After the Israelites worshiped the golden calf, Moses begged God to forgive them, even offering himself in their place. God refused to erase Moses but punished the sinners with a plague.

God told Moses He would not go with the people but would send an angel to guide them because their stubbornness risked destruction. The people wept, grieving the consequences of their sin.

Moses set up a meeting tent where God’s cloud appeared, and they spoke. Moses asked God to live among them, and God agreed.

God instructed Moses to carve two new stone tablets. He promised to drive out Canaan’s inhabitants if the Israelites obeyed His commandments. Moses spent forty days and nights on the mountain, writing God’s laws and commandments, including the Ten Commandments, without eating or drinking. Returning with a glowing face that frightened the people, Moses wore a veil and shared God’s commands. He called for offerings and skilled craftsmen to build the Tabernacle—the dwelling place of God.

The people generously contributed, and the Tabernacle was completed exactly two years after leaving Egypt. Moses blessed the work, and God’s glory filled the Tabernacle, guiding the Israelites in all their travels.