Exodus 32:8

8 They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them. They have made themselves a molten calf and have worshiped it, and have sacrificed thereunto and said, `These are thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt!'"

Exodus 32:8 Meaning and Commentary

Exodus 32:8

They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I
commanded them
The Targum of Jonathan adds, by way of explanation,

``on Sinai, saying, ye shall not make to yourselves an image, or figure, or any similitude.''

This was the command God had given to them; this the way he had directed them to walk in; from this they turned aside, by making the golden calf as an image or representation of God; and this they had done very quickly, since it was but about six weeks ago that this command was given; wherefore if Moses had delayed coming down from the mount, they had made haste to commit iniquity; and, perhaps, this observation is made of their quick defection, in opposition to their complaint of Moses's long absence:

they have made them a molten calf;
for though it was made by Aaron, or by his direction to the founder or goldsmith, yet it was at their request and earnest solicitation; they would not be easy without it:

and have worshipped it;
by bowing the knee to it, kissing it or their hands at the approach of it, see ( Hosea 13:2 ) .

and have sacrificed thereunto
burnt offerings and peace offerings:

and said, these be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of
the land of Egypt;
the very words they used, ( Exodus 32:4 ) and which were taken particular notice of by the Lord with resentment.

Exodus 32:8 In-Context

6 And they rose up early on the morrow, and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play.

7 And the LORD said unto Moses, "Go, get thee down; for thy people which thou broughtest out of the land of Egypt have corrupted themselves.

8 They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them. They have made themselves a molten calf and have worshiped it, and have sacrificed thereunto and said, `These are thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt!'"

9 And the LORD said unto Moses, "I have seen this people, and behold, it is a stiffnecked people.

10 Now therefore let Me alone, that My wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them; and I will make of thee a great nation."