“I have
seen these people,” the Lord said to Moses, “and they are a stiff-necked people. Now leave
me alone so that my anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them.
Then I will make you into a great nation.”
But Moses sought the favor of the Lord his God. “Lord,” he said, “why should your
anger burn against your people, whom you brought out of Egypt with great power
and a mighty hand?” Exodus 32:9-11
God
wanted to wipe out the people for their golden calf worship and Moses stepped
in and pleaded for the people. God
backed off and gave a less severe punishment.
Did Moses change God’s mind?
Yes
and no. God still killed 3,000 people
for their disobedience, but he didn’t wipe them all out as he planned. God knows all things and knew they would
disobey and he knew Moses would plead, so his relenting became a part of the
plan. He wanted to wipe everyone out,
but he knew he would not after Moses pleaded.
God
changes direction because he already knew he was going to change
direction. It’s not like we provide
insight God didn’t know or act more righteous when God gets angry. God wants us to know we can be part of the
process, but ultimately, he makes all the final decisions.