Exodus 32:22 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And Aaron said, "Let not the anger of my lord burn hot. You know the people, that they are set on evil.

NIV: "Do not be angry, my lord," Aaron answered. "You know how prone these people are to evil.

NASB: And Aaron said, 'Do not let the anger of my lord burn; you know the people yourself, that they are prone to evil.

CSB: "Don’t be enraged, my lord," Aaron replied. "You yourself know that the people are intent on evil.

NLT: Don’t get so upset, my lord,' Aaron replied. 'You yourself know how evil these people are.

KJV: And Aaron said, Let not the anger of my lord wax hot: thou knowest the people, that they are set on mischief.

NKJV: So Aaron said, “Do not let the anger of my lord become hot. You know the people, that they are set on evil.

Aaron is trying to escape blame for his role in Israel's recent idolatry (Exodus 32:1–6). Moses dramatically asked if Aaron had been seeking revenge on Israel, since what he did led them into terrible sin (Exodus 32:21). There have already been consequences (Exodus 32:19–20). Further measures will follow (Exodus 32:27–29).

The point here seems to be a reminder of how aggressive the Israelites had been when unhappy (Exodus 14:11; 15:24; 16:2; 17:2–4; Numbers 20:2–3). Aaron is appealing to what Moses knows about the people's stubbornness and exhausting disobedience. There is truth in this statement—but not a valid excuse. Moses had left for Sinai (Exodus 24:12), leaving Aaron in a position of leadership (Exodus 24:14). Aaron knew well that idolatry was a sin (Exodus 20:3–6). He should have refused to cooperate.

Instead, he will try to claim that he has only done as the people demanded (Exodus 32:23). Centuries later, King Saul would make a similar mistake and attempt a similar explanation (1 Samuel 15:24). Adding to this, Aaron will lie about the origins of the calf. While he admits to being involved, he downplays his role to make it seem as if he was only a tiny part of the incident (Exodus 32:24). He is lucky to escape dire consequences of his own (Deuteronomy 9:20).

Exodus 32:15–24 reports Moses' confrontation with Israel over their recent idolatry (Exodus 32:1–6). His assistant, Joshua, hears the noises in camp as they approach. When Moses sees the extent of the people's sin, he smashes the engraved stone tablets which God gave Him (Exodus 24:12). Moses has the golden idol disintegrated. Aaron tries to avoid blame, claiming that the people made him do it, and that the calf idol simply appeared.

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.