Deuteronomy 9:16
And I looked, and, behold, ye had sinned against the LORD your God, and had made you a molten calf: ye had turned aside quickly out of the way which the LORD had commanded you.
Original Language Analysis
וָאֵ֗רֶא
And I looked
H7200
וָאֵ֗רֶא
And I looked
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 17
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
חֲטָאתֶם֙
and behold ye had sinned
H2398
חֲטָאתֶם֙
and behold ye had sinned
Strong's:
H2398
Word #:
3 of 17
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
יְהוָ֖ה
against the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
against the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֔ם
your God
H430
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֔ם
your God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
5 of 17
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
עֲשִׂיתֶ֣ם
and had made
H6213
עֲשִׂיתֶ֣ם
and had made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
6 of 17
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
עֵ֖גֶל
calf
H5695
עֵ֖גֶל
calf
Strong's:
H5695
Word #:
8 of 17
a (male) calf (as frisking round), especially one nearly grown (i.e., a steer)
מַסֵּכָ֑ה
you a molten
H4541
מַסֵּכָ֑ה
you a molten
Strong's:
H4541
Word #:
9 of 17
properly, a pouring over, i.e., fusion of metal (especially a cast image); by implication, a libation, i.e., league; concretely a coverlet (as if pour
סַרְתֶּ֣ם
ye had turned aside
H5493
סַרְתֶּ֣ם
ye had turned aside
Strong's:
H5493
Word #:
10 of 17
to turn off (literally or figuratively)
מִן
H4480
מִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
12 of 17
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הַדֶּ֕רֶךְ
out of the way
H1870
הַדֶּ֕רֶךְ
out of the way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
13 of 17
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
14 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Historical Context
The golden calf likely resembled the bull deities of Egypt (Apis) or Canaan (Baal), though the people may have intended it as a pedestal or symbol for Yahweh rather than a different deity. Regardless of intent, this violated God's explicit command against images.
Aaron's compliance in making the calf demonstrated weak leadership that accommodated popular pressure rather than upholding God's standards.
Questions for Reflection
- Why do people demand visible, tangible objects for worship rather than trusting the invisible God?
- How can we turn aside from God's way quickly even after experiencing His blessings?
- What modern equivalents of the golden calf tempt believers to create 'manageable' versions of God?
- How does idolatry represent an attempt to control God rather than submit to Him?
- What role do spiritual leaders have in resisting popular pressure that contradicts God's word?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And I looked, and, behold, ye had sinned against the LORD your God, and had made you a molten calf: ye had turned aside quickly out of the way which the LORD had commanded you. Moses' firsthand witness to Israel's idolatry emphasizes the shocking speed and severity of their apostasy - quickly indicates their impatience could not even wait for Moses' return.
The phrase sinned against the LORD clarifies that their offense was not merely social disorder or cultural inappropriate behavior but direct violation of covenant relationship with Yahweh. They broke the first and second commandments - having other gods and making graven images - which were fundamental to the covenant.
The description turned aside...out of the way uses spatial metaphor for moral departure. God's commandments constitute a path or way that leads to life. Israel's idolatry represents not minor deviation but abandonment of the path entirely. This language anticipates Proverbs' wisdom teaching about two ways - the path of righteousness and the path of destruction.
The molten calf specifically represents rejection of God's spiritual, transcendent nature in favor of visible, tangible religion that humans can control. Idolatry always makes God in our image rather than worshiping Him as He has revealed Himself.