The How of Worship

Concerning Exodus 32:7-10 and Israel's calf-worship, Ligon Duncan writes, “God charges Israel not with departing from him, but from his way, his commands about worship (which consequently means a departure from God himself)… This whole indictment emphasizes the importance of the how of worship” (GPTG 39). I have heard many preachers state that God condemns Israel for their idolatry, and what they say is true. However, many miss the intriguing aspect that Duncan brings to our attention. “[Aaron] insists, however, that this is the worship of the Lord, that is, the true God” (GPTG 37). It is not that Israel desires to serve a false god, but that they are trying to worship the true God in a wrong manner. God is not only displeased with our idolatry, but He is also displeased with our “will-worship” (which is also, ironically, the act of idolatry) (GPTG 45).