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gold" in Exod 20:23 (see also Exod 20:4-5) provides the framework for reading the Golden Calf
story of Exodus 32. In Exodus 32, the "calf/bull" there is called "a god of gold" (Exod 32:31),
but it also appears to be identified as an image of Yahweh -- the calf stands for the one who
brought them from Egypt (Exod 32:4) and upon its construction, a feast for Yahweh was
declared (Exod 32:5). This indicates that the "calf" was a representation of Yahweh.
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The
narrative must be read in the light of the law, for it calls what Israel did an act of turning away
from what God commanded them (Exod 32:8). But the narrative likewise clarifies the law,
showing that the prohibitions of images in Exod 20:4-5, 23 include images of Yahweh, not just
images of other gods. Thus law and narrative must be read in conjunction with each other to
derive the correct meaning.
d. Joshua and the Altar of Stone (Josh 8:31-35). Joshuas construction of the altar of
unhewn stones on Mount Ebal (Josh 8:31-35) is said to be "as Moses the servant of Yahweh
commanded" (v. 32), a clear allusion to the earlier altar of stone laws in Deut 27:2-8, which itself
draws upon the altar law of Exod 20:24-25. The text assumes that the reader is acquainted with
the earlier altar laws to inform the understanding of the narrative event.
e. Abraham, Laban, Jacob and the Slave and Brideprice Laws. Exod 21:11 says that if
the husband of a slave-wife (amah) is unwilling to grant to the wife choice food (literally
"flesh"), appropriate clothing, and a term that may mean conjugal rights, that she is to be
released without payment of money.
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This passage informs ones reading of Gods command
for Abraham to "divorce" his slave-wife Hagar (Gen 21:8-14). When Sarah tells Abraham to
drive out Hagar (Gen 21:10) and when he sent her away (Gen 21:14), the text uses language
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The Decalogues prohibition of images and of taking Gods name in vain in Carmichaels view
(The Origins of Biblical Law, 28-34) elaborates on the Golden Calf story where Aaron takes
Gods name in vain by declaring a feast to Yahweh when the calf was made.
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For exegetical details, see Sprinkle, ,,The Book of the Covenant, 53-54,