Keraia
Exodus 32

Exodus 32:18

The Golden Calf · Exodus 32:1–35
Read Exodus 32

Translations

Modern
But Moses replied: “It is neither the cry of victory nor the cry of defeat; I hear the sound of singing!”
Traditional
And he said, It is not the voice of them that shout for mastery, neither is it the voice of them that cry for being overcome: but the noise of them that sing do I hear.
Literal
And he said, “It is not a voice of responses of might, and it is not a voice of responses of weakness; I hear a voice of singing.”
Latin
Qui respondit: Non est clamor adhortantium ad pugnam, neque vociferatio compellentium ad fugam: sed vocem cantantium ego audio.

Original

Hebrew
English
But Moses replied: “It is neither the cry of victory nor the cry of defeat; I hear the sound of singing!”

Notes

Exodus 32:15–29

When Moses saw what was happening, he became much less calm than he was on the mountain. He smashed the two tablets (32:15–19). He destroyed the calf (32:20). He confronted Aaron (32:21–25). He ordered the death of the rebellious leaders (32:26–29).

Exodus 32:1–35

Moses had been gone for many days. While waiting at the bottom of Mount Sinai, the people wanted protection, guidance, and a way to show their worship. God understood this and wanted to help them (see chapters 25–31). But the Israelites tried to meet their needs on their own. Fellowship with God requires relying on him (see John 15:5; 2 Corinthians 3:5).

Events

Parallels

Deuteronomy 9:7–29 Acts 7:39–43

Glossary

Book of Exodus Cattle Deuteronomy, Book of Gods and Goddesses Golden Calf History of Israel Levi (Person) Leviticus, Book of Music Tabernacle

Topics

Calf of Gold: Worshipped with Profane Revelry Falsehood: Aaron, in Attempting to Shift Responsibility for the Making of the Golden Calf Idolatry: Objects of, Worshipped with Singing and Dancing Idolatry: Other Customs of Singing and Dancing Table: of Testimony were Broken