Small Lexemes, Large Semantics 99 have seen, the resolution of this tension is a primary theme in Exod 32–34, and its gradual realization is seen in the careful choice of the prepositions that specify Yahweh’s proximity to Israel. After Yahweh agrees not to destroy Israel immediately after their making of the golden calf, Moses (and later the Levites) execute judgment on the offenders (32,15-29). The next day Yahweh speaks of his presence vis-à-vis Israel only negatively, with the verb dqp, so that when he “visits” Israel he will punish their sin (32,33-34). But beginning in chapter 33, Yahweh’s proximity to Israel takes on increasingly positive aspects: first he sends his angel in front of Israel (ynpl, as originally promised in 23,30-23), then himself agrees to go with Israel (µ[) and finally to go among them (brqb). The significance of this movement is bolstered by its correlation with the progressive covenant reestablishment that culminates in chapter 34 (see table below). Dynamics of Divine Presence in Exod 32-34 Reference Moses’ Action Divine Response 32,30-35 Moses attempts to atone for Yahweh says his proximity (dqp) will involve people’s sin punishment; an angel will go ynpl Israel 33,1-33,11 Moses prays that God would Yahweh says his angel will go ynpl Israel; forgive Israel (acn + tafj) God himself will not go brqb Israel lest he destroy her 33,7-11 Interruption: the ÷˛hel m˛¿ˇd 33,12-34,3 Moses intercedes, asking God to First Yahweh will go with (µ[) Moses (33,12; go with (µ[) him, then with (µ[) cf. 33,14), then perhaps go with (µ[) Moses Israel and Israel (33,15), and finally will go with (µ[) Moses and Israel (33,16) 34,4-9 Moses asks God to go among Yahweh agrees to go brqb Israel (brqb) Israel and fully restore her FAREL, Faculté de Théologie Réformée Daniel TIMMER 3407-A, av. du Musée Montréal, Québec H3G 2C6; Canada SUMMARY Despite the current methodological impasse with which OT studies continues to wrestle, this study shows that dynamic elements within the text can, somewhat surprisingly, contribute to the text’s coherence. The various prepositions and statements regarding divine presence in Exod 32–34 are fundamental to the development and integrity of the narrative as its stands. Further, the fact that this complex progression in divine presence spans pericopae usually attributed to various sources suggests that the various pericopae are more in harmony with one another than is often recognized. These conclusions call for renewed attention to the text of Exodus as it stands, both within the golden calf episode and more broadly.