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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Exodus 32:25 Moses saw that the people were out of control, for Aaron had let them run wild and become a laughingstock to their enemies.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/exodus/32-25.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/02_Exo_32_25.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Exodus 32:25 - Moses Breaks the Tablets" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Moses saw that the people were out of control, for Aaron had let them run wild and become a laughingstock to their enemies." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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(for Aaron had made them naked unto <i>their</i> shame among their enemies:)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/exodus/32.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Now when Moses saw that the people <i>were</i> unrestrained (for Aaron had not restrained them, to <i>their</i> shame among their enemies),<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/exodus/32.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now when Moses saw that the people were out of control—for Aaron had let them get out of control to <i>the point of being</i> an object of ridicule among their enemies—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/exodus/32.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Now when Moses saw that the people were out of control— for Aaron had let them get out of control to be a derision among their enemies—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/exodus/32.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Now when Moses saw that the people were out of control—for Aaron had let them get out of control to be a derision among their enemies—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/exodus/32.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Now Moses saw that the people were out of control—for Aaron had let them get out of control to be a derision among their enemies—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/exodus/32.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Now when Moses saw that the people were out of control—for Aaron had let them get out of control to the point of being an object of mockery among their enemies—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/exodus/32.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Moses saw that the people were out of control, for Aaron had let them get out of control, making them a laughingstock to their enemies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/exodus/32.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Moses saw that the people were out of control, for Aaron had let them get out of control, resulting in weakness before their enemies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/exodus/32.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And when Moses saw that the people were broken loose, (for Aaron had let them loose for a derision among their enemies,)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/exodus/32.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Moses knew that the people were out of control and that it was Aaron's fault. And now they had made fools of themselves in front of their enemies. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/exodus/32.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And when Moses saw that the people were broken loose; for Aaron had let them loose for a derision among their enemies:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/exodus/32.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Aaron had let the people get out of control, and they became an object of ridicule to their enemies. When Moses saw this,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/exodus/32.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Moses saw that Aaron had let the people get out of control and make fools of themselves in front of their enemies. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/exodus/32.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />When Moses saw that the people were out of control—since Aaron had let them get out of control, something that incited ridicule from their enemies —<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/exodus/32.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Moses saw that the people were running wild, for Aaron had let them get completely out of control, causing derision from their enemies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/exodus/32.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />When Moses saw that the people had broken loose, (for Aaron had let them loose for a derision among their enemies),<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/exodus/32.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And when Moses saw that the people were naked (for Aaron had made them naked to their shame, among their enemies:)<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/exodus/32.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Moses saw that the people were out of control, for Aaron had let them run wild and become a laughingstock to their enemies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/exodus/32.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />When Moses saw that the people were out of control, (for Aaron had let them lose control, causing derision among their enemies), <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 sees the people, that it [is] unbridled, for Aaron has made it unbridled for contempt among its withstanders,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/exodus/32.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Moses seeth the people that it is unbridled, for Aaron hath made it unbridled for contempt among its withstanders,<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 see the people that it was uncovered (for Aaron uncovered it for overthrow among their enemies).<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/exodus/32.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And when Moses saw that the people were naked, (for Aaron had stripped them by occasion of the shame of the filth, and had set them naked among their enemies,) <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/exodus/32.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Therefore, Moses, seeing that the people were naked (for Aaron had stripped them because of the disgrace of their sordidness, and he had set them naked among their enemies),<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/exodus/32.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Moses saw that the people were running wild because Aaron had lost control—to the secret delight of their foes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/exodus/32.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />When Moses saw that the people were running wild (for Aaron had let them run wild, to the derision of their enemies),<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/exodus/32.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And when Moses saw that the people had sinned; (for Aaron had caused them to sin, and to leave a bad name behind them);<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/exodus/32.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And I said to them, ‘He that has gold, bring it to me’, and they brought it to me and I laid it in fire and it became this calf.”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/exodus/32.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And when Moses saw that the people were broken loose--for Aaron had let them loose for a derision among their enemies--<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/exodus/32.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And when Moses saw that the people was scattered, - for Aaron <i>had</i> scattered them <i>so as to be</i> a rejoicing to their enemies, -<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/exodus/32-25.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=8451" 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">24</span>So I said to them, ‘Whoever has gold, let him take it off,’ and they gave it to me. And when I threw it into the fire, out came this calf!” <span class="reftext">25</span><span class="highl"><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/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: way·yar (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">saw</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.">that the people</a> <a href="/hebrew/6544.htm" title="6544: p̄ā·ru·a‘ (V-Qal-QalPassPrtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; to loosen; by implication, to expose, dismiss; figuratively, absolve, begin.">were out of control,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</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/6544.htm" title="6544: p̄ə·rā·‘ōh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms:: 3ms) -- A primitive root; to loosen; by implication, to expose, dismiss; figuratively, absolve, begin.">had let them run wild</a> <a href="/hebrew/8103.htm" title="8103: lə·šim·ṣāh (Prep-l:: N-fs) -- Whisper, derision. Feminine of shemets; scornful whispering.">and become a laughingstock</a> <a href="/hebrew/6965.htm" title="6965: bə·qā·mê·hem (Prep-b:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-mpc:: 3mp) -- To arise, stand up, stand. A primitive root; to rise.">to their enemies.</a> </span><span class="reftext">26</span>So Moses stood at the entrance to the camp and said, “Whoever is for the LORD, come to me.” And all the Levites gathered around him.…<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="/1_corinthians/10-7.htm">1 Corinthians 10:7-8</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.” / We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/9-12.htm">Deuteronomy 9:12-16</a></span><br />And the LORD said to me, “Get up and go down from here at once, for your people, whom you brought out of Egypt, have corrupted themselves. How quickly they have turned aside from the way that I commanded them! They have made for themselves a molten image.” / The LORD also said to me, “I have seen this people, and they are indeed a stiff-necked people. / Leave Me alone, so that I may destroy them and blot out their name from under heaven. Then I will make you into a nation mightier and greater than they are.” ...<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="/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="/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="/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="/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="/2_corinthians/6-17.htm">2 Corinthians 6:17</a></span><br />“Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/5-19.htm">Galatians 5:19-21</a></span><br />The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; / idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, / and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.<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="/1_john/5-21.htm">1 John 5:21</a></span><br />Little children, keep yourselves from idols.<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="/2_peter/2-1.htm">2 Peter 2:1-3</a></span><br />Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. / Many will follow in their depravity, and because of them the way of truth will be defamed. / In their greed, these false teachers will exploit you with deceptive words. The longstanding verdict against them remains in force, and their destruction does not sleep.<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="/revelation/2-14.htm">Revelation 2:14</a></span><br />But I have a few things against you, because some of you hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to place a stumbling block before the Israelites so they would eat food sacrificed to idols and commit sexual immorality.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And when Moses saw that the people were naked; (for Aaron had made them naked to their shame among their enemies:)</p><p class="hdg">naked.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/33-4.htm">Exodus 33:4-6</a></b></br> And when the people heard these evil tidings, they mourned: and no man did put on him his ornaments… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/3-10.htm">Genesis 3:10</a></b></br> And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I <i>was</i> naked; and I hid myself.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/47-3.htm">Isaiah 47:3</a></b></br> Thy nakedness shall be uncovered, yea, thy shame shall be seen: I will take vengeance, and I will not meet <i>thee as</i> a man.</p><p class="hdg">Aaron</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/9-20.htm">Deuteronomy 9:20</a></b></br> And the LORD was very angry with Aaron to have destroyed him: and I prayed for Aaron also the same time.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_chronicles/28-19.htm">2 Chronicles 28:19</a></b></br> For the LORD brought Judah low because of Ahaz king of Israel; for he made Judah naked, and transgressed sore against the LORD.</p><p class="hdg">shame</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/16-63.htm">Ezekiel 16:63</a></b></br> That thou mayest remember, and be confounded, and never open thy mouth any more because of thy shame, when I am pacified toward thee for all that thou hast done, saith the Lord GOD.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/daniel/12-2.htm">Daniel 12:2</a></b></br> And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame <i>and</i> everlasting contempt.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/6-21.htm">Romans 6:21</a></b></br> What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things <i>is</i> death.</p><p class="hdg">their enemies.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/32-22.htm">Aaron</a> <a href="/exodus/23-22.htm">Adversaries</a> <a href="/exodus/32-24.htm">Break</a> <a href="/exodus/28-32.htm">Broken</a> <a href="/genesis/16-5.htm">Contempt</a> <a href="/exodus/21-36.htm">Control</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-6.htm">Derision</a> <a href="/exodus/23-27.htm">Enemies</a> <a href="/genesis/49-8.htm">Haters</a> <a href="/exodus/5-4.htm">Loose</a> <a href="/exodus/32-23.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/exodus/28-42.htm">Naked</a> <a href="/exodus/9-24.htm">Running</a> <a href="/genesis/38-23.htm">Shame</a> <a href="/exodus/9-25.htm">Stripped</a> <a href="/colossians/3-5.htm">Unbridled</a> <a href="/exodus/23-29.htm">Wild</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/16-9.htm">Withstanders</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/32-35.htm">Aaron</a> <a href="/numbers/24-8.htm">Adversaries</a> <a href="/exodus/34-1.htm">Break</a> <a href="/exodus/34-13.htm">Broken</a> <a href="/leviticus/22-9.htm">Contempt</a> <a href="/1_samuel/3-13.htm">Control</a> <a href="/job/12-4.htm">Derision</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-7.htm">Enemies</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-17.htm">Haters</a> <a href="/leviticus/10-6.htm">Loose</a> <a href="/exodus/32-26.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/leviticus/20-18.htm">Naked</a> <a href="/leviticus/14-5.htm">Running</a> <a href="/leviticus/18-17.htm">Shame</a> <a href="/exodus/33-6.htm">Stripped</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-3.htm">Unbridled</a> <a href="/leviticus/5-2.htm">Wild</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-11.htm">Withstanders</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>Moses saw that the people were out of control</b><br>Moses, as the leader appointed by God, had the responsibility to guide the Israelites. His observation of the people's behavior indicates a breakdown in order and discipline. This chaos occurred while Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving the Law, highlighting the people's quick departure from God's commandments. The phrase "out of control" suggests a lack of restraint and moral decay, reminiscent of the period of the Judges when "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (<a href="/judges/21-25.htm">Judges 21:25</a>).<p><b>for Aaron had let them run wild</b><br>Aaron, Moses' brother and the high priest, was left in charge during Moses' absence. His failure to maintain order and uphold God's standards led to the people's idolatry with the golden calf. This reflects a leadership failure, as Aaron succumbed to the people's demands rather than standing firm in his faith. It serves as a warning about the consequences of weak spiritual leadership and the importance of adhering to God's commands, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/29-18.htm">Proverbs 29:18</a>, "Where there is no vision, the people perish."<p><b>and become a laughingstock to their enemies</b><br>The Israelites' behavior not only dishonored God but also damaged their reputation among surrounding nations. This phrase underscores the importance of God's people maintaining a distinct and holy identity, as their actions reflect on God's character. The term "laughingstock" implies ridicule and scorn, which can be seen as a fulfillment of the warnings given in <a href="/deuteronomy/28-37.htm">Deuteronomy 28:37</a>, where disobedience would lead to becoming "an object of horror, scorn, and ridicule." This situation foreshadows the need for a perfect mediator, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who would restore the relationship between God and His people and uphold God's honor among the nations.<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 lead His people out of Egypt. In this verse, Moses observes the chaos among the Israelites.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/aaron.htm">Aaron</a></b><br>Moses' brother and the high priest, who was left in charge while Moses was on Mount Sinai. He allowed the people to create and worship a golden calf, leading to their disorder.<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 in Moses' absence, demonstrating a lack of faith and discipline.<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 the Israelites under Aaron's leadership, representing a significant breach of their covenant with God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_dangers_of_idolatry.htm">The Dangers of Idolatry</a></b><br>Idolatry leads to chaos and a breakdown of moral and spiritual order. We must guard our hearts against placing anything above God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/leadership_accountability.htm">Leadership Accountability</a></b><br>Aaron's failure to maintain control shows the importance of strong, godly leadership. Leaders are responsible for guiding their people in righteousness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_disobedience.htm">The Consequences of Disobedience</a></b><br>The Israelites' actions made them a "laughingstock" to their enemies, illustrating how disobedience can lead to shame and loss of witness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_need_for_spiritual_vigilance.htm">The Need for Spiritual Vigilance</a></b><br>Just as the Israelites quickly turned from God, we must remain vigilant in our faith, especially in times of waiting or uncertainty.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_restoration.htm">Repentance and Restoration</a></b><br>Despite their sin, God offers a path to repentance and restoration, reminding us of His mercy and grace.<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/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/does_exodus_32_align_with_aaron's_role.htm">How does the portrayal of Aaron's role in Exodus 32 align with other biblical depictions of him, and does it reveal inconsistencies across different texts?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_aaron_make_the_golden_calf.htm">Why did Aaron create the golden calf for worship?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_worship_the_golden_calf.htm">Why did the Israelites worship the golden calf?</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>(25) <span class= "bld">When Moses saw that the people were naked</span>.--Most modern commentators prefer to translate "that the people were licentious," or "unruly." But the rendering of the Authorised Version may be defended. In the lewd and excited dancing of idolatrous orgies, garments were frequently cast aside, and the person exposed indecently. Egyptian dancers are represented on the monuments with scarcely any clothing.<p><span class= "bld">Among their enemies.</span>--Amalekites may have held many fastnesses among the hills, from which they may have been able to see what was going on in the camp.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/32.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 25-29.</span> - MOSES PUNISHES THE RINGLEADERS. The presence of Moses in the camp - his impressive act in breaking the tables - even his seizure of the idol and consignment of it to destruction - did not arrest the licentious orgy in which the people had engaged before his coming. The "play" that had followed on the feasting still continued; though we may suppose that many had been impressed and had desisted. Moses felt that an example must be made, and a stop put to conduct which was more and more provoking the Almighty, and might at any moment bring down the judgment of complete destruction upon the whole people. He therefore took his station at the main gate of the camp (ver. 26), and shouted the words "Who is on Jehovah's side? Here, to me!" The sound of the words could not, of course, have reached very far - but they rallied to him those of his own tribe who stood near, and thus placed a strong force at his disposal. Moses bade them get their swords, and proceed through the camp from end to end, slaying the idolaters - not, we may be sure, indiscriminately, but executing God's judgment on those who were most conspicuous and persistent. They were especially bidden not to spare their own nearest and dearest, which implies that many Levites were among the ringleaders. The result was the destruction by the sword of three thousand men - and the suppression of the festival. It is not to be doubted that Moses had Divine sanction for what he did in this matter (ver. 27). <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 25.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The people were naked</span>. It has been suggested that "licentious" or "unruly" would be a better rendering (Gesenius, Dathe, Rosenmuller, Kalisch, Cook), but the primary sense of <span class="accented">pharua</span> is "naked," "stript;" and of the licentious orgies of the East, stripping or uncovering the person was a feature (Herod. 2:60), so that there is no reason for changing the expression used in the Authorised Version. Moses saw that most of the people were still without the garments that they had laid aside when they began to dance, and were probably still engaged in dancing and shouting. <span class="cmt_word">Aaron had made them naked</span>. Aaron is said to have done that to which his actions had led. He had made the calf and proclaimed a festival. The "nakedness" had naturally followed. <span class="cmt_word">Unto their shame among their enemies</span>. Amalekites were no doubt still hovering about the camp; indeed, the tribe probably still held most of the surrounding mountains. They would witness the orgy, and see the indecent and shameful exposure. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/exodus/32-25.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">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">saw</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּ֤רְא</span> <span class="translit">(way·yar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that the people</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעָ֔ם</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">were out of control,</span><br /><span class="heb">פָרֻ֖עַ</span> <span class="translit">(p̄ā·ru·a‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6544.htm">Strong's 6544: </a> </span><span class="str2">To loosen, to expose, dismiss, absolve, begin</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֥י</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">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">had let them run wild</span><br /><span class="heb">פְרָעֹ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(p̄ə·rā·‘ōh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6544.htm">Strong's 6544: </a> </span><span class="str2">To loosen, to expose, dismiss, absolve, begin</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and become a laughingstock</span><br /><span class="heb">לְשִׁמְצָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(lə·šim·ṣāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8103.htm">Strong's 8103: </a> </span><span class="str2">Scornful whispering</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to their enemies.</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּקָמֵיהֶֽם׃</span> <span class="translit">(bə·qā·mê·hem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6965.htm">Strong's 6965: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arise, stand up, stand</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/32-25.htm">Exodus 32:25 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/exodus/32-25.htm">Exodus 32:25 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/exodus/32-25.htm">Exodus 32:25 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/exodus/32-25.htm">Exodus 32:25 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/exodus/32-25.htm">Exodus 32:25 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/32-25.htm">Exodus 32:25 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/32-25.htm">Exodus 32:25 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/32-25.htm">Exodus 32:25 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/32-25.htm">Exodus 32:25 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/exodus/32-25.htm">Exodus 32:25 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/exodus/32-25.htm">OT Law: Exodus 32:25 When Moses saw that the people had (Exo. Ex) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/exodus/32-24.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Exodus 32:24"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Exodus 32:24" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/exodus/32-26.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Exodus 32:26"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Exodus 32:26" /></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>