Exodus 32:2

2. Break off the golden earrings A strong expression, as if implying that the act involved some measure of violence, or, at least, an effort and sacrifice on their part . The prevailing view has been that Aaron, anxious to dissuade the people from their purpose, proposed this great sacrifice on their part in hope that they would thereupon withdraw their demand upon him to make them a god . This is not an improbable view, and is favoured by Aaron’s apology before Moses in Exodus 32:22-24. But the facts here recorded, as well as Numbers 12:0, exhibit the moral weakness of Aaron . He did well as Moses’s spokesman, (Exodus 4:14-16,) but sadly lacked the sterling qualities of a great spiritual leader. Specimens of ancient earrings are shown in the annexed cut.