Exodus 32:2
ESV
So Aaron said to them, "Take off the rings of gold that are in the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me."
NIV
Aaron answered them, "Take off the gold earrings that your wives, your sons and your daughters are wearing, and bring them to me."
NASB
Aaron said to them, 'Tear off the gold rings which are in the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me.'
CSB
Aaron replied to them, "Take off the gold rings that are on the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters and bring them to me."
NLT
So Aaron said, 'Take the gold rings from the ears of your wives and sons and daughters, and bring them to me.'
KJV
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.
NKJV
And Aaron said to them, “Break off the golden earrings which are in the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me.”
What does Exodus 32:2 mean?
When Israel left slavery in Egypt (Exodus 12:40–41), they took great wealth with them (Exodus 11:2–3). Egypt was eager for them to leave and gave the former slaves precious metals and stones (Exodus 12:35–36). Since then, Israel has seen multiple miracles (Exodus 14:21–31; 16:12–15). Now they lose patience waiting for Moses to return from Sinai (Exodus 24:12, 18). In their defense, the scene when God gave the Ten Commandments had been terrifying (Exodus 20:18–21). And Moses had been absent for forty days (Exodus 24:18), after going up into the intimidating conditions on Mount Sinai (Exodus 24:15–17).Rather than waiting, they ask Aaron (Exodus 24:14) to make them a tangible idol (Exodus 32:1). This is explicitly against God's recently-issued Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1–17). Aaron should have refused. He could have reminded the people of God's faithfulness and holiness and encouraged them to trust and faithfully wait. But the people seem to have been insistent (Exodus 32:22). The Israelites have shown a habit of aggressive protest when they aren't happy (Exodus 14:11; 15:24; 16:2; 17:2–4; Numbers 20:2–3). Aaron gives in. He collects jewelry—specifically, gold earrings. He builds an idol in the shape of a calf, cow, or bull (Exodus 32:3–4). God will be extremely displeased with this (Exodus 20:3–6; 32:9).
