volume 3, issue 1, 2011, pages 1-16

DOI: https://doi.org/10.64438/sbsHOFC7758
Published online: 2011-06-01
Published in print: 2011-06-30

Abstract: The paper deals with Moses’ intercession for Israel after the apostasy of the Golden calf (in Ex 32). Moses is expressed not only as a law giver but also as a genuine prophet who „stands in the breach“ and intercedes for sinful people. The study begins with literary and historical-critical analysis of the chs. 32-34 that were structured into a compositional unit in one of the final stages of the development of the book of Exodus. Its main goal is elaboration of exact exegesis of two of Moses’ intercessions in v. 7-14 and v. 30-34 and also of two divine responses in v. 14 and v. 33-34. Special attention is paid to the meaning of Moses willingness to be blotted out from the heavenly book in Ex 32, 32. In according to the modern research the text does not necessarily contain the idea of vicarious sacrifice. Finally the relationship between Moses’ prayers and two divine responses is investigated in their canonical context. It is concluded that divine respond in verse 14 does not necessarily stands in tension or even contradiction to divine response in verse 33-34.