Exodus 31 - 34 Summary

Exodus chapters 31-34 cover the completion of instructions for the tabernacle, the golden calf incident, and the renewal of the covenant. Here's a summary:

Exodus 31: Skilled Workers and the Sabbath:

God designates Bezalel and Oholiab, along with other skilled artisans, to construct the tabernacle and its furnishings.

God reiterates the importance of observing the Sabbath as a sign of the covenant between him and Israel.

God gives Moses the two tablets of stone inscribed with the Ten Commandments.

Exodus 32: The Golden Calf:

While Moses is on Mount Sinai, the Israelites, impatient for his return, pressure Aaron to make them a god.

Aaron fashions a golden calf, and the people worship it, engaging in idolatrous revelry.

God tells Moses of the people's apostasy and expresses his anger.

Moses descends from the mountain and, witnessing the idolatry, breaks the tablets of stone.

He destroys the golden calf and calls the Levites to execute those who participated in the idolatry.

Moses then pleads with God to forgive the people.

Exodus 33: God's Presence and Moses' Intercession:

God tells Moses that he will send an angel to lead the Israelites to the Promised Land, but he himself will not go with them, because of the people's stubbornness.

Moses sets up the tent of meeting outside the camp, and those who seek the Lord go there.

Moses pleads with God, asking that Gods presence go with them, and also asking to see Gods glory.

God agrees to go with them, and agrees to show Moses his glory, but tells Moses that he cannot see Gods face.

Exodus 34: Renewal of the Covenant:

God instructs Moses to cut two new tablets of stone.

God renews the covenant with Israel, repeating the Ten Commandments and other laws.

God warns against making treaties with the inhabitants of Canaan and commands the destruction of their idols.

Moses spends forty days and nights on Mount Sinai without food or water.

When Moses descends from the mountain, his face is radiant, and he covers it with a veil.

In essence, these chapters highlight the Israelites' tendency towards idolatry, Moses' role as an intercessor, and God's willingness to forgive and renew his covenant. They also reinforce the importance of the Sabbath and the unique relationship between God and Moses.