Exodus 32:5 - Printer Friendly

ESV: When Aaron saw this, he built an altar before it. And Aaron made a proclamation and said, "Tomorrow shall be a feast to the Lord."

NIV: When Aaron saw this, he built an altar in front of the calf and announced, "Tomorrow there will be a festival to the Lord."

NASB: Now when Aaron saw this, he built an altar in front of it; and Aaron made a proclamation and said, 'Tomorrow shall be a feast to the Lord.'

CSB: When Aaron saw this, he built an altar in front of it and made an announcement: "There will be a festival to the Lord tomorrow."

NLT: Aaron saw how excited the people were, so he built an altar in front of the calf. Then he announced, 'Tomorrow will be a festival to the Lord!'

KJV: And when Aaron saw it, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made proclamation, and said, To morrow is a feast to the Lord.

NKJV: So when Aaron saw it, he built an altar before it. And Aaron made a proclamation and said, “Tomorrow is a feast to the Lord.”

Aaron has made an idol to represent the Lord to Israel (Exodus 32:1–4). He is supposed to be leading the people (Exodus 24:14) while Moses is hearing from the Lord on Mount Sinai (Exodus 24:18). Instead, Aaron cooperates with them in violating at least one of God's Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:3–6). Aaron refers to "the Lord," using the name meant to identify the One True God of Israel (Exodus 3:15; 14:1). One could argue that this golden calf doesn't violate the first commandment against worshipping other gods. But the second commandment outlaws the worship of manmade images, even those representing spiritual beings.

Commentators suggest that Israel wanted Aaron to "make" a god for them to prove himself a worthy replacement for Moses. Others think the people wanted a tangible link to God which Moses had provided. In either case, their choice is wrong. Good intentions are never an excuse to defy the Lord's specific instructions (1 Samuel 15:22–23).

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 8/22/2025 9:21:48 PM