If you want evidence that “Moses was very humble,” more than anyone else (Num 12:3), this is it.
The Lord looked on the plain below and abruptly changed the subject: Not now, “Come up to Me” (Ex 24:12), but “Go, get down! For your people whom you brought out of the land of Egypt have corrupted themselves” (32:7). After describing the shameful scene, He said, “Now therefore let Me alone, that My wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them. And I will make of you a great nation” (v 10). There’s an offer most people would find hard to refuse. How about your own nation! It didn’t interest Moses in the least. Because these were his friends? No way! They grumbled, doubting his wisdom and care, almost stoning him once. God says, “let Me alone,” in other words, “move aside, Moses; let Me at them.” Wait a minute! Six feet of clay standing between God and the people? If you’re giving me a choice, says Moses, I won’t move. Then he preaches the sermon of his life. It has three points. The Lord had said “your people whom you brought out of the land of Egypt,” but, says Moses, “Lord, why does Your wrath burn hot against Your people whom You have brought out of the land of Egypt with great power…?” (v 11). Second, Your purpose will be questioned. Why should the Egyptians claim, “He brought them out to harm them”? (v 12). And, third, remember Your promise to the patriarchs (v 13). Note he doesn’t say, “These nice folks deserve another chance.” No, he preaches the character of God to God. And “the Lord relented from the harm which He said He would do to His people” (v 14). So whose will was done that day? Why, God’s will was done! He was looking for an intercessor who felt the way He did about those sinful people, and found one in Moses, just as He has found One for us in Christ.