Exodus 32:5
And when Aaron saw it, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made proclamation, and said, To morrow is a feast to the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֣רְא
saw
H7200
וַיַּ֣רְא
saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 11
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
לְפָנָ֑יו
before
H6440
לְפָנָ֑יו
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
5 of 11
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
וַיִּקְרָ֤א
made proclamation
H7121
וַיִּקְרָ֤א
made proclamation
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
6 of 11
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
Cross References
2 Kings 10:20And Jehu said, Proclaim a solemn assembly for Baal. And they proclaimed it.Leviticus 23:2Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, Concerning the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my feasts.Leviticus 23:37These are the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, to offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD, a burnt offering, and a meat offering, a sacrifice, and drink offerings, every thing upon his day:
Historical Context
Aaron's attempt to control the situation by directing worship toward Yahweh while using the idol shows how religious leaders compromise to maintain influence and prevent worse outcomes, yet God rejected this entirely.
Questions for Reflection
- Where are you tempted to worship God on your own terms rather than His?
- How does syncretism—mixing truth with error—corrupt genuine worship?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Aaron's building a מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbeach, altar) before the calf and proclaiming a חַג לַיהוָה (chag l'Adonai, feast to Yahweh) reveals attempted syncretism—worshiping the true God through false means. This is more dangerous than outright paganism because it corrupts true worship while maintaining religious vocabulary. Aaron tried to redirect their worship toward Yahweh while accommodating their idolatrous form, but God accepts no such mixture. This violated the second commandment's prohibition of images just given on Sinai.