Exodus 32:10
ESV
Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them, in order that I may make a great nation of you."
NIV
Now leave me alone so that my anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them. Then I will make you into a great nation."
NASB
So now leave Me alone, that My anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them; and I will make of you a great nation.'
CSB
Now leave me alone, so that my anger can burn against them and I can destroy them. Then I will make you into a great nation."
NLT
Now leave me alone so my fierce anger can blaze against them, and I will destroy them. Then I will make you, Moses, into a great nation.'
KJV
Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation.
NKJV
Now therefore, let Me alone, that My wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them. And I will make of you a great nation.”
What does Exodus 32:10 mean?
When Moses did not return quickly from his visit with God (Exodus 24:18), the people of Israel created an idol and offered sacrifices to it (Exodus 32:1–6). This violated commands they had just recently been given (Exodus 20:3–6). In this passage, God is telling Moses about this development (Exodus 32:7–8).The Lord notes that the Israelites are stubborn (Exodus 32:9). Since leaving Egypt, the people have resisted putting their full faith and trust in Him (Exodus 14:10–12; 16:19–21; 17:3). To display His offense, the Lord has temporarily stopped referring to Israel as "my people" (Exodus 3:7; 6:7; 12:31). Here, He has called them "your people" (Exodus 32:7) and "this people" (Exodus 32:9).
The Lord makes this statement even clearer by suggesting that He will "consume" the Israelites: He will destroy them. Then, He would begin His plan anew starting with Moses. God is capable of this, of course. But He does not break His promises (Exodus 32:13). This is a rhetorical device. It is a reminder that Israel is defying their all-powerful and all-knowing Creator. The following discussion (Exodus 32:11–14) is more about Moses articulating God's nature than convincing God to change His mind.
