In Exodus chapter thirty-two, verse thirty-two, Moses addresses God on behalf of the Israelites regarding their sin. He realizes that they did something wrong to provoke the anger of the Holy One. Moses begins to intervene with God for the Israelites that remain after they made gods of gold, already breaking the first commandment, which is not to have any other gods before Him. Moses’ love for the sinful people points to the love of a great mediator, Jesus Christ, who made “intercession for the transgressors.” The Son of God who did not sin bore the sins of others.
Moses went out of his way to address God for the wrongdoing of his fellow Israelites, risking his life by putting himself in jeopardy of being disciplined permanently. He says to the Almighty, Creator of the universe, to take his name out of His book. Why would Moses say that? We must be careful how we talk to anyone nowadays, especially how we speak to God. All human beings will someday have to give an account of what they said and did on judgment day.
Moses confronts God about taking his name out because he expects His forgiveness on behalf of the people. There is no further detail on how much participation the remaining children of Israel took part in when the gods of gold came into existence. However, the rest were present. God made the ten commandments for the Israelites and us to follow to enable us to have a close relationship with Him and avoid living in sin. Sin and God do not mix because He is pure, holy, and light. Sin is the opposite which is darkness, unpure, and unholy.
Moses asks God to forgive their sin because forgiveness is a part of His nature. However, the people who sin must confess and ask for a pardon on their own. We know when we do wrong, and our conscience gets a hold of us. Still, if we do not openly address the matter, how can we expect God to forgive our sins if we fail to acknowledge them?