And Moses besought the LORD his God, and said, LORD, why doth thy wrath wax hot against thy people, which thou hast brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power, and with a mighty hand?

EXODUS 32:11KJV
Know the Bible

Exodus 32:11 (KJV)

What does Exodus 32:11 mean?

Exodus 32:11 describes Moses urgently pleading with the LORD (God) not to let His anger burn against the Israelites, reminding God that He brought them out of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand. Moses is interceding for the people right after they made the golden calf, asking God to reconsider His wrath.

In this moment, Moses is speaking directly to the LORD (the personal name for God, often shown as "Yahweh" or "Jehovah"), acting as a mediator for the Israelites. The verse shows Moses appealing to God's past actions and reputation, emphasizing that God Himself delivered the people from Egypt with strength and authority. This sets the stage for the conversation between Moses and God about mercy, judgment, and the future of Israel.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 32:11

  • "besought" (חָלָה, chalah; פָּנִים, panim): The Hebrew here combines the idea of seeking favor and coming "before the face" of God, showing Moses' earnestness and humility as he pleads for the people.
  • "wrath" (אַף, aph): This word literally means "nose" or "anger," often picturing flaring nostrils as a sign of intense anger. It highlights the seriousness of God's displeasure.
  • "hot" (חָרָה, charah): This verb means "to burn" or "to be kindled," emphasizing that God's anger is not mild but burning hot in this situation.
  • "great power" (כֹּחַ, koach) and "mighty hand" (יָד חֲזָקָה, yad chazaqah): These phrases stress God's strength and decisive action in rescuing Israel, which Moses uses as a reason for God to show mercy now.

Why Exodus 32:11 matters

  • Exodus 32:11 shows Moses acting as a mediator, not just a leader, highlighting his relationship with both God and the people.
  • The verse emphasizes that God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt was an act of power and commitment, which Moses uses as the basis for his plea.
  • This verse sets up the larger conversation about intercession, forgiveness, and the consequences of the Israelites' actions, making it a key turning point in the story of the golden calf.

Where else these words appear

“mighty” Hebrew H2389 · used in 54 verses

  • Exodus 3:19 And I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a mighty hand.
  • Deuteronomy 34:12 And in all that mighty hand, and in all the great terror which Moses shewed in the sight of all Israel.
  • Isaiah 27:1 In that day the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that is in the sea.

“besought” Hebrew H2470 · used in 73 verses

  • Genesis 48:1 And it came to pass after these things, that one told Joseph, Behold, thy father is sick: and he took with him his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim.
  • 2 Kings 20:12 At that time Berodachbaladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present unto Hezekiah: for he had heard that Hezekiah had been sick.
  • Isaiah 39:1 At that time Merodachbaladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah: for he had heard that he had been sick, and was recovered.

“hot” Hebrew H2734 · used in 87 verses

  • Genesis 4:5 But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.
  • Deuteronomy 7:4 For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly.
  • 1 Chronicles 13:10 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzza, and he smote him, because he put his hand to the ark: and there he died before God.

“power” Hebrew H3581 · used in 121 verses

  • Genesis 4:12 When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth.
  • 2 Chronicles 25:8 But if thou wilt go, do it, be strong for the battle: God shall make thee fall before the enemy: for God hath power to help, and to cast down.
  • Proverbs 24:5 A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.