Exodus 32:2 - Printer Friendly

ESV: So Aaron said to them, "Take off the rings of gold that are in the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me."

NIV: Aaron answered them, "Take off the gold earrings that your wives, your sons and your daughters are wearing, and bring them to me."

NASB: Aaron said to them, 'Tear off the gold rings which are in the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me.'

CSB: Aaron replied to them, "Take off the gold rings that are on the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters and bring them to me."

NLT: So Aaron said, 'Take the gold rings from the ears of your wives and sons and daughters, and bring them to me.'

KJV: And Aaron said unto them, Break off the golden earrings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them unto me.

NKJV: And Aaron said to them, “Break off the golden earrings which are in the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me.”

When Israel left slavery in Egypt (Exodus 12:40–41), they took great wealth with them (Exodus 11:2–3). Egypt was eager for them to leave and gave the former slaves precious metals and stones (Exodus 12:35–36). Since then, Israel has seen multiple miracles (Exodus 14:21–31; 16:12–15). Now they lose patience waiting for Moses to return from Sinai (Exodus 24:12, 18). In their defense, the scene when God gave the Ten Commandments had been terrifying (Exodus 20:18–21). And Moses had been absent for forty days (Exodus 24:18), after going up into the intimidating conditions on Mount Sinai (Exodus 24:15–17).

Rather than waiting, they ask Aaron (Exodus 24:14) to make them a tangible idol (Exodus 32:1). This is explicitly against God's recently-issued Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1–17). Aaron should have refused. He could have reminded the people of God's faithfulness and holiness and encouraged them to trust and faithfully wait. But the people seem to have been insistent (Exodus 32:22). The Israelites have shown a habit of aggressive protest when they aren't happy (Exodus 14:11; 15:24; 16:2; 17:2–4; Numbers 20:2–3). Aaron gives in. He collects jewelry—specifically, gold earrings. He builds an idol in the shape of a calf, cow, or bull (Exodus 32:3–4). God will be extremely displeased with this (Exodus 20:3–6; 32:9).

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).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.