Exodus 32:35 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Then the Lord sent a plague on the people, because they made the calf, the one that Aaron made.

NIV: And the Lord struck the people with a plague because of what they did with the calf Aaron had made.

NASB: Then the Lord struck the people with a plague, because of what they did with the calf which Aaron had made.

CSB: And the Lord inflicted a plague on the people for what they did with the calf Aaron had made.

NLT: Then the Lord sent a great plague upon the people because they had worshiped the calf Aaron had made.

KJV: And the Lord plagued the people, because they made the calf, which Aaron made.

NKJV: So the Lord plagued the people because of what they did with the calf which Aaron made.

Little detail is given in connection with this verse. God is responding to Israel's act of blatant idolatry (Exodus 32:1–6). He has commanded Moses to take the people away from Sinai (Exodus 32:34). Moses has already punished the people in several ways (Exodus 32:19–20, 27–29). Some commentators believe the "plague" mentioned here is the slaughter of three thousand men by the tribe of Levi. Others suggest this was a new disease or other condition. Even the results of the plague are unclear. Perhaps the people were struck with something painful and miserable, but not fatal (Exodus 9:10). Maybe the plague is one of the later punishments Israel will receive for disobedience.

For their part, the people mourn (Exodus 33:4–6). God will move His presence outside their camp, symbolizing the fracture in the relationship (Exodus 33:3, 7). Soon the Lord will renew the covenant and consecrate replacements for the stone tablets smashed by Moses (Exodus 34).

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 8/7/2025 1:20:24 PM