Exodus 32:10 - Moses intercedes for Israel

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Hebrew Text

וְעַתָּה הַנִּיחָה לִּי וְיִחַר־אַפִּי בָהֶם וַאֲכַלֵּם וְאֶעֱשֶׂה אוֹתְךָ לְגוֹי גָּדוֹל׃

English Translation

now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may burn against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation.

Transliteration

Ve'atah hanicha li veyichar api bahem va'achalem ve'e'eseh otcha legoy gadol.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְעַתָּה֙ הַנִּ֣יחָה לִּ֔י וְיִֽחַר־אַפִּ֥י בָהֶ֖ם וַאֲכַלֵּ֑ם וְאֶֽעֱשֶׂ֥ה אוֹתְךָ֖ לְג֥וֹי גָּדֽוֹל׃

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Shemot 32:10) appears during the episode of the Golden Calf, where Hashem informs Moshe of Bnei Yisrael's sin and expresses His intention to destroy them, offering instead to establish Moshe as the progenitor of a new nation.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi comments on the phrase "הניחה לי" ("let me alone") by noting that this implies Moshe had the power to "hold back" Hashem's decree through prayer. This teaches that even when a divine decree is issued, the prayers of the righteous can annul it (based on the principle of תפילה עוקרת את הגזירה). Rashi further explains that Hashem was giving Moshe the opportunity to advocate for the people.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (1:54), Rambam interprets this as an instance of divine accommodation to human understanding. The Torah speaks in human terms ("דיברה תורה כלשון בני אדם") to convey that Bnei Yisrael's fate depended on Moshe's intercession, emphasizing human free will and responsibility.

Talmudic and Midrashic Insights

The Talmud (Berachot 32a) derives from this verse that one should never despair of pleading for mercy, as Moshe successfully averted destruction through prayer.
Midrash Tanchuma (Ki Tisa 26) states that Hashem "sought an opening" for mercy by inviting Moshe's intervention, showing that divine justice is tempered with the potential for compassion.

Kli Yakar's Interpretation

The Kli Yakar (R' Shlomo Ephraim Luntschitz) notes that Hashem's offer to make Moshe into a great nation tested whether Moshe would prioritize his own honor or the people's survival. Moshe's subsequent plea for mercy (Shemot 32:11-13) demonstrates his selflessness and love for Klal Yisrael.

Chassidic Perspective

The Sefat Emet (R' Yehudah Aryeh Leib Alter) teaches that "ועתה" ("now therefore") signals a pivotal moment where Moshe's actions could alter destiny. This reflects the Jewish belief that human deeds—especially prayer and repentance—can influence divine decrees.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 32a

The verse is discussed in the context of Moses' prayer to God to spare the Israelites after the sin of the Golden Calf, illustrating the power of prayer and intercession.

📖 Sanhedrin 111a

The verse is referenced in a discussion about God's willingness to relent from punishing the Israelites due to Moses' intervention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 32:10 mean when Hashem says 'let me alone'?
A: According to Rashi, this phrase shows that Hashem was giving Moshe an opportunity to pray on behalf of the Jewish people after the sin of the Golden Calf. It teaches that prayer can change Divine decrees, and leaders must advocate for their people.

Q: Why did Hashem want to destroy the Jewish people in Exodus 32:10?
A: The Rambam explains that the sin of the Golden Calf was so severe because it violated the first two commandments just given at Sinai. The Midrash says this was like a bride being unfaithful under the wedding canopy. However, Moshe's prayers averted the decree.

Q: What does 'I will make of you a great nation' mean in Exodus 32:10?
A: The Talmud (Berachos 32a) explains this was a test for Moshe - Hashem was offering to make his descendants the chosen nation instead of Israel. But Moshe refused this offer, showing his selfless dedication to the Jewish people.

Q: How does Exodus 32:10 teach us about leadership?
A: The verse demonstrates key leadership principles: 1) A leader must intercede for his people (Rambam) 2) True leaders prioritize the community over personal gain (as Moshe did by refusing to become the new patriarch) 3) Leaders must act with compassion even when people err (Midrash Tanchuma).

Q: What lesson can we learn today from Exodus 32:10?
A: This verse teaches: 1) The power of prayer to change situations 2) The importance of defending the Jewish people 3) That Hashem desires mercy over strict judgment (as shown by accepting Moshe's plea) 4) That we must value community over personal advancement, following Moshe's example.