Exodus 32-34

The Israelites had just seen the power of the LORD in the plagues on Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, their captors demise, God bringing water from a rock, God sending manna each day, and His awesome giving of the 10 Commandments and covenant. They had even committed to keeping the covenant. But they didn’t. Moses was gone for 40 days on the mount. Seventy of the elders were also worshipping on the mount. But the people grew tired or complacent or anxious or…. What did go through their minds?

They asked Aaron to make them a god to lead them. The glory of the God that was leading them was still shining on the mount. Did they really want a lesser god? Aaron told them to bring their gold. They did. He fashioned a calf. The people declared that this was their god who would lead them. Aaron declared a festival to God. Wait a minute. To God?

There were many consequences to this grave sin of the graven image. Many died. Yet others deepened their commitment to the LORD.