Moses had been up on the mountain for a while, and the people became impatient. Their action-packed escape from Egypt made waiting at the mountain too boring. Thus, they pressured Aaron to make them an idol, so they could have gods to lead them again. But reverence was not their goal; they hijacked the grace of God's deliverance as an excuse to indulge in revelry.

God saw how corrupt his people had become, turning away from what he commanded (20:4) and what they had promised to obey (24:3). God planned to destroy them and start over with Moses, but Moses sought God's favor. It was God who delivered his people, not a golden calf or Moses. God made promises to Abraham and his descendants, and God always keeps his promises. Moses reminded God of his promises and his own good name, who is faithful. The LORD relented, and Moses took the tablets of the covenant down to the people. In this way, God was faithful to his covenant, even though his people were not.


Application: Father, thank you for your faithfulness and mercy. Help me seek your favor for your people in prayer today.
One Word: Seek the favor of our faithful God