Charles Ellicott Commentary Exodus 32:30-35

"And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses said unto the people, Ye have sinned a great sin: and now I will go up unto Jehovah; peradventure I shall make atonement for your sin. And Moses returned unto Jehovah, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold. Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin-; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written. And Jehovah said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book. And now go, lead the people unto [the place] of which I have spoken unto thee: behold, mine angel shall go before thee; nevertheless in the day when I visit, I will visit their sin upon them. And Jehovah smote the people, because they made the calf, which Aaron made." — Exodus 32:30-35 (ASV)

MOSES’ INTERCESSION ON BEHALF OF THE PEOPLE.

When Moses had, on first hearing of God’s intention to destroy the people, interceded for them (Exodus 32:11–13), his prayers had received no direct answer—he had been left in doubt whether they were granted or not. Having now put an end to the offence, and to some extent punished it, he was intent on renewing his supplications and obtaining a favourable reply.

Once more he ascends the mount to be completely alone, and so best able to wrestle with God in prayer. This time he not merely intercedes but offers himself as an atonement for the people, willing to be blotted out of God’s book, if on this condition they may be spared. God refuses the offer but informs Moses that He relents: He will spare the people and allow them to continue their journey to the promised land. However, He will send an angel to lead them instead of leading them Himself, and He will punish the sinners by a different punishment from that originally threatened (Exodus 32:10).