An introduction on appropriate methods of handling a narrative text leads into an exegesis of Exodus 32-34 in which it is argued that there is a deeper literary and theological coherence in these chapters than has been generally appreciated. There appears a striking account of Israel's relationship with God and the role of Moses within this. The exegesis promotes a discussion of the genre and purpose of Exodus 32-34 and also a preliminary reassessment of the possible growth and development of the material. As a result of the study both the distinctiveness and also the theological importance of Exodus 32-34 within the Moses tradition are set in a new light.