Exodus 32:34
ESV
But now go, lead the people to the place about which I have spoken to you; behold, my angel shall go before you. Nevertheless, in the day when I visit, I will visit their sin upon them."
NIV
Now go, lead the people to the place I spoke of, and my angel will go before you. However, when the time comes for me to punish, I will punish them for their sin."
NASB
But go now, lead the people where I told you. Behold, My angel shall go before you; nevertheless on the day when I punish, I will punish them for their sin.'
CSB
Now go, lead the people to the place I told you about; see, my angel will go before you. But on the day I settle accounts, I will hold them accountable for their sin."
NLT
Now go, lead the people to the place I told you about. Look! My angel will lead the way before you. And when I come to call the people to account, I will certainly hold them responsible for their sins.'
KJV
Therefore now go, lead the people unto the place of which I have spoken unto thee: behold, mine Angel shall go before thee: nevertheless in the day when I visit I will visit their sin upon them.
NKJV
Now therefore, go, lead the people to the place of which I have spoken to you. Behold, My Angel shall go before you. Nevertheless, in the day when I visit for punishment, I will visit punishment upon them for their sin.”
What does Exodus 32:34 mean?
God led Israel personally using fire and clouds (Exodus 13:17–22). They came to Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:1–3). There, the Lord gave them specific commands (Exodus 20:3–17). Moses spent forty days communicating with God on the mountain (Exodus 24:18). While he was gone, the people blatantly violated God's laws (Exodus 32:1–6). Moses is appealing to the Lord for forgiveness (Exodus 32:30–32). God says He will hold people accountable for their own actions (Exodus 32:33). Here, He suggests that His intimate presence with the people will be changed.Israel is to leave Sinai (Exodus 33:1). When they go, God's interactions with them will be more limited (Exodus 33:2–3). God will meet with Moses in a tent outside the camp (Exodus 33:7), rather than among the people. Soon, God will call Moses to reestablish Israel's wounded covenant (Exodus 34).
For now, God will lead them towards Canaan using some kind of angel. The Hebrew phrasing here is ambiguous. What's clearer is that the Lord plans to visit Israel with further punishment for their idolatry (Exodus 32:35).