Exodus 32:21

Translations

Modern

“What did this people do to you,” Moses asked Aaron, “that you have led them into so great a sin?”

Traditional

And Moses said unto Aaron, What did this people unto thee, that thou hast brought so great a sin upon them?

Literal

And Moses said to Aaron, “What did this people do to you, that you have brought upon them a great sin?”

Latin

Dixitque ad Aaron: Quid tibi fecit hic populus, ut induceres super eum peccatum maximum?

Original

Hebrew

English

“What did this people do to you,” Moses asked Aaron, “that you have led them into so great a sin?”

Notes

Exodus 32:21–25

Aaron denied responsibility, even though he made the molds and poured the gold (32:4). Aaron wanted Moses to believe it all just happened (32:24). He implied he had no choice because the people were so evil (32:22).

Aaron did not fool Moses. Moses knew Aaron could have led the people, but instead, he allowed them to get completely out of control (32:25).

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).

Theme notes and profiles

Aaron Moses Anger Dealing with Conflict Pure Worship Temple Design as a Picture of God's Truth The Bronze Snake The Plagues

Events

Tabernacle Built

Related verses

Genesis 20:9
Then Abimelech called Abraham and asked, “What have you done to us? How have I sinned against you, that you have brought such tremendous guilt upon me and my kingdom? You have done things to me that should not be done.”
Joshua 7:19–26
So Joshua said to Achan, “My son, give glory to the LORD, the God of Israel, and make a confession to Him. I urge you to tell me what you have done; do not hide it from me.”
1 Kings 21:22
I will make your house like that of Jeroboam son of Nebat and like that of Baasha son of Ahijah, because you have provoked My anger and caused Israel to sin.’
1 Samuel 26:19
Now please, may my lord the king hear the words of his servant: If the LORD has stirred you up against me, then may He accept an offering. But if men have done it, may they be cursed in the presence of the LORD! For today they have driven me away from sharing in the inheritance of the LORD, saying, ‘Go, serve other gods.’
1 Kings 14:16
So He will give Israel over on account of the sins Jeroboam has committed and has caused Israel to commit.”
Deuteronomy 13:6–8
If your very own brother, or your son or daughter, or the wife you embrace, or your closest friend secretly entices you, saying, “Let us go and worship other gods” (which neither you nor your fathers have known,
Genesis 26:10
“What is this you have done to us?” asked Abimelech. “One of the people could easily have slept with your wife, and you would have brought guilt upon us.”
2 Kings 21:9–11
But the people did not listen and Manasseh led them astray, so that they did greater evil than the nations that the LORD had destroyed before the Israelites.

Parallels

Deuteronomy 9:7–29 Acts 7:39–43

People

Aaron: Moses' brother, first high priest of Israel Moses: Prophet who led Israel out of Egypt

Glossary

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

Topics

Calf of Gold: Making of a Very Great Sin Falsehood: Aaron, in Attempting to Shift Responsibility for the Making of the Golden Calf Israel: Moses' Indignation Offense: Saints should Reprove Those Who Cause Reproof: Faithfulness in Moses, of the Israelites

Exodus 32:21

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