Spiritual Infidelity

      This portion contains one of the most dramatic scenes in the entire Scriptures—the episode of the golden calf. Use a little imagination and watch this drama. Two "actors" stand out here—Israel and the L‑rd. Let's begin with Israel (32:1).

      The people of Israel were encamped by Mount Sinai. They had received the Torah from the L‑rd and had continued to receive instructions from Moses (actually from the L‑rd). Now, Moses was gone for forty whole days. Everyone was beginning to wonder if this was the end of an era—Moses as the spokesman for the L‑rd. What should they do? Well, Aaron was still there, and maybe he could give them a more convenient god. The rest is history. . .

      How does the L‑rd respond to Israel's sin? Most of us can just see His fury—He wants to wipe Israel out and make a new Chosen People from Moses' children (32:10). This seems to be a typical example of the G‑d of wrath that has to be placated. But, if this is all we see in this scene, we are missing the real drama here. The L‑rd is not so much an angry G‑d as He is a "jilted lover."

      The people of Israel had entered into a spiritual marriage relationship with the L‑rd and now, they have forgotten all about their vows. If you look closely, you'll see that the L‑rd is very discouraged with the people of Israel—will they ever learn? They are just like an ox that doesn't seem to respond to its master's commands. What's even more shocking is that the L‑rd says to Moses: "Go [deal with]...your people that you brought out of Egypt" (32:7). The L‑rd wants nothing to do with Israel. There is a great deal of pain here, if you can see it.

      We in many ways are just like Israel. As long as we are in strong contact with the L‑rd, we stand strong spiritually. We have every reason to—G‑d is demonstrating that He is alive. But, then we go through "dry spells," times when the miracles are not there; when we can barely hear G‑d's voice, then, other gods are awfully attractive. Spiritual infidelity is a hair away.