Keraia
Exodus 32

Exodus 32:23

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

Translations

Modern
They told me, ‘Make us gods who will go before us. As for this Moses who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has happened to him!’
Traditional
For they said unto me, Make us gods, which shall go before us: for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.
Literal
And they said to me, ‘Make for us gods who shall go before our faces. As for this Moses, the man who brought us up from the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.’
Latin
…dixerunt mihi: Fac nobis deos, qui nos præcedant: huic enim Moysi, qui nos eduxit de terra Ægypti, nescimus quid acciderit.

Original

Hebrew
English
They told me, ‘Make us gods who will go before us. As for this Moses who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has happened to him!’

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).

Events

Parallels

Deuteronomy 9:7–29 Acts 7:39–43

People

Moses: Prophet who led Israel out of Egypt

Places

Egypt: Ancient nation; Israelites enslaved there; plagues and Exodus

Glossary

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

Topics

Cowardice: Aaron, in Yielding to the Israelites, when They Demanded an Idol Excuses: General Scriptures Concerning Falsehood: Aaron, in Attempting to Shift Responsibility for the Making of the Golden Calf Israel: Moses' Indignation Moses: Reproves Aaron For: Making the Golden Calf Reproof: Faithfulness in Moses, of the Israelites Responsibility: Attempts to Shift: Aaron Sin: The Wicked: Throw the Blame of, on Others