6.2. DESCENT INTO BROKEN COVENANT (Exodus 32:1-14)

The wickedness of the human heart is exposed in chapter 32, as the breaking of the covenant is described. In stubborn unbelief and forgetfulness of the Lord and what He had done for them - delivered them from Egypt, led them supernaturally - fed them miraculously - brought water out of the rock - in the face of these great things they behaved wickedly.

What wickedness to turn to the bull occult worship of Egypt. This brings the wrath of the broken law upon them (Exodus 32:7-10 ). It is only the intercession of Moses that saves them from destruction. (Exodus 32:11-14 ).

QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. What would be your reasons for saying chapter 32 is an exposure of the wickedness of the human heart?

2. With this wicked action do you acknowledge that the people were rejecting Moses (Acts 7:39- 40 )?
   • Do you believe that returning to idolatry showed the inclination of their hearts, rejection of God's messenger, and rejection of God?
   • Is there an application and warning for professing people of God today?
   • Are there those today who deny the Lord who bought them (2 Peter 2:1-2 )?

3. Do you find it incredible that with the pillar of cloud and fire resting above the people that they turned for guidance and authority to a misconceived, and self-devised idol (Exodus 32:1 )?
   • Was their saying of Moses "We do not know what has become of him" an expression of a desire and hope that he would not come back?
   • Are there those who, because the Lord has delayed His return, behave like the servant of Luke 12:45?
   • Have you found, because of the time Jesus has been away, there are those who ridicule the truth of His coming again (2 Peter 3:3-4 )?

4. Can you excuse Aaron, faced with a majority move of the people, giving them what they wanted?
   • Are there church conditions today that can be attributed to the will of the people and weak Leadership?
   • Was getting involved in disobedience demonstrated as having to do with their ears (Exodus 32:3; Romans 10:17 )?
   • To whom did the people give the gold (Exodus 32:3 )?
   • By being deceived into giving to the deceived, are the givers only multiplying the deception?

5. Can you trace the steps in the commission of idolatry, make-believe, blasphemy, proclamation, participation, excess (Exodus 32:4-6; 1 Corinthians 10:7 )?

6. Can anything be hid from the Lord?
   • Will the Lord open the understanding and give knowledge to Leaders who are shut up with Him (Exodus 32:7 )?
   • Was there something sad and sinister in the word to Moses "your people" "whom you brought " (Exodus 32:7 )?
   • Do you expect that a word of knowledge by the Spirit, will be detailed and accurate (Exodus 32:8; 1 Corinthians 12:8 )?
   • Does the Lord reveal His mind to His servant (Exodus 32:9; Psalm 25:14 )?
   • Did Moses take the Lord's words "Let Me alone" (Exodus 32:10 ) as an invitation to intercede?
   • How would you have responded?
   • What offer did God make to Moses (Exodus 32:10 )?
   • Do you think pride and ambition might leap at it?
   • What arguments did Moses use in his intercession (Exodus 32:11-14 )?
   • Do you understand "so the LORD relented" (Exodus 32:14 ) to mean He embarked on another course of action?
   • Do you believe God does not change in His foreknown purpose?
   • Can God keep to His willed purpose and yet be responsive to change in people, or an individual's needs, reactions and decisions?
   • Will the Lord relent from a course of action in response to intercession (Exodus 32:11-14; Amos 7:3,6 )?
   • Can God respond with changed action when His people repent (Jeremiah 18:3-11; Jonah 3:9-10 )?
   • Can God relent because of His own compassion (Deuteronomy 32:36; Judges 2:18 )?