Contemplative Bible Reading

Exodus 32:20 (New Living Translation)

25 Moses saw that Aaron had let the people get completely out of control, much to the amusement of their enemies.

This is part of the (hi)story of Moses, God, the Ten Commandments and all those things. Moses came down from the mountain where God gave the law. Moses finds that Aaron had let the people get completely out of control.

Okay, so they’re having a party. Well, maybe too much partying. They were completely out of control. Hmm.

A party is okay. “Completely out of control,” well, that is subjective.

One of the troubles was these descendants of Jacob, i.e., the Israelites were not in a safe situation. They were out camping, all million of them. They were not in a place that was easily defended. They were vulnerable. The wild party made them even more vulnerable.

Their party amused their enemies. Oh, enemies. Oh, people who were seeking an opportunity to do them harm. Recall how when the people left Egypt, they took lots of gold and silver with them. There was plenty of treasure for plundering in that huge camp. And the people were partying out of control.

It was a wonder that nothing catastrophic happened. No, it was not a wonder, it was a miracle. Even though the people were out of control, God ensured their safety. A miracle.

I don’t party out of control. Does God protect me? Absolutely YES. All the time. Thanks be to God.