Exodus 32:35
And the LORD sent a plague on the people because of what they had done with the calf that Aaron had made.
So the LORD
The phrase "So the LORD" indicates a direct action from God, emphasizing His sovereignty and authority. In Hebrew, "LORD" is often represented as "YHWH," the sacred name of God, which underscores His eternal and unchanging nature. This introduction sets the stage for divine intervention, reminding us that God is actively involved in the affairs of humanity, particularly in matters of justice and holiness.

sent a plague
The term "sent a plague" reflects a form of divine judgment. In the Hebrew context, the word for "plague" can also mean a blow or a strike, symbolizing a direct and powerful act of God. Historically, plagues were seen as manifestations of divine displeasure, serving as both punishment and a call to repentance. This action by God is a reminder of His holiness and the seriousness with which He views idolatry and disobedience.

on the people
"On the people" refers to the Israelites, God's chosen people, who had entered into a covenant with Him. Despite their privileged status, they were not exempt from the consequences of their actions. This highlights the principle that with great privilege comes great responsibility. The Israelites' experience serves as a cautionary tale for all believers about the dangers of turning away from God.

because of what they had done
This phrase points to the cause of the plague: the people's actions. It underscores the biblical principle of sowing and reaping, where actions have consequences. The Israelites' sin was not just a momentary lapse but a significant breach of their covenant relationship with God. This serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and obedience in our walk with God.

with the calf
The "calf" refers to the golden calf idol that the Israelites created and worshiped while Moses was on Mount Sinai. In the ancient Near Eastern context, calves were often associated with fertility and strength, common attributes of pagan deities. This act of idolatry was a direct violation of the first two commandments and represented a profound betrayal of their commitment to worship the one true God.

that Aaron had made
The phrase "that Aaron had made" highlights Aaron's role in the creation of the idol. As the high priest and Moses' brother, Aaron held a position of leadership and influence. His involvement in the sin of the people underscores the danger of weak leadership and the responsibility of leaders to guide their people in righteousness. It serves as a sobering reminder of the impact that leaders can have, for better or worse, on the spiritual health of their community.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who is just and holy, responding to the people's idolatry.

2. The People of Israel
The nation chosen by God, who fell into sin by worshiping the golden calf.

3. Aaron
The brother of Moses and the high priest, who played a role in the creation of the golden calf.

4. The Golden Calf
An idol made by Aaron at the request of the Israelites, representing a significant act of rebellion against God.

5. The Plague
A divine punishment sent by God as a consequence of the people's idolatry.
Teaching Points
The Seriousness of Idolatry
Idolatry is a grave sin that provokes God's righteous anger. It is essential to recognize and remove any idols in our lives, whether they are physical objects or misplaced priorities.

The Role of Leadership
Aaron's failure as a leader highlights the importance of godly leadership. Leaders must stand firm in their convictions and guide others in truth, even under pressure.

Consequences of Sin
Sin has consequences, both immediate and eternal. Understanding this helps us to live in obedience and seek God's forgiveness and grace.

God's Justice and Mercy
While God is just and punishes sin, He is also merciful. The incident of the golden calf reminds us of the need for repentance and the hope of restoration through God's mercy.

The Need for Intercession
Moses' intercession for the people (earlier in the chapter) shows the power and necessity of prayer and intercession for others, especially in times of spiritual crisis.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the incident of the golden calf teach us about the nature of idolatry and its impact on our relationship with God?

2. How can we identify and address modern-day idols in our lives, and what steps can we take to ensure God remains our primary focus?

3. In what ways can leaders today learn from Aaron's mistakes, and how can they effectively guide others in faithfulness to God?

4. How does understanding the consequences of sin influence our daily decisions and actions as believers?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's mercy after a failure. How can this experience encourage you to extend grace and intercession to others?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 20:3-5
The commandment against idolatry, which the Israelites violated by worshiping the golden calf.

Numbers 25:1-9
Another instance where Israel faced a plague due to idolatry and immorality, showing a pattern of consequences for disobedience.

1 Corinthians 10:7-8
Paul warns the Corinthian church against idolatry, using the example of the Israelites and the golden calf.

Deuteronomy 9:16-21
Moses recounts the incident of the golden calf, emphasizing the severity of the sin and the need for intercession.
Judgment and MercyJ. Urquhart Exodus 32:15-35
The Second IntercessionJ. Orr Exodus 32:30-35
People
Aaron, Egyptians, Isaac, Israelites, Joshua, Levi, Levites, Moses
Places
Egypt, Sinai
Topics
Aaron, Afflicted, Calf, Ox, Plague, Plagued, Plagueth, Punishment, Smote, Struck, Worship
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 32:35

     4113   angels, agents of judgment
     5072   Aaron, spokesman
     5568   suffering, causes
     7324   calf worship
     8718   disobedience

Exodus 32:21-35

     4269   Sinai, Mount

Exodus 32:30-35

     6615   atonement, necessity

Exodus 32:33-35

     4843   plague

Library
The Golden Calf
'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. 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. 3. And all the people brake off the golden
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Swift Decay of Love
'And Moses turned, and went down from the mount, and the two tables of the testimony were in his hand: the tables were written on both their sides; on the one side and on the other were they written. 16. And the tables were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, graven upon the tables. 17. And when Joshua heard the noise of the people as they shouted, he said unto Moses, There is a noise of war in the camp. 18. And he said, It is not the voice of them that shout for mastery, neither
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
THE ISRAELITES IN THE LAND OF CANAAN: THE JUDGES--THE PHILISTINES AND THE HEBREW KINGDOM--SAUL, DAVID, SOLOMON, THE DEFECTION OF THE TEN TRIBES--THE XXIst EGYPTIAN DYNASTY--SHESHONQ OR SHISHAK DAMASCUS. The Hebrews in the desert: their families, clans, and tribes--The Amorites and the Hebrews on the left bank of the Jordan--The conquest of Canaan and the native reaction against the Hebrews--The judges, Ehud, Deborah, Jerubbaal or Gideon and the Manassite supremacy; Abimelech, Jephihdh. The Philistines,
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6

Threefold Repentance
'And the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the second time, saying, 2. Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee. 3. So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceeding great city of three days' journey. 4. And Jonah began to enter into the city a day's journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall he overthrown. 5. So the people of Ninoveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Covenant of an Everlasting Priesthood
"That My covenant might be with Levi. My covenant was with him of life and peace; and I gave them to him for the fear wherewith he feared Me, and was afraid before My name. The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips; he walked with Me in peace and equity, and did turn many away from iniquity."--MAL. ii. 4-6. ISRAEL was meant by God to be a nation of priests. In the first making of the Covenant this was distinctly stipulated. "If ye will obey My voice, and keep My covenant,
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants

How those who Use Food Intemperately and those who Use it Sparingly are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 20.) Differently to be admonished are the gluttonous and the abstinent. For superfluity of speech, levity of conduct, and lechery accompany the former; but the latter often the sin of impatience, and often that of pride. For were it not the case that immoderate loquacity carries away the gluttonous, that rich man who is said to have fared sumptuously every day would not burn more sorely than elsewhere in his tongue, saying, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Letter xix (A. D. 1127) to Suger, Abbot of S. Denis
To Suger, Abbot of S. Denis He praises Suger, who had unexpectedly renounced the pride and luxury of the world to give himself to the modest habits of the religious life. He blames severely the clerk who devotes himself rather to the service of princes than that of God. 1. A piece of good news has reached our district; it cannot fail to do great good to whomsoever it shall have come. For who that fear God, hearing what great things He has done for your soul, do not rejoice and wonder at the great
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Seasons of Covenanting.
The duty is never unsuitable. Men have frequently, improperly esteemed the exercise as one that should be had recourse to, only on some great emergency. But as it is sinful to defer religious exercises till affliction, presenting the prospect of death, constrain to attempt them, so it is wrong to imagine, that the pressure of calamity principally should constrain to make solemn vows. The exercise of personal Covenanting should be practised habitually. The patriot is a patriot still; and the covenanter
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Letter xxii (Circa A. D. 1129) to Simon, Abbot of S. Nicholas
To Simon, Abbot of S. Nicholas Bernard consoles him under the persecution of which he is the object. The most pious endeavours do not always have the desired success. What line of conduct ought to be followed towards his inferiors by a prelate who is desirous of stricter discipline. 1. I have learned with much pain by your letter the persecution that you are enduring for the sake of righteousness, and although the consolation given you by Christ in the promise of His kingdom may suffice amply for
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Ninth Sunday after Trinity Carnal Security and Its vices.
Text: 1 Corinthians 10, 6-13. 6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. 8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. 9 Neither let us make trial of the Lord, as some of them made trial, and perished by the serpents. 10 Neither murmur ye, as
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III

The Prophet Micah.
PRELIMINARY REMARKS. Micah signifies: "Who is like Jehovah;" and by this name, the prophet is consecrated to the incomparable God, just as Hosea was to the helping God, and Nahum to the comforting God. He prophesied, according to the inscription, under Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. We are not, however, entitled, on this account, to dissever his prophecies, and to assign particular discourses to the reign of each of these kings. On the contrary, the entire collection forms only one whole. At
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Instruction for the Ignorant:
BEING A SALVE TO CURE THAT GREAT WANT OF KNOWLEDGE, WHICH SO MUCH REIGNS BOTH IN YOUNG AND OLD. PREPARED AND PRESENTED TO THEM IN A PLAIN AND EASY DIALOGUE, FITTED TO THE CAPACITY OF THE WEAKEST. 'My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.'--Hosea 4:6 ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. This little catechism is upon a plan perfectly new and unique. It was first published as a pocket volume in 1675, and has been republished in every collection of the author's works; and recently in a separate tract.
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

How those are to be Admonished who Decline the Office of Preaching Out of Too Great Humility, and those who Seize on it with Precipitate Haste.
(Admonition 26.) Differently to be admonished are those who, though able to preach worthily, are afraid by reason of excessive humility, and those whom imperfection or age forbids to preach, and yet precipitancy impells. For those who, though able to preach with profit, still shrink back through excessive humility are to be admonished to gather from consideration of a lesser matter how faulty they are in a greater one. For, if they were to hide from their indigent neighbours money which they possessed
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Purity and Peace in the Present Lord
PHILIPPIANS iv. 1-9 Euodia and Syntyche--Conditions to unanimity--Great uses of small occasions--Connexion to the paragraphs--The fortress and the sentinel--A golden chain of truths--Joy in the Lord--Yieldingness--Prayer in everything--Activities of a heart at rest Ver. 1. +So, my brethren beloved and longed for+, missed indeed, at this long distance from you, +my joy and crown+ of victory (stephanos), +thus+, as having such certainties and such aims, with such a Saviour, and looking for such
Handley C. G. Moule—Philippian Studies

How those that are at Variance and those that are at Peace are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 23.) Differently to be admonished are those that are at variance and those that are at peace. For those that are at variance are to be admonished to know most certainly that, in whatever virtues they may abound, they can by no means become spiritual if they neglect becoming united to their neighbours by concord. For it is written, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace (Gal. v. 22). He then that has no care to keep peace refuses to bear the fruit of the Spirit. Hence Paul
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Moses the Type of Christ.
"The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto Him ye shall hearken."--Deut. xviii. 15. The history of Moses is valuable to Christians, not only as giving us a pattern of fidelity towards God, of great firmness, and great meekness, but also as affording us a type or figure of our Saviour Christ. No prophet arose in Israel like Moses, till Christ came, when the promise in the text was fulfilled--"The Lord thy God," says Moses, "shall
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
or, Gospel Light Fetched out of the Temple at Jerusalem, to Let us More Easily into the Glory of New Testament Truths. 'Thou son of man, shew the house to the house of Isreal;--shew them the form of the house, and the fashion thereof, and the goings out hereof, and the comings in thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the laws thereof.'--Ezekiel 43:10, 11 London: Printed for, and sold by George Larkin, at the Two Swans without Bishopgate,
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The True Manner of Keeping Holy the Lord's Day.
Now the sanctifying of the Sabbath consists in two things--First, In resting from all servile and common business pertaining to our natural life; Secondly, In consecrating that rest wholly to the service of God, and the use of those holy means which belong to our spiritual life. For the First. 1. The servile and common works from which we are to cease are, generally, all civil works, from the least to the greatest (Exod. xxxi. 12, 13, 15, &c.) More particularly-- First, From all the works of our
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

The Old Testament Canon from Its Beginning to Its Close.
The first important part of the Old Testament put together as a whole was the Pentateuch, or rather, the five books of Moses and Joshua. This was preceded by smaller documents, which one or more redactors embodied in it. The earliest things committed to writing were probably the ten words proceeding from Moses himself, afterwards enlarged into the ten commandments which exist at present in two recensions (Exod. xx., Deut. v.) It is true that we have the oldest form of the decalogue from the Jehovist
Samuel Davidson—The Canon of the Bible

Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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