Exodus 32:2
And Aaron said unto them, Break off the golden earrings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them unto me.
Original Language Analysis
פָּֽרְקוּ֙
unto them Break off
H6561
פָּֽרְקוּ֙
unto them Break off
Strong's:
H6561
Word #:
4 of 13
to break off or crunch; figuratively, to deliver
הַזָּהָ֔ב
the golden
H2091
הַזָּהָ֔ב
the golden
Strong's:
H2091
Word #:
6 of 13
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
אֲשֶׁר֙
H834
אֲשֶׁר֙
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
בְּאָזְנֵ֣י
which are in the ears
H241
בְּאָזְנֵ֣י
which are in the ears
Strong's:
H241
Word #:
8 of 13
broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)
בְּנֵיכֶ֖ם
of your sons
H1121
בְּנֵיכֶ֖ם
of your sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
10 of 13
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וּבְנֹֽתֵיכֶ֑ם
and of your daughters
H1323
וּבְנֹֽתֵיכֶ֑ם
and of your daughters
Strong's:
H1323
Word #:
11 of 13
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
Historical Context
Aaron, Moses' brother and spokesman, held the highest authority in Moses' absence. His failure demonstrates how even those called to ministry can compromise under pressure.
Questions for Reflection
- When have you facilitated sin rather than standing against popular opinion?
- How does fear of man cause spiritual leaders to compromise God's standards?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Aaron's immediate compliance without protest reveals weak leadership and fear of man. The request for golden earrings (נִזְמֵי הַזָּהָב, nizmei hazahav) ironically uses jewelry likely plundered from Egypt (Ex 12:35-36) to create an idol. The earrings may have been Egyptian amulets, making their use doubly idolatrous. Aaron's passive construction 'Break off' suggests he tried to shift responsibility, yet he actively facilitated the sin rather than standing firm like Moses would have.