17 March, 2001
22 Adar, 5761
Focus Passage: Exodus 32:15-35
Decision and Mediation
As Moses went down from the mountain, he carried the tables of the Law with him. There is no way to judge the size of the tables, but it is quite likely that the usual artist's representation of them is far too large. That would have carried a tremendous burden and made it very difficult for Moses to climb down the mountain. Further, the fact that the tables were written upon both sides would have indicated that they were small.
When Moses "broke" the tables, several factors were involved. It was an outward statement of his anger at the sin of the people. It seems to have indicated that the people had so quickly repudiated the Laws of G-d. As the tables were the "work of G-d" (v. 16), either actually or based upon G-d's authority and power, so were the Laws they had broken.
The burning of the calf and the grinding of the residue probably reflects the fact that the idol was a wooden frame overlaid with gold. Following the burning, there would have been leftover gold which would have been ground up. This, along with the ashes, was mixed with water and given to the people to drink.
The conversation between Moses and Aaron was probably quite humorous, even though it was also tragic. The nature of Moses' question implied that he found it inconceivable that Aaron could have participated in such a sin without major threats or pressure. Aaron's excuse took two avenues, he first blamed the people and then ultimately blamed Moses for staying on the mountain so long. This sounds like all of us today: "G-d it isn't really my fault. You see, if it weren't for the other person (or thing), it never would have happened."
His second avenue of excuse was to imply some sort of miraculous event. To worship the work of our own hands is foolish. To imply that it created itself is even more so. Moses did not waste time seeking to argue with Aaron.
At this point Moses issued a call to decision; "Who is on the L-rd's side?" (v. 26). The call was for a specific choice, and an act of the will. Although not everyone may have participated in the idolatrous worship, there is no record of any opposition. With Moses' question, there was no opportunity left for sitting on the fence. The time had come when they had to take a stand. The fact that only the sons of Levi responded shows just how widespread the crisis was.
The statement "you have ordained yourselves" (vs. 29), literally means "filled your hands." It was a way of expressing that they had filled their hands voluntarily and obediently with the service of G-d. That they had been willing to so this served as the foundation for their future use as leaders in Israel's service of G-d.
Following this, Moses went back to G-d to try and act as an intercessor and mediator: "perhaps I may win forgiveness for your sin" (v. 30). Moses was going to try to do what no man can do, that is, to act as a substitute for another individual's sins. Instead, Moses was told that their sin must be punished. On the other hand, G-d did reiterate His promise that Israel could go on to the land of promise. Further, there would be the guidance of the messenger of G-d along the way. They would not be left to fend for themselves.
Shalom U'Vracha,
Thomas, Greta, and Talie
