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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/exodus/32-20.htm" title="Exodus 32:20">◄</a> Exodus 32:21 <a href="/exodus/32-22.htm" title="Exodus 32:22">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/exodus/32.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/exodus/32.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />He said to Aaron, &#8220What did these people do to you, that you led them into such great sin?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/exodus/32.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Finally, he turned to Aaron and demanded, “What did these people do to you to make you bring such terrible sin upon them?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/exodus/32.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And Moses said to Aaron, “What did this people do to you that you have brought such a great sin upon them?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/exodus/32.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“What did this people do to you,” Moses asked Aaron, “that you have led them into so great a sin?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/exodus/32.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Moses said unto Aaron, What did this people unto thee, that thou hast brought so great a sin upon them?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/exodus/32.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And Moses said to Aaron, “What did this people do to you that you have brought <i>so</i> great a sin upon them?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/exodus/32.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Moses said to Aaron, “What did this people do to you, that you have brought <i>such</i> a great sin upon them?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/exodus/32.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then Moses said to Aaron, &#8220What did this people do to you, that you have brought such great sin upon them?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/exodus/32.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then Moses said to Aaron, “What did this people do to you, that you have brought <i>such</i> great sin upon them?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/exodus/32.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then Moses said to Aaron, “What did this people do to you, that you have brought <i>such</i> great sin upon them?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/exodus/32.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then Moses said to Aaron, “What did this people do to you, that you have brought so great a sin on them?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/exodus/32.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Moses asked Aaron, “What did these people do to you that you have led them into such a grave sin? ”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/exodus/32.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Moses asked Aaron, &#8220What did these people do to you that you have led them into such a grave sin?"&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/exodus/32.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Moses said unto Aaron, What did this people unto thee, that thou hast brought a great sin upon them?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/exodus/32.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Moses asked Aaron, "What did these people do to harm you? Why did you make them sin in this terrible way?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/exodus/32.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Moses said unto Aaron, What did this people unto thee, that thou hast brought a great sin upon them?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/exodus/32.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Moses asked Aaron, "What did these people do to you that you encouraged them to commit such a serious sin?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/exodus/32.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />He said to Aaron, "What did these people do to you, that you have made them commit such a terrible sin?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/exodus/32.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Moses asked Aaron, "What did this people do to you that you brought such great sin upon them?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/exodus/32.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?What did this people do to you,? Moses asked Aaron, ?that you have led them into so great a sin??<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/exodus/32.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Moses said to Aaron, "What did this people do to you, that you have brought on them so great a sin?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/exodus/32.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Moses said to Aaron, "What did these people do to you, that you have brought a great sin on them?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/exodus/32.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Moses said to Aaron, What did this people to thee, that thou hast brought so great a sin upon them?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/exodus/32.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Moses said to Aaron, “What did these people do to you, that you have brought a great sin on them?” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/exodus/32.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Moses says to Aaron, “What has this people done to you, that you have brought in a great sin on it?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/exodus/32.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Moses saith unto Aaron, 'What hath this people done to thee, that thou hast brought in upon it a great sin?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/exodus/32.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Moses will say to Aaron, What did this people to thee that thou didst bring upon it a great sin?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/exodus/32.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And he said to Aaron: What has this people done to thee, that thou shouldst bring upon them a most heinous sin? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/exodus/32.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And he said to Aaron, “What has this people done to you, so that you would bring upon them the greatest sin?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/exodus/32.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Moses asked Aaron, “What did this people do to you that you should lead them into a grave sin?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/exodus/32.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Moses said to Aaron, “What did this people do to you that you have brought so great a sin upon them?”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/exodus/32.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Moses said to Aaron, What has this people done to you that you have brought so great a sin upon them?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/exodus/32.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And he took the calf that they had made and he burned it in fire and he filed it with a file until it was pulverized like dust and he scattered it; he ground it on the face of the waters and he gave it to those of the house of Israel to drink.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/exodus/32.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Moses said unto Aaron: 'What did this people unto thee, that thou hast brought a great sin upon them?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/exodus/32.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Moses said to Aaron, What has this people done to thee, that thou hast brought upon them a great sin?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/exodus/32-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kVae3PiKqhs?start=8416" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/exodus/32.htm">Moses Breaks the Tablets</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">20</span>Then he took the calf they had made, burned it in the fire, ground it to powder, and scattered the powder over the face of the water. Then he forced the Israelites to drink it. <span class="reftext">21</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: meh- (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">“What</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: haz·zeh (Art:: Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">did this</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘ām (Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">people</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ā·śāh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">do</a> <a href="/hebrew/lə·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- ">to you,”</a> <a href="/hebrew/4872.htm" title="4872: mō·šeh (N-proper-ms) -- A great Isr. leader, prophet and lawgiver. From mashah; drawing out, i.e. Rescued; Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver.">Moses</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">asked</a> <a href="/hebrew/175.htm" title="175: ’a·hă·rōn (N-proper-ms) -- An elder brother of Moses. Of uncertain derivation; Aharon, the brother of Moses.">Aaron,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">“that</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: hê·ḇê·ṯā (V-Hifil-Perf-2ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">you have led them</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ā·lāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">into</a> <a href="/hebrew/1419.htm" title="1419: ḡə·ḏō·lāh (Adj-fs) -- Great. Or gadol; from gadal; great; hence, older; also insolent.">so great</a> <a href="/hebrew/2401.htm" title="2401: ḥă·ṭā·’āh (N-fs) -- Sin, sin offering. Feminine of chet'; an offence, or a sacrifice for it.">a sin?”</a> </span><span class="reftext">22</span>“Do not be enraged, my lord,” Aaron replied. “You yourself know that the people are intent on evil.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/9-18.htm">Deuteronomy 9:18-21</a></span><br />Then I fell down before the LORD for forty days and forty nights, as I had done the first time. I did not eat bread or drink water because of all the sin you had committed in doing what was evil in the sight of the LORD and provoking Him to anger. / For I was afraid of the anger and wrath that the LORD had directed against you, enough to destroy you. But the LORD listened to me this time as well. / The LORD was angry enough with Aaron to destroy him, but at that time I also prayed for Aaron. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/7-39.htm">Acts 7:39-41</a></span><br />But our fathers refused to obey him. Instead, they rejected him and in their hearts turned back to Egypt. / They said to Aaron, ‘Make us gods who will go before us! As for this Moses who led us out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has happened to him.’ / At that time they made a calf and offered a sacrifice to the idol, rejoicing in the works of their hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-7.htm">1 Corinthians 10:7</a></span><br />Do not be idolaters, as some of them were. As it is written: “The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/9-18.htm">Nehemiah 9:18</a></span><br />Even when they cast for themselves an image of a calf and said, ‘This is your God who brought you up out of Egypt,’ and when they committed terrible blasphemies,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/106-19.htm">Psalm 106:19-23</a></span><br />At Horeb they made a calf and worshiped a molten image. / They exchanged their Glory for the image of a grass-eating ox. / They forgot God their Savior, who did great things in Egypt, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/9-7.htm">Deuteronomy 9:7-8</a></span><br />Remember this, and never forget how you provoked the LORD your God in the wilderness. From the day you left the land of Egypt until you reached this place, you have been rebelling against the LORD. / At Horeb you provoked the LORD, and He was angry enough to destroy you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/12-28.htm">1 Kings 12:28-30</a></span><br />After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves and said to the people, “Going up to Jerusalem is too much for you. Here, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.” / One calf he set up in Bethel, and the other in Dan. / And this thing became a sin; the people walked as far as Dan to worship before one of the calves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/17-16.htm">2 Kings 17:16-17</a></span><br />They abandoned all the commandments of the LORD their God and made for themselves two cast idols of calves and an Asherah pole. They bowed down to all the host of heaven and served Baal. / They sacrificed their sons and daughters in the fire and practiced divination and soothsaying. They devoted themselves to doing evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/8-4.htm">Hosea 8:4-6</a></span><br />They set up kings, but not by Me. They make princes, but without My approval. With their silver and gold they make themselves idols, to their own destruction. / He has rejected your calf, O Samaria. My anger burns against them. How long will they be incapable of innocence? / For this thing is from Israel—a craftsman made it, and it is not God. It will be broken to pieces, that calf of Samaria.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/44-9.htm">Isaiah 44:9-20</a></span><br />All makers of idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Their witnesses fail to see or comprehend, so they are put to shame. / Who fashions a god or casts an idol which profits him nothing? / Behold, all his companions will be put to shame, for the craftsmen themselves are only human. Let them all assemble and take their stand; they will all be brought to terror and shame. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/7-9.htm">Jeremiah 7:9-10</a></span><br />Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, burn incense to Baal, and follow other gods that you have not known, / and then come and stand before Me in this house, which bears My Name, and say, ‘We are delivered, so we can continue with all these abominations’?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/20-8.htm">Ezekiel 20:8</a></span><br />But they rebelled against Me and refused to listen. None of them cast away the abominations before their eyes, and they did not forsake the idols of Egypt. So I resolved to pour out My wrath upon them and vent My anger against them in the land of Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/1-21.htm">Romans 1:21-23</a></span><br />For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts. / Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools, / and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images of mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/4-8.htm">Galatians 4:8</a></span><br />Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/5-21.htm">1 John 5:21</a></span><br />Little children, keep yourselves from idols.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Moses said to Aaron, What did this people to you, that you have brought so great a sin on them?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/20-9.htm">Genesis 20:9</a></b></br> Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said unto him, What hast thou done unto us? and what have I offended thee, that thou hast brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? thou hast done deeds unto me that ought not to be done.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/26-10.htm">Genesis 26:10</a></b></br> And Abimelech said, What <i>is</i> this thou hast done unto us? one of the people might lightly have lien with thy wife, and thou shouldest have brought guiltiness upon us.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/13-6.htm">Deuteronomy 13:6-8</a></b></br> If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which <i>is</i> as thine own soul, entice thee secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which thou hast not known, thou, nor thy fathers; … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/32-5.htm">Aaron</a> <a href="/exodus/32-11.htm">Great</a> <a href="/exodus/19-17.htm">Led</a> <a href="/exodus/32-19.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/exodus/30-10.htm">Sin</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/32-22.htm">Aaron</a> <a href="/exodus/32-30.htm">Great</a> <a href="/leviticus/24-23.htm">Led</a> <a href="/exodus/32-23.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/exodus/32-30.htm">Sin</a><div class="vheading2">Exodus 32</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/32-1.htm">The people in the absence of Moses, caused Aaron to make a calf</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/32-7.htm">God informs Moses, who intercedes for Israel, and prevails</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/32-15.htm">Moses comes down with the tablets</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/32-19.htm">He breaks them</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/32-20.htm">He destroys the calf</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/32-22.htm">Aaron's excuse for himself</a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/32-25.htm">Moses causes the idolaters to be slain</a></span><br><span class="reftext">30. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/32-30.htm">He prays for the people</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/32.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/exodus/32.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>“What did this people do to you,”</b><br>Moses, upon descending from Mount Sinai, confronts Aaron. This phrase highlights Moses' leadership and responsibility for the Israelites. The question implies a search for accountability and understanding of the events that led to the sin of idolatry. It reflects the gravity of the situation, as Moses seeks to understand the influence the people had on Aaron. This moment is pivotal, as it underscores the tension between leadership and the influence of the masses. The phrase also echoes the biblical theme of leaders being held accountable for their actions and decisions, as seen in other scriptures like <a href="/1_samuel/15-24.htm">1 Samuel 15:24</a>, where Saul blames the people for his disobedience.<p><b>Moses asked Aaron,</b><br>Moses directly addresses Aaron, his brother and the appointed high priest, emphasizing the familial and leadership dynamics at play. Aaron's role is significant, as he was left in charge during Moses' absence. This interaction is a moment of confrontation and accountability. Aaron's response will reveal his character and leadership under pressure. The relationship between Moses and Aaron is complex, marked by cooperation and tension, as seen throughout the Exodus narrative. This moment foreshadows future challenges in their leadership, such as in <a href="/numbers/12.htm">Numbers 12</a>, where Aaron and Miriam oppose Moses.<p><b>“that you have led them into so great a sin?”</b><br>The phrase "so great a sin" refers to the creation and worship of the golden calf, an act of idolatry that violated the first two commandments given by God (<a href="/exodus/20-3.htm">Exodus 20:3-4</a>). This sin is significant because it represents a breach of the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The use of "led them" suggests Aaron's active role in facilitating this sin, highlighting the responsibility of leaders to guide their people in righteousness. This incident serves as a warning about the dangers of yielding to popular pressure and the consequences of idolatry. It also prefigures the need for a perfect mediator, a role ultimately fulfilled by Jesus Christ, who intercedes for humanity and leads them away from sin (<a href="/hebrews/7-25.htm">Hebrews 7:25</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His people from Egypt. In this passage, Moses confronts Aaron about the sin of idolatry.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/aaron.htm">Aaron</a></b><br>Moses' brother and the first high priest of Israel. He was left in charge while Moses was on Mount Sinai and played a key role in the creation of the golden calf.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a></b><br>The people of God who were delivered from slavery in Egypt. They quickly turned to idolatry when they felt abandoned by Moses.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/m/mount_sinai.htm">Mount Sinai</a></b><br>The mountain where Moses received the Ten Commandments from God. It is a place of divine revelation and covenant.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_golden_calf.htm">The Golden Calf</a></b><br>An idol made by Aaron at the request of the Israelites, representing a significant breach of the covenant with God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_impatience.htm">The Danger of Impatience</a></b><br>The Israelites' impatience led them to sin. We must learn to wait on God's timing and trust His plans.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/leadership_accountability.htm">Leadership Accountability</a></b><br>Aaron's failure as a leader shows the importance of standing firm in faith, even under pressure.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_idolatry.htm">The Consequences of Idolatry</a></b><br>Idolatry leads to separation from God. We must guard our hearts against modern forms of idolatry.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_intercession.htm">The Role of Intercession</a></b><br>Moses' intercession for the people demonstrates the power and necessity of prayer in seeking God's mercy.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_restoration.htm">Repentance and Restoration</a></b><br>Despite their sin, the Israelites had the opportunity to repent. God's grace allows for restoration when we turn back to Him.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_exodus_32.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Exodus 32</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/key_events_in_aaron's_life.htm">What were the key events in Aaron's life?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_exodus_32_25-28_record_3,000_deaths.htm">Why does Exodus 32:25-28 record the killing of about three thousand people, and is there any historical or archaeological support for such a large-scale event?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_god's_mercy_inconsistent_in_num_16.htm">Why does God's response in Numbers 16:44-45 seem inconsistent with His mercy in other parts of the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_lamb's_book_of_life.htm">What is the Lamb's Book of Life?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/exodus/32.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(21) <span class= "bld">Moses said unto Aaron, What did this people unto thee ?--</span>The second step was to inquire how the idolatry came about; and here Moses very reasonably addressed himself to Aaron. Aaron had been left in charge of the people (<a href="/exodus/24-14.htm" title="And he said to the elders, Tarry you here for us, until we come again to you: and, behold, Aaron and Hur are with you: if any man have any matters to do, let him come to them.">Exodus 24:14</a>), to advise them, direct them, control them, if necessary. How had he acquitted himself of this charge? He had allowed the people to commit a great sin. What excuse could he offer for his conduct? Had the people injured him in any way? The question is asked ironically.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/32.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 21-24.</span> - AARON TRIES TO EXCUSE HIMSELF. Having taken the needful steps for the destruction of the idol, Moses naturally turned upon Aaron. He had been left in charge of the people, to guide them, instruct them, counsel them in difficulties (<a href="/exodus/24-14.htm">Exodus 24:14</a>). How had he acquitted himself of his task? He had led the people into a great sin - had at any rate connived at it - assisted in it. Moses therefore asks, "What had the people done to him, that he should so act? How had they injured him, that he should so greatly injure them?" To this he has no direct reply. But he will not acknowledge himself in fault - he must excuse himself. And his excuse is twofold: - <p><span class="Text_Heading">1.</span> It was the people's fault, not his; they were "set on mischief." <p><span class="Text_Heading">2.</span> It was a fatality - he threw the gold into the fire, and "it came out this calf." We are not surprised, after this, to read in Deuteronomy, that "the Lord was very angry with Aaron to have destroyed him," and was only hindered from his purpose by the intercession of Moses <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 21.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">What did this people unto thee?</span> Moses does not suppose that the people had really done anything to Aaron. He asks the question as a reproach - they had done nothing to thee - <span class="accented">had</span> in no way injured thee - and yet thou broughtest this evil upon them. <span class="cmt_word">So great a sin</span>. Literally, "a great sin" - the sin of idolatry. If Aaron had offered a strenuous opposition from the first, the idolatry might not have taken place - the people might have been brought to a better mind. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/exodus/32-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">“What</span><br /><span class="heb">מֶֽה־</span> <span class="translit">(meh-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> </span><span class="str2">What?, what!, indefinitely what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">did this</span><br /><span class="heb">הַזֶּ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(haz·zeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Pronoun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> </span><span class="str2">This, that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">people</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעָ֣ם</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘ām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> </span><span class="str2">A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock</span><br /><br /><span class="word">do</span><br /><span class="heb">עָשָׂ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·śāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to you,”</span><br /><span class="heb">לְךָ֖</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">Moses</span><br /><span class="heb">מֹשֶׁה֙</span> <span class="translit">(mō·šeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4872.htm">Strong's 4872: </a> </span><span class="str2">Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver</span><br /><br /><span class="word">asked</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֤אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Aaron,</span><br /><span class="heb">אַהֲרֹ֔ן</span> <span class="translit">(’a·hă·rōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_175.htm">Strong's 175: </a> </span><span class="str2">Aaron -- an elder brother of Moses</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“that</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you have led</span><br /><span class="heb">הֵבֵ֥אתָ</span> <span class="translit">(hê·ḇê·ṯā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come in, come, go in, go</span><br /><br /><span class="word">them into</span><br /><span class="heb">עָלָ֖יו</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·lāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">so great</span><br /><span class="heb">גְדֹלָֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(ḡə·ḏō·lāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1419.htm">Strong's 1419: </a> </span><span class="str2">Great, older, insolent</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a sin?”</span><br /><span class="heb">חֲטָאָ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(ḥă·ṭā·’āh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2401.htm">Strong's 2401: </a> </span><span class="str2">An offence, a sacrifice for, it</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/32-21.htm">Exodus 32:21 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/exodus/32-21.htm">Exodus 32:21 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/exodus/32-21.htm">Exodus 32:21 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/exodus/32-21.htm">Exodus 32:21 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/exodus/32-21.htm">Exodus 32:21 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/32-21.htm">Exodus 32:21 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/32-21.htm">Exodus 32:21 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/32-21.htm">Exodus 32:21 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/32-21.htm">Exodus 32:21 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/exodus/32-21.htm">Exodus 32:21 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/exodus/32-21.htm">OT Law: Exodus 32:21 Moses said to Aaron What did these (Exo. Ex) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/exodus/32-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Exodus 32:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Exodus 32:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/exodus/32-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Exodus 32:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Exodus 32:22" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>