The golden calf isn’t just a moment of foolishness - it’s spiritual betrayal. Israel still wanted the promised land, still wanted God’s blessings, but not God Himself. In contrast, Moses responds with a heart radically centered on God - interceding not for his own sake but for God’s name, God’s reputation, and God’s glory among the nations. This passage confronts us with deeper questions beneath every choice we make: Do we truly care about God? What will bring Him glory?