32:1–34:35 · Crisis at Sinai: The Golden Calf - Exodus 32–34 forms an important watershed for understanding God’s relationship to the world. The Creator had sought to redeem, form, and live among the people. To this end God delivered them out of Egypt, brought them to Mt. Sinai by going with them in the fiery cloud, and provided for them in the wilderness. At Sinai God set about forming them into the sort of community originally intended: in trust and fidelity with the Lord, with each other, and with the nonhuman creation.

During their time at Sinai, the people had again witnessed a dramatic revelation of God as Lord of creation. The detailed laws of the book of the covenant demonstrated God’s concern for every aspect of human life. The people accepted this covenant in 24:3, 8. Then Moses h…