Exodus 32:4 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And he received the gold from their hand and fashioned it with a graving tool and made a golden calf. And they said, "These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!"

NIV: He took what they handed him and made it into an idol cast in the shape of a calf, fashioning it with a tool. Then they said, "These are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt."

NASB: Then he took the gold from their hands, and fashioned it with an engraving tool and made it into a cast metal calf; and they said, 'This is your god, Israel, who brought you up from the land of Egypt.'

CSB: He took the gold from them, fashioned it with an engraving tool, and made it into an image of a calf. Then they said, "Israel, these are your gods, who brought you up from the land of Egypt!"

NLT: Then Aaron took the gold, melted it down, and molded it into the shape of a calf. When the people saw it, they exclaimed, 'O Israel, these are the gods who brought you out of the land of Egypt!'

KJV: And he received them at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf: and they said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.

NKJV: And he received the gold from their hand, and he fashioned it with an engraving tool, and made a molded calf. Then they said, “This is your god, O Israel, that brought you out of the land of Egypt!”

Many Old Testament verses contain an obscure Hebrew phrase. This verse includes three comments that are subject to debate. However, none of the options change the point of the story. Another phrase later in the passage (Exodus 32:6) is also a source of dispute.

The Israelites think that Moses may not return from Sinai (Exodus 24:18). They don't realize that he is receiving extensive information from the Lord (Exodus 25—31). The people demand that Aaron (Exodus 24:14) provide them with a visible symbol: a god they can see (Exodus 32:1). Aaron collects earrings (Exodus 32:2–3) and uses the metal to make an idol. This is not some foreign deity; it is an attempt to make a visual image of the God who rescued them from Egypt (Exodus 12:40–41).

This verse is often the center of arguments about the exact size, shape, and structure of the idol. Some insist that use of a Hebrew word related to "pouring" means the idol was made of solid gold. Others suggest that Aaron's engraving tool carved a wooden surface to be covered in gold sheets. Later, Moses will both burn and pulverize the idol, which may refer to both wood and metal (Exodus 32:20).

The idol's shape is described with the Hebrew word 'egel. This can mean a bull or a calf. The term "golden calf" has become the most common and traditionally accepted interpretation. However, the idol might have looked more like an adult bull. No details about the image are shared.

When Israel speaks about their new idol, they use the term elōhim. Much like the English word "god," this can refer to general deities or to the One True God. The word itself is plural. Some take this to mean that Israel thinks of the idol as a symbol of many gods. Some think the plural refers to the idol and to the Lord. Others interpret this to mean "God" in the same way Elōhim is used for the true Lord.

These interesting debates miss the point. The design, shape, and exact intent of this idol is irrelevant. Israel was told not to make images for worship, even those representing the Lord (Exodus 20:3–6). Rather than listen to God's words and be assured by His prior miracles (Exodus 14:21–31; 16:12–15), they give in to fear and superstition.

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.