But now, if you will forgive their sin—but if not, please blot me out of your book that you have written.”
Moses calls it a great sin so they will not think themselves innocent, and he shows them how difficult atonement is, he must go up to the Lord himself, and even then perhaps make peace. The malignity of sin appears in the price of pardons. He who undertook to make atonement found it no easy thing to do it.
AI summary
Commenting on Exodus 32:30-35
No one truly written in the book of life is ever blotted out; but those who seem to themselves to be God's elect and yet prove themselves obstinate, impenitent sinners, will be found never to have been written there at all. The Lord refused Moses' request to blot out his own name, but showed mercy to the people, commanding him to lead them toward Canaan with an angel before them, though He reserved the right to chastise them for this sin as opportunity allowed.
AI summary
Moses alludes to the registering of the living and erasing of the dead when he offers to be blotted out. Such warmth of affection for his brethren, such true patriot's spirit! Yet what Moses offered in willingness, Christ actually accomplished in His death for His people.
AI summary