The Bible Recap – Day 041 (Exodus 33–35) – Year 8

Host: Tara-Leigh Cobble
Date: February 10, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode explores Exodus chapters 33–35, focusing on the aftermath of Israel’s Golden Calf incident, Moses’ renewed intimacy with God, the remaking of the covenant tablets, and the renewed commitment of the Israelites. Tara-Leigh Cobble unpacks theological nuances, the nature of God’s relationship with Moses and Israel, and how these ancient accounts illuminate God’s character and our identity.

Key Discussion Points

1. Aftermath of the Golden Calf Incident

• Recap of Exodus 32:
  • The Israelites sinned by making the golden calf while Moses communed with God.
  • Moses destroyed the idol, delivered an ultimatum, and the Levites killed 3,000 idolaters.
  • “In the aftermath of all this, Moses has a conversation with God.” (00:19)

2. Structure and Context of Exodus 33

• Verses 7–11 are an “inset” that highlights Moses’ unique relationship with God.

  • “Verses 7 through 11 tell us that God and Moses spent time together regularly… God spoke with Moses face to face.” (01:10)
  • Clarification: The "tent of meeting" mentioned here is different from the yet-to-be-built tabernacle.

• The anthropomorphism of “face to face”:

  • “God the Father is Spirit, so he doesn’t technically have a face…This is just scripture’s way of indicating the level of intimacy and accessibility... as with a friend.” (01:50)
  • Discusses the idea of “theophanies,” where God appears in human form temporarily.

3. God’s Reactions and Moses’ Intercession

• God’s anger at Israel’s sin and the threat not to personally accompany them to Canaan.
  • “He describes them as a stiff-necked people, stubborn and rebellious. Basically, he’s furious with them.” (03:10)
• Nuance on God’s emotions vs. human emotions.
• Moses pushes back, reminding God of His promises and that Israel needs His presence most because of their stubbornness.
  • “In 34:8–9, he even says that the very reason God should go with them is because they are a stiff-neck people.” (04:15)

4. The Request: “Show Me Your Glory”

• Moses asks God to reveal His glory (Exodus 33:18).

  • Again, the language is metaphorical, not literal physical appearance.

• God’s declaration (Exodus 33:19):

  • “I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.”
  • Explains God’s sovereign grace: “Mercy is not getting what you deserve, and grace is getting what you don’t deserve. God doesn’t owe mercy to anyone.” (05:10)

5. Remaking the Covenant and God’s Self-Description

• Moses carves new tablets (tablet 2.0) after breaking the first set.

  • “God cut them the first time, but this time Moses had to. I guess it’s a bit of a you-break-it-you-make-it policy here.” (06:10)

• Question of who wrote on the tablets this time (God or Moses)—referencing Deuteronomy 10.

• God’s defining words (Exodus 34:6–7):

  • “He’s merciful, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin.” (06:40)
  • Balanced by God’s justice: “He will by no means clear the guilty.”
  • Note: “thousands” likely refers to “a thousand generations”—implying mercy far outweighs judgment. (07:30)

6. Moses Returns, Radiant and Veiled

• Moses’ face shines from God’s presence, and he veils it to not frighten the Israelites (Exodus 34:29–35).
  • “He kept this up for I don’t know how long, maybe the whole 40 years they were in the wilderness.” (08:10)

7. Recommitment & Generosity of the People

• Moses updates Israel on God’s commands. The people now rally with voluntary offerings for the tabernacle.
  • “Everyone whose heart stirred him donated. It just makes me ask, how do hearts get stirred? Who does that?” (09:00)

8. God-Shot: Distinct Identity in God’s Presence

• Key moment from Tara-Leigh:
  • “Is it not in your going with us so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?... God is what gives us our identity. He is what’s noteworthy about us. And He’s where the joy is.” (09:30)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On God’s Intimacy with Moses:

  • “God spoke with Moses face to face…as with a friend.” (01:15)

• On God’s Justice and Mercy:

  • “He’s merciful, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness…but by no means will clear the guilty.” (06:45)

• On Human and Divine Identity:

  • “God is what gives us our identity. He is what’s noteworthy about us.” (09:32)

Important Timestamps

• 00:01–01:50 — Recap of Golden Calf incident & Moses’ relationship with God
• 01:51–03:10 — Tent of Meeting vs. Tabernacle explanation, God’s anger, Moses’ intercession
• 04:15–05:20 — The meaning of grace and mercy, God's sovereign choice
• 06:10–07:40 — Remaking the tablets, God’s self-description
• 08:10–09:00 — Moses’ radiant face and the people’s offerings
• 09:30–End — Tara-Leigh’s God-shot: Our identity in God's presence

Tone and Style

Tara-Leigh maintains her signature conversational and engaging tone—offering accessible theological insight, clarifying difficult passages, and encouraging listeners to find personal meaning (“God-shot”) in the day’s reading.

In summary: This episode highlights the deep intimacy God offers his people despite their failures, and how His presence—not their own merit—sets them apart. God’s grace, mercy, justice, and steadfast love remain at the forefront, as seen in His dealings with Moses and Israel.