22. And Aaron said, Let not the anger of my lord wax hot—Aaron cuts a poor figure, making a shuffling excuse and betraying more dread of the anger of Moses than of the Lord (compare Deuteronomy 9:20). read more
Aaron’s excuse 32:15-24Moses broke the tablets of the law (Exodus 32:19) symbolizing the fact that Israel had broken its covenant with Yahweh. He then proceeded to destroy the golden calf, the symbol of the illicit covenant into which they had entered (cf. 2 Kings 23:15). By treating the calf image as he did (Exodus 32:20) Moses was dishonoring as well as destroying it.". . . the biblical description of the destruction of the Golden Calf constitutes an Israelite development of an early literary... read more
The Idolatry of the People1-6. The historical narrative is here resumed from Exodus 24:18. Becoming impatient at the prolonged absence of Moses on the mount (forty days, Exodus 24:18), and despairing of his return, the people prevail upon Aaron to make a god to go before them. From the earrings of the men and women he accordingly makes a golden bull, to which divine honours are paid.1. Unto Aaron] Aaron and Hur had been left in charge by Moses; see Exodus 24:14. Make us gods] RM ’a god.’ The... read more
(22-24) Aaron’s conduct was really without excuse; but he attempts two pleas—the first insufficient, the second false and fatuous. (1) The people compelled him; they were “set on mischief;” they made the proposal—they would have it so. (2) He threw the gold into the furnace, and “it came out a calf,” as if he had not ordered the construction of the mould. In Deuteronomy, Moses informs us that Aaron’s whole conduct so angered God that God would have destroyed him but for his own intercession... read more
Exodus 32:2 Who would not have been ashamed to hear this answer from the brother of Moses, 'Pluck off your earrings'? He should have said, 'Pluck this idolatrous thought out of your hearts'. Bishop Hall. Exodus 32:3 Unless reason be employed in ascertaining what doctrines are revealed, humility cannot be exercised in acquiescing in them; and there is surely at least as much presumption in measuring everything by our own fancies, feelings, and prejudices, as by our own reasonings. Such voluntary... read more
CHAPTER XXXII.THE GOLDEN CALF.Exodus 32:1-35While God was thus providing for Israel, what had Israel done with God? They had grown weary of waiting: had despaired of and slighted their heroic leader, ("this Moses, the man that brought us up,") had demanded gods, or a god, at the hand of Aaron, and had so far carried him with them or coerced him that he thought it a stroke of policy to save them from breaking the first commandment by joining them in a breach of the second, and by infecting "a... read more
4. Israel ‘s Sin and Rebellion CHAPTER 32 1. The people in rebellion (Exodus 32:1-6 ) 2. Jehovah threatens his wrath (Exodus 32:7-10 ) 3. Moses beseeches Jehovah (Exodus 32:11-14 ) 4. Moses descends and in the camp (Exodus 32:15-29 ) 5. Moses’ offer and failure (Exodus 32:30-35 ) This chapter records the breaking of the covenant by Israel ‘s sin, rebellion against Jehovah, and idolatry. Here we find man’s heart fully uncovered, that wicked heart of unbelief. What manifestations of... read more
THE GOLDEN CALF (vs.1-6) Moses forty days in the mount (the number of testing) was too much for the impatient children of Israel. They gathered to Aaron in united determination to have some substitute for the leading of the God of Israel. They say they don't know what has become of Moses, and ask for "gods" that they may follow. How sadly lacking was faith in the living God! It has always been men's downfall to prefer some visible, material idol that they are willing to call "god." This too... read more
THE BREACH MADE AND REPAIRED Moses for forty days has been absent in the mount, and to the people it seemed long. Had they forgotten the awe-inspired sights and sounds they had seen and heard? Had all the sublime and stirring events of the months since they departed from Egypt been obliterated from their memory? How can we explain the folly into which they now fell? If we cannot explain it, let us ask our own hearts if we know anything like it. THE MOLTEN CALF (Exodus 32:1-6 ) What... read more
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Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Exodus 32:22-24
Exodus 32:22-24. That they are set on mischief— In the original, this is only, that they in mischief. Houbigant renders it, thou knowest, effrenatam mentem, the unbridled disposition of this people: but this does not seem to come up to the force of the original, which expresses the total depravation and wickedness of this people. See 1 John 5:19. Houbigant observes justly, that this was a very poor excuse in Aaron; who, the more prone the people were to wickedness, ought therefore the more... read more