Deuteronomy chapter 9

vs 11

Written in the hand of God. I wonder what his handwriting was like? Did he point his text?

vs 12

Even in this face of this monumental time, a burning mountain and the voice of God having been heard only a month ago, God has to give Moses this news about his people. Quickly is a fair term.

vs 13

As if God didn't know that before he brought them into the desert.

vs 14

I think we try and read over this, or say that God is testing Moses, or something. The fact is, Israel is meaningless to God. Ouch, but true. "Can not God raise sons for Abraham out of these stones?" Or Moses for that matter? It is an option God has. God, however, puts it at least partly into Moses' hands. Moses can step aside and let it happen, or not.

vs 15

Here is Moses recounting this awful day in Israel's history. So he goes through it step by step. After all, he was there, and remembers it clearly.

vs 16

Note how alike Moses' words and God's words are. Exactly what God had said, that's what Moses has seen.

vs 17

I'm sure it was an emotional time, but note that he did it before their eyes. He wanted them to see what has happened to them because of their sin.

vs 18

Instead of being sustained by the Lord through closeness, he is now going without in repentance before God. This is on behalf of a people whom he is angry with. I'd be half inclined to let them get wiped.

vs 19

Angry enough to destroy, and about to destroy, are slightly different things. In any case, Moses here shows his compassion for a people who don't deserve it. Call it mercy. And God decides to show mercy. Does he change his mind? I don't really know, and I don't see a problem with him venting his frustration and stating his feelings.

vs 20

Just a quick reminder of who the troublemaker was. True, Aaron didn't lead them into it, he got pressured into it. But how weak. Imagine having that on your shoulders.