Exodus 32:31

Exodus 32:31 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

So Moses returned to the LORD and said, “Oh, what a great sin these people have committed! They have made gods of gold for themselves.

King James Version KJV

And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold.

American Standard Version ASV

And Moses returned unto Jehovah, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then Moses went back to the Lord and said, This people has done a great sin, making themselves a god of gold;

Free Bible Version FBV

So Moses went back to the Lord. He said, “Please—the people have sinned very badly by making gods of gold for themselves.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Moses therefore went againe vnto ye Lord, and said, Oh, this people haue sinned a great sinne, and haue made them gods of golde.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Moses turneth back unto Jehovah, and saith, 'Oh this people hath sinned a great sin, that they make to themselves a god of gold;

World English Bible WEB

Moses returned to the LORD, and said, “Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made themselves gods of gold.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And Moses returned to the LORD, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And returning to the Lord, he said: I beseech thee: this people hath sinned a heinous sin, and they have made to themselves gods of gold: either forgive them this trespass,

Translation for Translators T4T

So Moses/I went back up the mountain and said to Yahweh, “I am sorry to admit that these people have committed a terrible sin. They have made for themselves a gold idol and have worshiped it.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 32:31

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Exodus 32:31 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יָּ֧שָׁב מֹשֶׁ֛ה אֶל יְהוָ֖ה וַ/יֹּאמַ֑ר אָ֣נָּ֗א חָטָ֞א הָ/עָ֤ם הַ/זֶּה֙ חֲטָאָ֣ה גְדֹלָ֔ה וַ/יַּֽעֲשׂ֥וּ לָ/הֶ֖ם אֱלֹהֵ֥י זָהָֽב

וַ/יָּ֧שָׁב shûwb H7725 to return Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

מֹשֶׁ֛ה Môsheh H4872 Moses N-proper

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

וַ/יֹּאמַ֑ר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

אָ֣נָּ֗א ʼânnâʼ H577 Please! Part

חָטָ֞א châṭâʼ H2398 to sin V-Qal-Perf-3ms

הָ/עָ֤ם ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-ms

הַ/זֶּה֙ zeh H2088 this Art | Pron

חֲטָאָ֣ה chăṭâʼâh H2401 sin N-fs

גְדֹלָ֔ה gâdôwl H1419 Great (Sea) Adj

וַ/יַּֽעֲשׂ֥וּ ʻâsâh H6213 to make Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

לָ/הֶ֖ם Prep | Suff

אֱלֹהֵ֥י ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp

זָהָֽב zâhâb H2091 gold N-ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 32:31

וַ/יָּ֧שָׁב shûwb H7725 "to return" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.

Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back

Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.

מֹשֶׁ֛ה Môsheh H4872 "Moses" N-proper

Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus

Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

וַ/יֹּאמַ֑ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

אָ֣נָּ֗א ʼânnâʼ H577 "Please!" Part

This Hebrew word is a polite way of saying please, used to show respect when making a request. It is often translated as I beseech you.

Definition: ah now! I/we beseech you, oh now!, pray now! (participle of entreaty usually followed by the imperative verb)

Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: I (me) beseech (pray) thee, O. See also: Genesis 50:17; Psalms 116:16; Psalms 116:4.

חָטָ֞א châṭâʼ H2398 "to sin" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

To sin means to miss the mark or go wrong, incurring guilt or penalty, and can also mean to repent or make amends. It is used in the Bible to describe wrongdoing and its consequences.

Definition: 1) to sin, miss, miss the way, go wrong, incur guilt, forfeit, purify from uncleanness 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to miss 1a2) to sin, miss the goal or path of right and duty 1a3) to incur guilt, incur penalty by sin, forfeit 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to bear loss 1b2) to make a sin-offering 1b3) to purify from sin 1b4) to purify from uncleanness 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to miss the mark 1c2) to induce to sin, cause to sin 1c3) to bring into guilt or condemnation or punishment 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to miss oneself, lose oneself, wander from the way 1d2) to purify oneself from uncleanness

Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: bear the blame, cleanse, commit (sin), by fault, harm he hath done, loss, miss, (make) offend(-er), offer for sin, purge, purify (self), make reconciliation, (cause, make) sin(-ful, -ness), trespass. See also: Genesis 20:6; 1 Kings 15:34; Psalms 4:5.

הָ/עָ֤ם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Art | N-ms

A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.

Definition: This name means nation, people

Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.

הַ/זֶּה֙ zeh H2088 "this" Art | Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.

Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how

Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.

חֲטָאָ֣ה chăṭâʼâh H2401 "sin" N-fs

This word means a sin or an offense, and also a sacrifice made to atone for that sin. It is used in the Bible to describe the sin offerings made by the Israelites. The KJV translates it as 'sin' or 'sin offering'.

Definition: 1) sin, sin offering 1a) sin 1b) sin offering Aramaic equivalent: chat.ta.ah (חַטָּאָה "sin offering" H2402)

Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: sin (offering). See also: Genesis 20:9; 2 Kings 17:21; Psalms 32:1.

גְדֹלָ֔ה gâdôwl H1419 "Great (Sea)" Adj

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.

Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)

Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.

וַ/יַּֽעֲשׂ֥וּ ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.

Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made

Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.

לָ/הֶ֖ם "" Prep | Suff

אֱלֹהֵ֥י ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp

The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.

Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.

זָהָֽב zâhâb H2091 "gold" N-ms

Gold is a valuable metal, also used to describe something yellow or brilliant, like oil or a clear sky. It is often mentioned in the Bible as a precious resource.

Definition: 1) gold 1a) as precious metal 1b) as a measure of weight 1c) of brilliance, splendour (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: de.hav (דְּהַב "gold" H1722)

Usage: Occurs in 336 OT verses. KJV: gold(-en), fair weather. See also: Genesis 2:11; Numbers 7:26; 1 Chronicles 28:17.

Study Notes — Exodus 32:31

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Exodus 32:31 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 32:31
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 32:31
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 32:31
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 32:31
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 32:31
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 32:31
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 32:31
Sermons on Exodus 32:31

Context — The Golden Calf

29Afterward, Moses said, “Today you have been ordained for service to the LORD, since each man went against his son and his brother; so the LORD has bestowed a blessing on you this day.” 30The next day Moses said to the people, “You have committed a great sin. Now I will go up to the LORD; perhaps I can make atonement for your sin.”

31So Moses returned to the LORD and said, “Oh, what a great sin these people have committed! They have made gods of gold for themselves.

32Yet now, if You would only forgive their sin.... But if not, please blot me out of the book that You have written.” 33The LORD replied to Moses, “Whoever has sinned against Me, I will blot out of My book.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Exodus 20:23	You are not to make any gods alongside Me; you are not to make for yourselves gods of silver or gold.
2	Daniel 9:11	All Israel has transgressed Your law and turned away, refusing to obey Your voice; so the oath and the curse written in the Law of Moses the servant of God has been poured out on us, because we have sinned against You.
3	Daniel 9:8	O LORD, we are covered with shame—our kings, our leaders, and our fathers—because we have sinned against You.
4	Exodus 32:30	The next day Moses said to the people, “You have committed a great sin. Now I will go up to the LORD; perhaps I can make atonement for your sin.”
5	Daniel 9:5	we have sinned and done wrong. We have acted wickedly and rebelled. We have turned away from Your commandments and ordinances.
6	Deuteronomy 9:18–19	Then I fell down before the LORD for forty days and forty nights, as I had done the first time. I did not eat bread or drink water because of all the sin you had committed in doing what was evil in the sight of the LORD and provoking Him to anger. For I was afraid of the anger and wrath that the LORD had directed against you, enough to destroy you. But the LORD listened to me this time as well.
7	Ezra 9:15	O LORD, God of Israel, You are righteous! For we remain this day as a remnant. Here we are before You in our guilt, though because of it no one can stand before You.”
8	Ezra 9:6–7	and said: “O my God, I am ashamed and embarrassed to lift up my face to You, my God, because our iniquities are higher than our heads, and our guilt has reached the heavens. From the days of our fathers to this day, our guilt has been great. Because of our iniquities, we and our kings and priests have been delivered into the hands of the kings of the earth and put to the sword and captivity, to pillage and humiliation, as we are this day.
9	Exodus 34:28	So Moses was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights without eating bread or drinking water. He wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant—the Ten Commandments.
10	Exodus 20:4	You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above, on the earth below, or in the waters beneath.

Exodus 32:31 Summary

In Exodus 32:31, Moses is deeply grieved by the people's sin of making gold idols, which is a form of idolatry (as seen in Exodus 20:3-4). This sin is a serious offense against God, but Moses' prayer shows that there is always hope for forgiveness (as seen in Psalm 51:1-4). Just like Moses, we can turn to God in prayer and ask for forgiveness when we sin. We can also learn from Moses' example to be honest with God about our sins and to intercede for others who have sinned.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the nature of the sin the people committed in Exodus 32:31?

The people made gods of gold for themselves, which is a form of idolatry, as seen in the first commandment in Exodus 20:3-4, where God commands us to have no other gods before Him.

How does Moses' response to the people's sin reflect his character?

Moses' response shows his deep concern for the people's spiritual well-being and his willingness to intercede on their behalf, as seen in his prayer in Exodus 32:31-32, which is similar to his intercession in Numbers 14:13-19.

What is the significance of Moses saying 'these people' instead of 'my people'?

Moses' phrase 'these people' may indicate a sense of separation or distinction between himself and the people who have sinned, highlighting the gravity of their actions, as seen in Ezekiel 33:7-9, where the prophet is called to warn the people of their sins.

How does this verse relate to the concept of sin and forgiveness in the Bible?

This verse shows that sin is a serious offense against God, but it also highlights the possibility of forgiveness, as seen in Psalm 51:1-4, where David asks for forgiveness and cleansing from his sins.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways in which I may be making 'gods of gold' in my own life, and how can I turn away from these idols?
How can I, like Moses, intercede for others who have sinned, and what does this say about my role in the body of Christ?
What does this verse teach me about the nature of sin and its consequences, and how can I apply this to my own life?
How does Moses' example in this verse encourage me to pray boldly and honestly to God, even in the face of great sin or failure?

Gill's Exposition on Exodus 32:31

And Moses returned unto the Lord,.... On the mount where he was in the cloud: and said, oh, this people have sinned a great sin; which to following words explain; he confesses the same to God he had

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 32:31

And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses said unto the people, Ye have sinned a great sin: and now I will go up unto the LORD; peradventure I shall make an atonement for your sin. Said unto the people, Ye have sinned.

Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 32:31

Exodus 32:31 And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold.Ver. 31. Made them gods of gold.] Sin must not be confessed in the lump only, and by wholesale, but we must instance the particulars.

Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 32:31

(31) Moses returned unto the Lord—i.e., re-ascended Sinai, to the place where he had passed the forty days and nights. Gods of gold.—Rather, a god of gold. (Comp. Note 3 on Exodus 32:1.) The plural is one of dignity.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 32:31

Verse 31. Moses returned unto the Lord] Before he went down from the mountain God had acquainted him with the general defection of the people, whereupon he immediately, without knowing the extent of their crime, began to make intercession for them; and God, having given him a general assurance that they should not be cut off, hastened him to go down, and bring them off from their idolatry. Having descended, he finds matters much worse than he expected, and ordered three thousand of the principal delinquents to be slain; but knowing that an evil so extensive must be highly provoking in the sight of the just and holy God, he finds it highly expedient that an atonement be made for the sin: for although he had the promise of God that as a nation they should not be exterminated, yet he had reason to believe that Divine justice must continue to contend with them, and prevent them from ever entering the promised land. That he was apprehensive that this would be the case, we may see plainly from the following verse.

Cambridge Bible on Exodus 32:31

31. returned] viz. to the mountain. Oh] Heb. ’ânnâ, a particle of entreaty: Genesis 50:17 ‘Oh, forgive, we pray’; Isaiah 38:3 ‘Oh, Lord’; Nehemiah 1:5 (EVV. ‘I beseech thee’).

Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 32:31

31, 32. Oh — àðà, an interjection that expresses mingled sadness and entreaty. The intercession of Moses in these two verses is much briefer but more striking than in Exodus 32:11-13, above.

Sermons on Exodus 32:31

	Sermon	Description
	Capernwray Bible School 1 by Alan Redpath	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching Jesus Christ as Lord, rather than focusing on oneself. He refers to the context of the Israelites being delivere
	The Lamb's Book of Life by T. Austin-Sparks	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of life as the ultimate criterion and completing factor for humanity. They emphasize that man's disobedience led to the withholdin
	The Horizon of Divine Purpose - Part 5 by T. Austin-Sparks	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of life as portrayed in the Bible. He emphasizes that man's disobedience led to the withholding of a completing factor, resulting
	The Dawkind Delusion by Neale Brinkley	In this sermon, the speaker contrasts the viewpoint of Dawkins and his group with the message offered by the Bible. The Bible is presented as a source of hope and a solution to the
	Fragments by John Nelson Darby	John Nelson Darby emphasizes the transformative power of grace in his sermon 'Fragments', explaining that righteousness is based on Christ's obedience rather than our own sins. He
	Demonstration 10 (Of Pastors) by Aphraates	Aphraates emphasizes the importance of pastors caring for their flock, drawing examples from biblical figures like Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David, and Amos who diligently tended to th
	Power With God Exemplified in Moses by T. Austin-Sparks	T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound relationship between God and Moses, illustrating how Moses' deep commitment to God's purpose exemplifies true power with God. He argues tha