The episode of the Golden Calf stands as the Israelites’ lowest moment, a profound betrayal of God occurring so soon after the revelation at Sinai. While still on the mountain, God informed Moshe of the people’s grievous infidelity, speaking words that must have shaken him to the core:

“I see that this is a stiff-necked people. Now, let Me be, that My anger may blaze forth against them and that I may destroy them, and make of you a great nation.” (Exodus 32:10)

Stunned by God’s declaration, Moshe challenged the divine resolve, imploring God to relent through two powerful arguments:

“Let not the Egyptians say, ‘It was with evil intent that He delivered them, only to kill them off in the mountains and annihilate them from the face of the earth.’ Turn from Your blazing anger and renounce the........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)