26A different kind of book is probably in view in Ex. 32:33, where God says to Moses, “Whoever has sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.” Here the New Testament idea of the “book of life” is not mentioned. Rather, the image is one of God keeping a record of those currently dwelling among his people, much as an earthly king would do. To “blot out” someone’s name from such a book would imply that the person had died. Using this imagery, Ex. 32:33 is best understood to mean that God will take the life of anyone who sins against him (see v. 35). Eternal destiny is not in view in this
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