Exodus 32:7
And the LORD said unto Moses, Go, get thee down; for thy people, which thou broughtest out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves:
Exodus 32:7 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from the book of Exodus, God is speaking to Moses and instructing him to go back down from Mount Sinai because the people of Israel have worshipped a golden calf in his absence. The meaning of this verse is significant as it demonstrates the seriousness of idolatry and disobedience in God's eyes. The phrase "thy people" used by God is distancing himself from the Israelites, indicating his displeasure with their actions. Despite saving them from slavery in Egypt and leading them to safety, the people have turned away from God and embraced false idols. This serves as a warning to all believers about the consequences of straying from the path of righteousness. It also illustrates God's ultimate authority and his expectation for his people to remain faithful and obedient. By instructing Moses to go down and address the situation, God is showing his desire for repentance and correction among the Israelites.
Theological Overview
Here, in the book of Exodus, we see the Lord speaking to Moses about the actions of the Israelites. The phrase "corrupted themselves" highlights the idea of moral or spiritual decay. This verse presents a theological interpretation that emphasizes the consequences of turning away from God's commands and indulging in idolatry. The word "corrupted" in this context implies a deliberate choice to stray from God's path and engage in sinful behavior. By studying the original Hebrew word used here, we gain a deeper understanding of the seriousness of the Israelites' actions and the Lord's response to their disobedience. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of remaining faithful to God's word and the consequences of straying from His teachings.
Exodus 32:7 in other translations
American Standard Version
And Jehovah spake unto Moses, Go, get thee down; for thy people, that thou broughtest up out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves:
World English Bible
Yahweh spoke to Moses, “Go, get down; for your people, who you brought up out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves!
Douay-Rheims
And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: Go, get thee down: thy people, which thou hast brought out of the land of Egypt, hath sinned.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then the Lord said vnto Moses, Go, get thee downe: for thy people which thou hast brought out of the land of Egypt, hath corrupted their wayes.