Exodus 34:5 Then the Lord came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the Lord.
Commentary says these verses banish the idea of a “bad God” (I read that as mean) in the Old Testament, and while I will admit that v6-7a is a beautiful picture of a loving, gracious, compassionate God, the latter part of v7 is…off-putting to say the least.
Exodus 34:6 And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness,
The idea of punishing the children and grandchildren to the fourth generation for the sins of the parents is terrible to me. I and my children and my children’s children and their children will all pay for the sins of my parents? Where is the love, grace, or compassion in that sentiment?
Exodus 34:7 maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.”
Precious Savior, Thank You that I can wrestle with these difficult passages without fear of being cast out. Thank You that Your love for me is greater than any doubt or fear or misgivings that I wrestle with. Thank You for drawing me closer as I try to make sense of these things that don’t readily make sense to me. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.
Exodus 34:8 Moses bowed to the ground at once and worshiped.
Have a blessed day.