Exodus 32:1-14

Aaron's Golden Calf Offends the Lord

Exodus 32:1

The people never thought of taking Aaron as a substitute for Moses, because they instinctively recognized his moral weakness. Though he was dressed in the garments of the high priest, he was essentially a weak man. This came into evidence:

(1) By his reply to the people. When they demanded the calf he ought to have met them with an indignant negative; but instead, and to prevent the unpopularity which such an attitude might have evoked, he contented himself with putting difficulties in the way of their project. “Surely,” he thought, “they will never go on with their mad scheme, if they have to pay for it with their jewels.” But the event did not justify his expectations.

(2) By his reply to Moses. “There came out this calf.” It was the furnace, not I, that did it. “Blame my heredity, environment, companions,” says the wrongdoer. The weak becomes the sinful one. Strong Son of God, help us! Make us strong! See Jeremiah 15:20.