Exodus 32:3 - Printer Friendly

ESV: So all the people took off the rings of gold that were in their ears and brought them to Aaron.

NIV: So all the people took off their earrings and brought them to Aaron.

NASB: So all the people tore off the gold rings which were in their ears and brought them to Aaron.

CSB: So all the people took off the gold rings that were on their ears and brought them to Aaron.

NLT: All the people took the gold rings from their ears and brought them to Aaron.

KJV: And all the people brake off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them unto Aaron.

NKJV: So all the people broke off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them to Aaron.

While waiting for Moses to return from Sinai (Exodus 24:18), the Israelites make a terrible choice. They seem to assume that Moses won't be back, and that they need a visible representation of God. They collect gold earrings which Aaron (Exodus 24:14) uses to make a golden idol (Exodus 32:4). In this context, there is no attempt to worship a separate deity, or to choose another god. The people view this statue as an image of the same Lord who rescued them from Egypt (Exodus 32:4).

Of course, this goes directly against at least one of the first two commandments (Exodus 20:3–6). The Israelites are already ignoring clear laws, just as they fell into fear and panic despite miraculous rescues (Exodus 14:10–12; 16:1–3). Worry about Moses' long absence might be justified, but the choice of disobedience and idolatry is not. When Moses returns, the idol will be destroyed and the people punished (Exodus 32:21, 28).

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.

Accessed 9/15/2025 9:23:22 AM