000 Allen FMT (i-xxii) - The Presbyterian Leader

low that up so quickly with their destruction? Second, what will the neighbors
think? How will the Egyptians react? Will they decide that you acted
out of malice toward Israel? And third, don’t you remember your promise
to Abraham and Isaac, “I will multiply your descendants like the stars of
heaven” (v. 13)?
“And the LORD changed his mind” (v. 14).
This passage could well be paired with Romans 9:1–5 where Paul
argues that he would wish himself “cut off from Christ” for the sake of his
own people (9:1, paraphrasing Exod. 32:32) and stoutly denies that Israel
has been rejected by God (11:1). Arguing with God in prayer is a theme
in the parable of the Unjust Judge (Luke 18:1–8). Our text relates ironically
to the banquet parable appointed for today (Matt. 22:1–14). In it, the
king was so angered at those who were invited but refused to come that
“he sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city”
(v. 7). Whereas Moses talked God out of consuming Israel, the invitees in
Matthew’s parable have no one to intercede for them.
Isaiah 25:1–9* (Paired with Gospel)
Please see Easter Day/Year B for commentary on this passage.
Proper 24 [29]/Year A
Exodus 33:12–23+ (Semicontinuous)
Proper 24 [29]/Year A 101
In today’s reading, Moses continues to manifest the chutzpah to argue
with God. In a passage left out of the lectionary, Moses had said to God
on behalf of the people: “But now, if you will only forgive their sin—but
if not, blot me out of the book that you have written” (Exod. 32:32). Paul
paraphrases this comment in Romans 9:3 where, speaking on behalf of
members of the people Israel who do not believe in Jesus Christ, he says:
“. . . I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for
the sake of my own people, my kindred according to the flesh.” Later he
asks, “Has God rejected his people?” and answers, “By no means!” (Rom.
11:1). God may be angered, but never forgets that God’s own character is
that of steadfast love and grace.
The opening verse of today’s reading finds Moses still raising objections
to God’s intentions. God had said to Moses (33:1–2) that Moses and “this
people” should leave “this place” and go to the land of promise and “I will
send an angel before you.” Whereas previously God had gone before