he must intercede

3. An atonement must be found for this grave sin   (Exodus 32:30)

MOSES’ ATTEMPT TO SEEK ATONEMENT

1. Confession of a great sin committed   (Exodus 32:31)

2. Pleaded for forgiveness   (Exodus 32:32)

3. Moses his own life

a) Pleaded for forgiveness
b) Offered his life on behalf of Israel   (Exodus 32:32)

GOD’S WORD TO MOSES

1. Whoever sins I will blot him out of My book   (Exodus 32:33)

2. Moses was instructed to lead Israel to Canaan

3. God will send His Angel before them

4. He will visit the punishment at the appropriate time   (Exodus 32:34)

5. The people plagued because of their idolatry   (Exodus 32:35)