Exodus 32:12 Meaning and Explanation
“Wherefore should the Egyptians speak, and say, For mischief did he bring them out, to slay them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against thy people.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Moses appeals to God's name and honor, warning that the Egyptians will mock God if He destroys Israel.
The Context of Exodus 32:12
Moses appeals to God's honor and asks Him to reconsider His judgment.
What Does Exodus 32:12 Mean?
Moses reasons that if God destroys Israel in the wilderness after delivering them from Egypt, the Egyptians would interpret this as evidence that God's power was limited or His character malicious. Moses calls God to consider His own reputation among the nations.
Moses uses a remarkable word: repent. He asks God to turn from His fierce wrath and repent of the evil He thinks to do. This does not suggest that God acts unjustly, but that God's mercy can lead Him to spare even when judgment is warranted.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 32:12
What does Exodus 32:12 mean?
Moses appeals to God's name and honor, warning that the Egyptians will mock God if He destroys Israel.
What is the context of Exodus 32:12?
Moses appeals to God's honor and asks Him to reconsider His judgment.