Êxodo 32

Êxodo 32

Morris - The "calf" was a common pagan symbol of fertility. The people were undoubtedly very familiar with Apis, the sacred bull of Egypt. Its worship was accompanied by promiscuous sexual activities, the meaning of "play" in Exodus 32:6,25. Bush - Made it a molten calf. The motive for giving this form to a representation of the Deity, is doubtless to be proximately traced to their familiarity with the idol worship of Egypt. That people were in the habit of paying divine honors to Apis in the form of an ox or bull, and this probably offered the hint to the Israelites on the present occasion. (Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Exodus Volume 2 different source - Volume 2) Bush - These be thy gods, O Israel, &c. That is, this is thy god, O Israel; in accordance with what we have already said above of the import of the phrase. The tenor of the observations just made must be our clue to the right construction of this language. Aaron did not intend to say that this molten image was the real and veritable God who had brought them out of Egypt, but simply that it was his visible symbol; and not improbably his secret hope was, that on this account they would make the due mental discrimination, and not be so sottish as to worship it. But the act was in direct contravention of the second commandment, and that it was regarded by the Spirit of God as an in stance of downright, unequivocal idolatry, we are assured upon the testimony of the apostle, 1 Cor. 10:7, ‘Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them.’ So also Ps. 106:19, ‘They made a call in Horeb and worshipped the molten image.’ ‘How oft, alas! have we abused God’s mercy; taking his jewels, and making a golden calf of them!’ Trapp. (Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Exodus Volume 2 different source - Volume 2) Criswell - A sacred bull or calf was common to pagan fertility religion. In disobedience of Yahweh's command in 20:4-6, the people seem to have equated Him with this calf (v. 5). Aaron makes the whole sacrilege worse still through his refusal to accept responsibility. The people were at fault, according to Aaron (v. 22), and the calf apparently formed itself (v. 24)! The statement in v. 4 may also be understood as "These are your gods," in that the calf represented the "gods" who had delivered Israel. The demonstrative pronoun and the verb "brought" are grammatically plural. The common word for "god" used here, ^elohim (Heb.), is plural in form, but could be either singular or plural in meaning. Blurred Vision Read: Exodus 32:1-20 We have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God. —1 Corinthians 2:12 Although I’m closer to 80 than 70, I still want to think of myself as “a modern man.” So I keep up with the news, read current books, and use up-to-date sources when I research a subject. But more important, I want to be thoroughly biblical and Christian in all my thoughts and actions. Because of this, some people who don’t like my convictions see me as being narrow-minded. One temptation we face as believers is to adapt our views to our culture so that we will not be seen as out of touch with the modern world. When we give in to this tendency, however, we find ourselves compromising what we know is right. We find ways to justify immoral behavior that society finds acceptable. We may say that we still believe in the Bible, but we reinterpret its clear meaning on moral and spiritual issues and try to make it say what we want it to say. Exodus 32 describes how the Israelites allowed their sinful desires to blur their spiritual vision. They wanted to be like their pagan neighbors, so they made an idol and had a sensual worship service. This angered both Moses and the Lord, and resulted in severe judgment. If I would win the plaudits of the world, Then I must lose the presence of my Lord; I cannot please the godless by my works And still enjoy the blessings of His Word. —Smith Don't let the world squeeze you into its mold. Exodus 32:5 Now 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." NET Exodus 32:5 When Aaron saw this, he built an altar before it, and Aaron made a proclamation and said, "Tomorrow will be a feast to the LORD." NLT Exodus 32:5 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!" ESV Exodus 32:5 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 Exodus 32:5 When Aaron saw this, he built an altar in front of the calf and announced, "Tomorrow there will be a festival to the LORD." KJV Exodus 32:5 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. LXE Exodus 32:5 And Aaron having seen it built an altar before it, and Aaron made proclamation saying, To-morrow is a feast of the Lord. ASV Exodus 32:5 And when Aaron saw this, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made proclamation, and said, To-morrow shall be a feast to Jehovah. CSB Exodus 32:5 When Aaron saw this, he built an altar before it; then he made an announcement: "There will be a festival to the LORD tomorrow." NKJ Exodus 32:5 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." NRS Exodus 32:5 When Aaron saw this, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made proclamation and said, "Tomorrow shall be a festival to the LORD." YLT Exodus 32:5 And Aaron seeth, and buildeth an altar before it, and Aaron calleth, and saith, 'A festival to Jehovah -- to-morrow;' Aaron: 1Sa 14:35 2Ki 16:11 Ho 8:11,14 proclamation: Lev 23:2,4,21,37 1Ki 21:9 2Ki 10:20 2Ch 30:5 feast: Ex 32:4 10:9 12:14 1Ki 12:32,33 1Co 5:8 Exodus 32 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries AARON THE ALTAR MAKER AND LEADER OF FALSE WORSHIP Now when Aaron saw this - Saw what? Either the calf-idol or the people's positive reaction or some both. The NLT paraphrases it (and this is an interpretation) as "Aaron saw how excited the people were." He built an altar before it - This clearly indicates that this was not a casual event but one that took on the trappings of true religion. Otherwise, why make the effort to actually build an altar. Note the altar was before the idol, where before (panim/paniym/paneh) means in essence face to face with the idol. As