Now therefore let me alone— One would be apt to conclude from the manner of speaking here, that the Almighty meant this as a trial of the benevolence and piety of Moses; proposing to him the total destruction of this perverse generation, and the transferring to his single family all the blessings of the Abrahamic covenant, in order to prove, whether he would humanely and piously intercede for the people, or accept a proposal so flattering to himself; and it cannot be denied that the character of Moses appears, in this view, most amiable and disinterested.
REFLECTIONS.—1. The Lord hastens Moses down to the people. Had he left them without God's warrant, he had been chargeable for their rebellion. When ministers unnecessarily leave their flocks, or masters their families, and mischief ensues, they must answer for it to God. 2. The Lord seems to disclaim any farther relation to them; he calls them thy people. Sin makes fearful separations between God and the soul. 3. He charges them with corrupting themselves. Every sinner is self-corrupted, and therefore at the last day will appear self-condemned. 4. He upbraids their unfaithfulness, that they had so soon turned aside, after such distinguishing favours had been shewn them, and such solemn engagements made by them. To sin against our vows and our mercies is double guilt. 5. He tells him of their gross idolatry, the proof of their utterly abandoned temper; and such perverseness, as mercies would neither constrain nor terrors overawe. It is desperate indeed with the soul, when God declares all methods of dealing with it to be vain. 6. He threatens to destroy them in his wrath. What sinner need not tremble for himself, when he thinks how often he has provoked this wrath, which, if it were kindled, yea, but for a moment, who might abide it? Lastly, he seems to restrain Moses from interceding for them, and promises to raise up to him another nation in their stead. But one thing could save them from immediate ruin, and that was Moses's prayer; and here was enough, if he was at all self-interested, to lead him to abandon them. But he, whose heart is filled with love, will shew, like Moses, that he can love his neighbour as himself, and can forego his own interest for the good of his fellow-creatures.