Exodus 32:21 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And Moses said to Aaron, "What did this people do to you that you have brought such a great sin upon them?"

NIV: He said to Aaron, "What did these people do to you, that you led them into such great sin?"

NASB: Then Moses said to Aaron, 'What did this people do to you, that you have brought such a great sin upon them?'

CSB: Then Moses asked Aaron, "What did these people do to you that you have led them into such a grave sin?"

NLT: Finally, he turned to Aaron and demanded, 'What did these people do to you to make you bring such terrible sin upon them?'

KJV: And Moses said unto Aaron, What did this people unto thee, that thou hast brought so great a sin upon them?

NKJV: And Moses said to Aaron, “What did this people do to you that you have brought so great a sin upon them?”

This question is much harsher than it first seems. Aaron made an idol when the people pressured him (Exodus 32:1–6). This blatantly contradicted laws which the Lord had just explained (Exodus 20:3–6). The idol was destroyed (Exodus 32:20) and further punishments are coming (Exodus 32:27–29).

Moses does not actually think the people harmed Aaron. Rather, his question is rhetorical: meant to make a statement. The point is that God hates idolatry so much that helping Israel commit that sin seems like an act of hate or violence. In modern speech, Moses might have said something like, "Aaron, you must hate the people of Israel. Are you getting revenge on them for something? What would make you lead them straight into the wrath of God?"

Aaron's response follows an embarrassing pattern of human behavior. When confronted about our sin, our immediate instincts are to blame other people (Exodus 32:22) and to lie (Exodus 32:24). Adam and Eve did something similar when sin first entered the world (Genesis 3:12–13). This is the opposite of how the Lord wants us to respond when under conviction (1 John 1:8–10). God shows Aaron great mercy in response to this failure (Deuteronomy 9:20).

Exodus 32:15–24 reports Moses' confrontation with Israel over their recent idolatry (Exodus 32:1–6). His assistant, Joshua, hears the noises in camp as they approach. When Moses sees the extent of the people's sin, he smashes the engraved stone tablets which God gave Him (Exodus 24:12). Moses has the golden idol disintegrated. Aaron tries to avoid blame, claiming that the people made him do it, and that the calf idol simply appeared.

During Moses' long absence (Exodus 24:18), the Israelites lose patience. They demand that Aaron (Exodus 24:14) make them a god they can see. Aaron makes a gold idol from donated jewelry and the people worship it as God. On the mountain, God is furious and sends Moses back. Moses arrives, breaks the stone tablets of God's law which he carried, and destroys the idol. Moses then calls on loyal men to execute those responsible. Aaron is spared, but Israel can anticipate more punishment.

Moses went onto Sinai to communicate with the Lord (Exodus 24:12) and has been gone a long time (Exodus 24:18). He is receiving instructions from God (Exodus 25—31). Meanwhile, Israel falls into idolatry. They break the first two commandments just given at Sinai (Exodus 20:3–6). After delivering initial consequences, God commands Israel to move along and discusses how He will renew His covenant (Exodus 33—34).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.