Keraia
Exodus 32

Exodus 32:24

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

Translations

Modern
So I said to them, ‘Whoever has gold, let him take it off,’ and they gave it to me. And when I threw it into the fire, out came this calf!”
Traditional
And I said unto them, Whosoever hath any gold, let them break it off. So they gave it me: then I cast it into the fire, and there came out this calf.
Literal
And I said to them, ‘Whoever has gold, let them break it off.’ And they gave it to me, and I cast it into the fire, and this calf came out.”
Latin
Quibus ego dixi: Quis vestrum habet aurum? Tulerunt, et dederunt mihi: et projeci illud in ignem, egressusque est hic vitulus.

Original

Hebrew
English
So I said to them, ‘Whoever has gold, let him take it off,’ and they gave it to me. And when I threw it into the fire, out came this calf!”

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

Glossary

Aaron Book of Exodus Cattle Deuteronomy, Book of Gods and Goddesses History of Israel Levi (Person) Leviticus, Book of Minerals and Metals Moses 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 Reproof: Faithfulness in Moses, of the Israelites Responsibility: Attempts to Shift: Aaron Sin: The Wicked: Throw the Blame of, on Others