Exodus 32:22
And Aaron said, Let not the anger of my lord wax hot: thou knowest the people, that they are set on mischief.
Original Language Analysis
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
3 of 13
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
יִ֥חַר
wax hot
H2734
יִ֥חַר
wax hot
Strong's:
H2734
Word #:
4 of 13
to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy
אַ֖ף
Let not the anger
H639
אַ֖ף
Let not the anger
Strong's:
H639
Word #:
5 of 13
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
יָדַ֣עְתָּ
thou knowest
H3045
יָדַ֣עְתָּ
thou knowest
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
8 of 13
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָעָ֔ם
the people
H5971
הָעָ֔ם
the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
10 of 13
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
11 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
Deuteronomy 9:24Ye have been rebellious against the LORD from the day that I knew you.Exodus 16:20Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto Moses; but some of them left of it until the morning, and it bred worms, and stank: and Moses was wroth with them.Exodus 14:11And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt?Exodus 15:24And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink?1 Samuel 15:24And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.
Historical Context
Aaron's response contrasts sharply with godly leaders who accept responsibility (David in 2 Sam 12:13, Nehemiah in Neh 1:6-7). His excuse-making prefigures all human tendency to justify sin.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you shift blame when confronted with sin?
- What does Aaron's response teach about the difference between godly contrition and worldly excuse-making?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Aaron's response אַל־יִחַר אַף אֲדֹנִי (al-yichar af adoni, Let not my lord's anger burn) attempts to deflect Moses' righteous fury. His characterization אַתָּה יָדַעְתָּ אֶת־הָעָם כִּי בְרָע הוּא (atah yada'ta et-ha'am ki vera hu, you know the people, that they are set on evil) shifts blame entirely to the people, using בְרָע (vera, set on evil) to portray them as intractably wicked. This is classic excuse-making: minimize personal responsibility, blame circumstances and others, appeal to the accuser's sympathy. Aaron's plea reveals fear of man rather than fear of God.