Exodus 32:1 - Printer Friendly

ESV: When the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain, the people gathered themselves together to Aaron and said to him, "Up, make us gods who shall go before us. As for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him."

NIV: When the people saw that Moses was so long in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said, "Come, make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don’t know what has happened to him."

NASB: Now when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain, the people assembled around Aaron and said to him, 'Come, make us a god who will go before us; for this Moses, the man who brought us up from the land of Egypt—we do not know what happened to him.'

CSB: When the people saw that Moses delayed in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said to him, "Come, make gods for us who will go before us because this Moses, the man who brought us up from the land of Egypt—we don’t know what has happened to him!"

NLT: When the people saw how long it was taking Moses to come back down the mountain, they gathered around Aaron. 'Come on,' they said, 'make us some gods who can lead us. We don’t know what happened to this fellow Moses, who brought us here from the land of Egypt.'

KJV: And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, 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.

NKJV: Now when the people saw that Moses delayed coming down from the mountain, the people gathered together to Aaron, and said to him, “Come, make us gods that shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.”

Moses made multiple trips onto Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:1–3). In between, he clearly delivered the most fundamental laws of God's covenant: the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1–17). At the start of this passage, Moses has not yet returned from a forty-day visit with God (Exodus 24:18). The Israelites seem to think Moses is never coming back. This is understandable, since it's been more than a month since an 80-year old man (Exodus 7:7) walked into a scene of clouds and fire (Exodus 19:16). The Hebrews sense their need for someone or something to intercede on their behalf (Exodus 20:18–21). What's lacking is their chosen response: they pressure Aaron (Exodus 24:12) to make them a tangible god.

This request violates at least one of the first two commandments (Exodus 20:3–6). God forbids the making of idols, even those meant to represent Him. Whether the people meant this idol to represent the same God who brought them out of Egypt, or were giving credit to some other deity, makes no difference. Their desire for a tangible symbol overcame obedience to God's instructions.

Despite knowing better, Aaron will give in and make an idol for the people (Exodus 32:2–4). Later, he will mention how insufferable the Israelites can be when things do not go their way (Exodus 14:11; 16:3). The passage does not suggest that a few Israelites made a single request. The implication, in context (Exodus 32:22), is that they put great pressure on Aaron (Exodus 14:11; 15:24; 16:2; 17:2–4; Numbers 20:2–3). This is no excuse, but it does make Aaron's sin subtly different from that of the other Israelites. The people actively sought idolatry; Aaron failed to lead them away from it.

Israel's choice here is one of the most infamous errors in their history (Psalm 106:19; Acts 7:41). The Lord has done amazing things to demonstrate His love and care (Exodus 3:20; 12:40–41; 14:21–31; 16:35). Yet the people continue to set Him aside out of fear, distrust, unbelief, or simple disobedience.

Exodus 32:1–6 records one of the most infamous incidents in Israel's history. Moses is on Mount Sinai communicating with God (Exodus 24:12). During the long absence (Exodus 24:18), people start to think Moses will not return. They pressure Aaron to make a physical image for worship. This violates commandments which the Lord has already given (Exodus 20:3–6). But Aaron gives in and makes a golden idol. The people worship it as if it were God.

During Moses' long absence (Exodus 24:18), the Israelites lose patience. They demand that Aaron (Exodus 24:14) make them a god they can see. Aaron makes a gold idol from donated jewelry and the people worship it as God. On the mountain, God is furious and sends Moses back. Moses arrives, breaks the stone tablets of God's law which he carried, and destroys the idol. Moses then calls on loyal men to execute those responsible. Aaron is spared, but Israel can anticipate more punishment.

Moses went onto Sinai to communicate with the Lord (Exodus 24:12) and has been gone a long time (Exodus 24:18). He is receiving instructions from God (Exodus 25—31). Meanwhile, Israel falls into idolatry. They break the first two commandments just given at Sinai (Exodus 20:3–6). After delivering initial consequences, God commands Israel to move along and discusses how He will renew His covenant (Exodus 33—34).