Present Word 09/19

Reflecting on revelation

This morning we reflected on the themes and issues associated with Exodus 32:1-10. It’s the well-known episode sometimes known as “the story of the golden calf.” Moses is up on the mountain with God, getting the detailed instructions for how to construct the Tabernacle (see Ex. 25-31). In the meantime, “the people” start to become concerned, and demand of Aaron “make us gods.” It goes downhill from there: the golden calf is smelted and molded, “the people” organize an impromptu worship service, God is seriously displeased, and Moses has to talk God out of taking drastic punitive measures.

Class discussion focused on a number of themes, including the obvious idolatry (although this wasn’t the first thing we thought of). Impatience — the people demanded these visible images because they wanted to know something, see something, end the painful uncertainty. At least, that’s what we surmise. Religious syncretism — as our lesson book said, this incident probably had something to do with incorporating elements from surrounding religions, including the prevalent fertility cults of Canaan and the surrounding lands.

A couple of insights: the story makes it sound as if everyone was of the same mind, but perhaps there were people who thought the idol was a bad idea — but we don’t hear about them, perhaps because they didn’t speak up? This might be a lesson for us. The arts are implicated in these chapters. In the instructions for the Tabernacle, people’s artistic skills and powers are referenced, they are going to be mobilized to create a place where people can encounter the Living God. In Ch. 32, the arts are being used, too — to create a definite, fixed image. These are two different models of the integration of the arts in the life of worship, and it is pretty clear which one gets the approval of the text.

Advertisement

Tags: Bible, Christianity, Ex. 32:1-10, Present Word, religion, spiritual practice