Verses 15–20
What a change it is, to come down from the mount of communion with God, to converse with
a wicked world. In God we see nothing but what is pure and pleasing; in the world nothing but
what is sinful and provoking. That it might appear an idol is nothing in the world, Moses ground
the calf to dust. Mixing this powder with their drink, signified that the backslider in heart should
be filled with his own ways.
Verses 21–29
Never did any wise man make a more frivolous and foolish excuse than that of Aaron. We must
never be drawn into sin by any thing man can say or do to us; for men can but tempt us to sin, they
cannot force us. The approach of Moses turned the dancing into trembling. They were exposed to
shame by their sin. The course Moses took to roll away this reproach, was, not by concealing the
sin, or putting any false colour upon it, but by punishing it. The Levites were to slay the ringleaders
in this wickedness; yet none were executed but those who openly stood forth. Those are marked
for ruin who persist in sin: those who in the morning were shouting and dancing, before night were
dying. Such sudden changes do the judgments of the Lord sometimes make with sinners that are
secure and jovial in their sin.
Verses 30–35
Moses calls it a great sin. The work of ministers is to show people the greatness of their sins.
The great evil of sin appears in the price of pardon. Moses pleads with God for mercy; he came
not to make excuses, but to make atonement. We are not to suppose that Moses means that he would
be willing to perish for ever, for the people's sake. We are to love our neighbour as ourselves, and
not more than ourselves. But having that mind which was in Christ, he was willing to lay down his
life in the most painful manner, if he might thereby preserve the people. Moses could not wholly
turn away the wrath of God; which shows that the law of Moses was not able to reconcile men to
God, and to perfect our peace with him. In Christ alone, God so pardons sin as to remember it no
more. From this history we see, that no unhumbled, carnal heart, can long endure the holy precepts,
the humbling truths, and the spiritual worship of God. But a god, a priest, a worship, a doctrine,
and a sacrifice, suited to the carnal mind, will ever meet with abundance of worshippers. The very
gospel itself may be so perverted as to suit a worldly taste. Well is it for us, that the Prophet like
unto Moses, but who is beyond compare more powerful and merciful, has made atonement for our
souls, and now intercedes in our behalf. Let us rejoice in his grace.
Chapter 33
Chapter Outline