Exodus 32:33 - Printer Friendly

ESV: But the Lord said to Moses, "Whoever has sinned against me, I will blot out of my book.

NIV: The Lord replied to Moses, "Whoever has sinned against me I will blot out of my book.

NASB: However, the Lord said to Moses, 'Whoever has sinned against Me, I will wipe him out of My book.

CSB: The Lord replied to Moses: "Whoever has sinned against me I will erase from my book.

NLT: But the Lord replied to Moses, 'No, I will erase the name of everyone who has sinned against me.

KJV: And the Lord said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.

NKJV: And the Lord said to Moses, “Whoever has sinned against Me, I will blot him out of My book.

This response reveals a crucial aspect of God's nature. He holds all people accountable for their sins, without exceptions (Ecclesiastes 12:14; Hebrews 4:13). Everyone must answer for their sin either with eternal punishment (Revelation 20:11–15) or through the sacrifice of Christ (Romans 5:6–11). But the Lord holds us accountable only for our own thoughts and actions.

The Lord never judges a person guilty because of someone else's sin (Ezekiel 18:20). Children can suffer when they continue in their parents' disobedience (Deuteronomy 5:9). Governments and cultures which defy God can cause suffering among their people (Proverbs 29:2). Evil people do evil things (Isaiah 3:15). But God never assigns moral guilt for anything other than a person's own choices (Romans 14:12).

God is replying to Moses' request to be judged along with Israel (Exodus 32:30–32) if God chooses not to forgive their idolatry (Exodus 32:1–6). God is not done with Moses, or the Hebrew people (Exodus 32:34).

Exodus 32:25–35 describes Israel's initial punishment for idolatry (Exodus 32:1–6). Moses calls for loyal men; his own tribe of Levi responds. He assigns the men to put several thousand people to death. It seems likely that those executed are leaders who cooperated in making the idol. Moses continues to offer himself as a sacrifice in exchange for God's mercy on Israel. God refuses. Instead, the Lord commands the Israelites to break camp and head for their next destination.

During Moses' long absence (Exodus 24:18), the Israelites lose patience. They demand that Aaron (Exodus 24:14) make them a god they can see. Aaron makes a gold idol from donated jewelry and the people worship it as God. On the mountain, God is furious and sends Moses back. Moses arrives, breaks the stone tablets of God's law which he carried, and destroys the idol. Moses then calls on loyal men to execute those responsible. Aaron is spared, but Israel can anticipate more punishment.

Moses went onto Sinai to communicate with the Lord (Exodus 24:12) and has been gone a long time (Exodus 24:18). He is receiving instructions from God (Exodus 25—31). Meanwhile, Israel falls into idolatry. They break the first two commandments just given at Sinai (Exodus 20:3–6). After delivering initial consequences, God commands Israel to move along and discusses how He will renew His covenant (Exodus 33—34).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.

Accessed 9/17/2025 2:06:40 PM