Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Exodus 32:5
Exodus 32:5. When Aaron saw it, &c.— Whatever may be urged in behalf of Aaron, there can be no doubt that his conduct was extremely blameable: nor have we any need to attempt his vindication, as there can be no room for it, when we are informed, that the Almighty was so indignant at him for it, that he would have destroyed him, had it not been for the intercession of Moses. See Deu 9:20 and had not Moses entertained a greater regard for truth than for the honour of his brother, we should... read more
Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Exodus 32:4
Exodus 32:4. And he received them, &c.— And he received it at their hand, and tied it in a bag: (Bochart.) Or, cast it into a mould, and made of it a molten calf. See 2 Kings 5:23.Judges 8:24-25; Judges 8:24-25. Either of the translations given above may be very well justified, and wholly remove the objection which some have raised from our version. Houbigant renders it, "Aaron reduced to form the gold received at their hands, and made it a molten calf." See Psalms 106:20. It is very common... read more