What is the actual sin of the golden calf? How does Moses respond to it?
What is the basis of the relationship between God and Israel as expressed in these chapters?
What is the theological import of God’s proclamation in Exodus 34:6–7? How does it feel in the middle of the other messages we get from God in Exodus?
Applying the Text:
This video discusses briefly the aniconic (avoiding of iconic forms) tradition surrounding God in the Hebrew Bible. Is it responsible to portray God in images? What do typical depictions of God enforce for us? Who do we usually see God portrayed as? For instance, can you see yourself relating to God depicted with different racial or gender expressions? Why or why not?
Do varying depictions alter the essence of our understanding of God?
Moses destroys the first set of tablets holding the ten commandments. Does this show a lack of care for the divine word when overcome with emotion? In what ways does our own interaction with our sacred text reflect Moses’ attitude?
The book of Exodus describes a major event in the life of the Israelite people. How does this book continue to influence how we think about ancestry, miracles, freedom, and covenant?