Intercession: Moses and Yahweh's Conversation on the Mountain

The narrative focus shifts from the mayhem at the bottom of the mountain to Moses and Yahweh's conversation at the top. Yahweh is angry with the Israelites for their idolatry and wants to destroy them. He invites Moses into his emotions, but Moses intercedes on behalf of the people. Moses appeals to Yahweh's investment, reputation, and covenant promise. He even offers his own life as atonement. Moses' intercession enables Israel to maintain their relationship with God and prevents their destruction. Yahweh relents and changes his mind based on his conversation with Moses. This interaction challenges the paradigm of what God is like and encourages boldness and tenacity in conversation with God. It raises the question of whether we care enough for others to intercede like Moses did.