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Adventistische Schriften über: "Would the people of Israel at Sinai after the building of the golden calf have been punished immediately without Moses' intercession?"
Answer
The documents confirm that God intended to destroy the people of Israel because of the rebellion at Sinai and the building of the golden calf. However, Moses recognized in God's words "Let me grant" a call for intercession and, through his earnest pleading, held back the "arm of retribution." Without this intervention, the people of Israel would have immediately fallen victim to God's wrath, and Moses would have been raised as the patriarch of a new nation.
Moses' Intercession Saves Israel
»“Let Me grant, ... so that I may consume them,” were the words of God. If God had intended to destroy Israel, who could have stood up for them? ... But Moses recognized a reason for hope where there seemed only discouragement and anger. He did not understand the words “Let Me grant” as a prohibition, but as a call for intercession, which implied that nothing but Moses' prayers could save Israel, and that God would spare His people if He were pleaded with.«
The Necessary Punishment of Sin
»God is both the guardian and the ruler of His people. He destroys those who are determined to rebel, so that they do not lead others to ruin. ... The same was true of the apostasy at Sinai. Had the transgression not been swiftly punished, the same results would have been seen again. The earth would have become as corrupt as in the days of Noah. ... It was God's mercy that thousands had to suffer to prevent the necessity of bringing millions before courts of judgment. To save the many, He had to punish the few.«
A New People from Moses
»While Moses was receiving God's law on the mountain, the Lord informed him of the sin of the rebellious Israel and asked him to let the people go so that He could destroy them. But Moses pleaded before God for the people. ... He did not want to consent to God destroying His people, even though God promised that in their destruction He would exalt Moses and raise a better people than Israel. Moses prevailed. God granted his earnest request not to wipe out His people.«
Moses as Mediator Between Israel and God's Wrath
»Moses was a mediator for his people and often stood between them and God's wrath. When the Lord's anger against Israel was kindled because of their unbelief, murmuring, and grievous sins, Moses' love for them was put to the test. God suggested destroying them and making a mighty nation out of them. Moses demonstrated his love for Israel through his passionate pleading on their behalf.«
Original Sources (English)
Stephan Krol
Founder of EGW Vision
Why I built EGW Vision
Hello, I am Stephan Krol. I started this Ellen White website to make the writings of Ellen G. White and the Adventist pioneers easier to access for everyone.
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