Exodus 32:1
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 32:1
1 And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.
Chapter Context
Exodus 32 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, mercy, prayer. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-35: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 32:1
1 And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.
Analysis
The Hebrew בֹּשֵׁשׁ (boshesh, delayed) suggests Moses tarried beyond expectation. The people's demand לֵאלֹהִים (le'elohim, for gods) uses the plural form, revealing their desire for visible deity rather than the invisible God. Their dismissive reference to 'this Moses' shows how quickly they rejected God's appointed mediator. This apostasy occurred while God was giving the very law prohibiting idolatry, demonstrating human depravity's depth even among covenant people who had witnessed miraculous deliverance.
Historical Context
This occurred on Mount Sinai around 1446 BC, approximately 40 days after Israel received the Ten Commandments. Moses was receiving the full law code on the mountain while the people grew restless below.
Reflection
- What 'delays' in God's timing tempt you to take matters into your own hands?
- How does impatience with God's appointed leaders lead to spiritual compromise?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H430 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- References God: Exodus 32:11, Acts 7:40, 17:29, 19:26
- References Moses: Exodus 14:11, 24:18
- Parallel theme: Exodus 13:21, Deuteronomy 9:9, Matthew 24:48, 2 Peter 3:4