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Exodus 32

Exodus 32:25

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

Translations

Modern
Moses saw that the people were out of control, for Aaron had let them run wild and become a laughingstock to their enemies.
Traditional
And when Moses saw that the people were naked; (for Aaron had made them naked unto their shame among their enemies:)
Literal
And Moses saw the people, that they were unrestrained—for Aaron had not restrained them, unto derision among their enemies.
Latin
Videns ergo Moyses populum quod esset nudatus (spoliaverat enim eum Aaron propter ignominiam sordis, et inter hostes nudum constituerat),

Original

Hebrew
English
Moses saw that the people were out of control, for Aaron had let them run wild and become a laughingstock to their enemies.

Notes

Exodus 32:25

a laughingstock to their enemies: After the Israelites’ great show of worshiping the Lord as a different kind of God, their actions proclaimed that he was merely another of the idols that their enemies had been worshiping all along (see Ezekiel 36:19–20).

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

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 Golden Calf History of Israel Levi (Person) Leviticus, Book of Tabernacle Tribe of Levi

Topics

Adultery: Israelites Calf of Gold: Worshipped with Profane Revelry Dancing: Idolatrous Idolatry: Rites of, Obscene and Impure Idolatry: Wicked Practices of Licentiousness of Israel: Moses' Indignation Journey of Israel Through The Desert: To Mount Sinai: People Punished for Idolatry Obedience: The Israelites Reproof: Faithfulness in Moses, of the Israelites Shame: Destitute of, the Israelites when They Worshiped the Golden Calf