Exodus 32:25 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And when Moses saw that the people had broken loose (for Aaron had let them break loose, to the derision of their enemies),

NIV: Moses saw that the people were running wild and that Aaron had let them get out of control and so become a laughingstock to their enemies.

NASB: Now when Moses saw that the people were out of control—for Aaron had let them get out of control to the point of being an object of ridicule among their enemies—

CSB: Moses saw that the people were out of control, for Aaron had let them get out of control, making them a laughingstock to their enemies.

NLT: Moses saw that Aaron had let the people get completely out of control, much to the amusement of their enemies.

KJV: And when Moses saw that the people were naked; (for Aaron had made them naked unto their shame among their enemies:)

NKJV: Now when Moses saw that the people were unrestrained (for Aaron had not restrained them, to their shame among their enemies),

Moses is responding to Israel's recent descent into idolatry (Exodus 32:1–6). The word translated as "broken loose" is also rendered as "running wild" or "out of control." The KJV awkwardly translates this as "naked." This choice is one reason some commentators believe Israel was participating in sexual sin as well. The main point is that Israel violated the rules given them by God (Exodus 20:3–6). They ignored their proper boundaries (Proverbs 15:32; 29:18).

This disobedience made Israel an object of mockery. It was disgraceful for the people to so quickly disobey commands from the Lord who freed them from slavery (Exodus 20:1–2). Israel recently celebrated to think that evil nations would be terrified to hear about the miracle at the Red Sea (Exodus 15:14–16). Yet now they embarrass themselves and their faith. Moses' actions in this passage send a brutally clear message, both to Israel and other nations (Exodus 32:26–28).

Exodus 32:25–35 describes Israel's initial punishment for idolatry (Exodus 32:1–6). Moses calls for loyal men; his own tribe of Levi responds. He assigns the men to put several thousand people to death. It seems likely that those executed are leaders who cooperated in making the idol. Moses continues to offer himself as a sacrifice in exchange for God's mercy on Israel. God refuses. Instead, the Lord commands the Israelites to break camp and head for their next destination.

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.

Accessed 9/15/2025 9:23:36 AM