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Easy-to-Read Version

Exodus 32:24

So I told the people, ‘If you have any gold rings, then give them to me.' The people gave me their gold. I threw the gold into the fire, and out of the fire came this calf!"

Bible Study Resources

Concordances:

- Nave's Topical Bible - Cowardice;   Excuses;   Falsehood;   Israel;   Reproof;   Responsibility;   Thompson Chain Reference - Excuses;   Justification;   Self-Justification-Self-Condemnation;   Sin;  

Dictionaries:

- Bridgeway Bible Dictionary - Aaron;   Baker Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology - Responsibility;   Fausset Bible Dictionary - Egypt;   Moses;   Pentateuch;   Holman Bible Dictionary - Exodus, Book of;   Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible - Aaron;   Anger (Wrath) of God;   Calf, Golden;   Exodus;   Moses;   The Hawker's Poor Man's Concordance And Dictionary - Table;   People's Dictionary of the Bible - Aaron;   Calf;   Watson's Biblical & Theological Dictionary - Moses;  

Encyclopedias:

- Condensed Biblical Cyclopedia - Events of the Encampment;   Priesthood, the;   On to Canaan;   Moses, the Man of God;   Law of Moses, the;   International Standard Bible Encyclopedia - Calf, Golden;   Fire;   Intercession;   Sacrifice;   The Jewish Encyclopedia - Bible Translations;   Fire;   Micah;  

Parallel Translations

Hebrew Names Version
I said to them, 'Whoever has any gold, let them take it off:' so they gave it me; and I threw it into the fire, and out came this calf."
King James Version
And I said unto them, Whosoever hath any gold, let them break it off. So they gave it me: then I cast it into the fire, and there came out this calf.
Lexham English Bible
And I said to them, ‘Whoever has gold, take it off.' And they gave it to me, and I threw it in the fire, and out came this bull calf."
New Century Version
So I told the people, ‘Take off your gold jewelry.' When they gave me the gold, I threw it into the fire and out came this calf!"
New English Translation
So I said to them, ‘Whoever has gold, break it off.' So they gave it to me, and I threw it into the fire, and this calf came out."
Amplified Bible
"I said to them, 'Let whoever has gold [jewelry], take it off.' So they gave it to me; then I threw it into the fire, and out came this calf."
New American Standard Bible
"So I said to them, 'Whoever has any gold, let them tear it off.' Then they gave it to me, and I threw it into the fire, and out came this calf."
Geneva Bible (1587)
Then I sayde to them, Ye that haue golde, plucke it off: and they brought it me, & I did cast it into the fire, and thereof came this calfe.
Legacy Standard Bible
And I said to them, ‘Whoever has any gold, let them tear it off.' So they gave it to me, and I threw it into the fire, and out came this calf."
Contemporary English Version
Then I asked them to bring me their gold earrings. They took them off and gave them to me. I threw the gold into a fire, and out came this bull.
Complete Jewish Bible
I answered them, ‘Anyone with gold, strip it off!' So they gave it to me. I threw it in the fire, and out came this calf!"
Darby Translation
And I said to them, Who has gold? They broke [it] off, and gave [it] me, and I cast it into the fire, and there came out this calf.
English Standard Version
So I said to them, ‘Let any who have gold take it off.' So they gave it to me, and I threw it into the fire, and out came this calf."
George Lamsa Translation
And I said to them, Whosoever has any gold bring it to me. So they brought it to me; then I cast it into the fire, and it became this calf.
Good News Translation
I asked them to bring me their gold ornaments, and those who had any took them off and gave them to me. I threw the ornaments into the fire and out came this bull-calf!"
Christian Standard Bible®
So I said to them, ‘Whoever has gold, take it off,’ and they gave it to me. When I threw it into the fire, out came this calf!”
Literal Translation
And I said to them, Whoever has gold, let them break off. And they gave to me, and I cast it into the fire, and this calf came out.
Miles Coverdale Bible (1535)
I sayde vnto them: Who so hath golde, let him plucke it of, and geue it me: and I cast it in the fyre, therof came this calfe.
American Standard Version
And I said unto them, Whosoever hath any gold, let them break it off: so they gave it me; and I cast it into the fire, and there came out this calf.
Bible in Basic English
Then I said to them, Whoever has any gold, let him take it off; so they gave it to me, and I put it in the fire, and this image of an ox came out.
Bishop's Bible (1568)
And I said vnto them: Let them that haue gold, plucke it of: And thei brought it vnto me, and I did cast it into the fire, and therof came out this calfe.
JPS Old Testament (1917)
And I said unto them: Whosoever hath any gold, let them break it off; so they gave it me; and I cast it into the fire, and there came out this calf.'
King James Version (1611)
And I said vnto them, Whosoeuer hath any gold, let them breake it off: So they gaue it mee: then I cast it into the fire, & there came out this Calfe.
Brenton's Septuagint (LXX)
And I said to them, If any one has golden ornaments, take them off; and they gave them me, and I cast them into the fire, and there came out this calf.
English Revised Version
And I said unto them, Whosoever hath any gold, let them break it off; so they gave it me: and I cast it into the fire, and there came out this calf.
Berean Standard Bible
So I said to them, 'Whoever has gold, let him take it off,' and they gave it to me. And when I cast it into the fire, out came this calf!"
Wycliffe Bible (1395)
To whiche Y seide, Who of you hath gold? Thei token, and yauen to me, and Y castide it forth in to the fier, and this calf yede out.
Young's Literal Translation
and I say to them, Whoso hath gold, let them break [it] off, and they give to me, and I cast it into the fire, and this calf cometh out.'
Update Bible Version
And I said to them, Whoever has any gold, let them break it off: so they gave it me; and I cast it into the fire, and there came out this calf.
Webster's Bible Translation
And I said to them, Whoever hath any gold, let them break [it] off: So they gave [it] to me: then I cast it into the fire, and there came out this calf.
World English Bible
I said to them, 'Whoever has any gold, let them take it off:' so they gave it me; and I threw it into the fire, and out came this calf."
New King James Version
And I said to them, "Whoever has any gold, let them break it off.' So they gave it to me, and I cast it into the fire, and this calf came out."
New Living Translation
So I told them, ‘Whoever has gold jewelry, take it off.' When they brought it to me, I simply threw it into the fire—and out came this calf!"
New Life Bible
And I said to them, ‘Whoever has any gold, let them take it off.' So they gave it to me. I threw it into the fire and out came this calf."
New Revised Standard
So I said to them, ‘Whoever has gold, take it off'; so they gave it to me, and I threw it into the fire, and out came this calf!"
J.B. Rotherham Emphasized Bible
And I said to them - Whosoever hath gold let them break it off, So they gave it to me, - and I cast it into the fire, and there came out - this calf.
Douay-Rheims Bible
And I said to them: Which of you hath any gold? and they took and brought it to me; and I cast it into the fire, and this calf came out.
Revised Standard Version
And I said to them, 'Let any who have gold take it off'; so they gave it to me, and I threw it into the fire, and there came out this calf."
THE MESSAGE
"So I said, ‘Who has gold?' And they took off their jewelry and gave it to me. I threw it in the fire and out came this calf."
New American Standard Bible (1995)
"I said to them, 'Whoever has any gold, let them tear it off.' So they gave it to me, and I threw it into the fire, and out came this calf."

Contextual Overview

21 Moses said to Aaron, "What did these people do to you that would make you do this? Why did you lead them to do such a terrible sin?" 22 Aaron answered, "Don't be angry, sir. You know that these people are always ready to do wrong. 23 The people said to me, ‘Moses led us out of Egypt, but we don't know what has happened to him. So make us some gods to lead us.' 24 So I told the people, ‘If you have any gold rings, then give them to me.' The people gave me their gold. I threw the gold into the fire, and out of the fire came this calf!" 25 Moses saw that Aaron had let the people get out of control. They were being wild, and all their enemies could see them acting like fools. 26 So Moses stood at the entrance to the camp and said, "Anyone who wants to follow the Lord should come to me." Everyone from the tribe of Levi ran to Moses. 27 Then Moses said to them, "I will tell you what the Lord , the God of Israel, says: ‘Every man must get his sword and go from one end of the camp to the other. You men must kill those who are against the Lord , even if they are your brothers, friends, or neighbors.'" 28 The people from the tribe of Levi obeyed Moses. That day about 3000 of the people died. 29 Then Moses said, "Take your role today as special servants of the Lord because you were willing to fight against even your own sons and brothers. You will receive a blessing for this."

Bible Verse Review
  from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge

So they: Exodus 32:4, Genesis 3:12, Genesis 3:13, Luke 10:29, Romans 3:10

Reciprocal: Exodus 11:2 - jewels 2 Samuel 19:9 - strife

Cross-References

Genesis 30:8
Rachel said, "I have fought hard to compete with my sister, and I have won." So she named that son Naphtali.
Genesis 32:3
Jacob's brother Esau was living in the area called Seir in the hill country of Edom. Jacob sent messengers to Esau.
Genesis 32:5
I have many cattle, donkeys, flocks, and servants. Sir, I am sending you this message to ask you to accept us.'"
Genesis 32:26
Then the man said to Jacob, "Let me go. The sun is coming up." But Jacob said, "I will not let you go. You must bless me."
Genesis 32:27
And the man said to him, "What is your name?" And Jacob said, "My name is Jacob."
Genesis 32:28
Then the man said, "Your name will not be Jacob. Your name will now be Israel. I give you this name because you have fought with God and with men, and you have won."
Genesis 32:30
So Jacob named that place Peniel. He said, "At this place, I saw God face to face, but my life was spared."
Genesis 48:16
He was the Angel who saved me from all my troubles. And I pray that he will bless these boys. Now they will have my name and the name of our ancestors, Abraham and Isaac. I pray that they will grow to become great families and nations on earth."
Exodus 14:27
So just before daylight, Moses raised his hand over the sea. And the water rushed back to its proper level. The Egyptians were running as fast as they could from the water, but the Lord swept them away with the sea.
Song of Solomon 2:17
while the day breathes its last breath and the shadows run away. Turn, my lover, be like a gazelle or a young deer on the cleft mountains!

Gill's Notes on the Bible

And I said unto them, whosoever hath any gold, let them break it off,.... That is, any ear rings of gold, let them loose or take them off their ears:

so they gave [it] me; of their own accord, as if unasked by him, though he had bid them bring it to him, Exodus 32:2:

then I cast it into the fire; to melt it, but says nothing of the mould the melted gold was poured into:

and there came out this calf; he speaks of it as if the gold became in the form of a calf without any design, or without using any methods to put it in this form; but that it was a matter of chance, or rather something preternatural and miraculous; he speaks of it as if it was alive, and came out of itself: and indeed the Jews represent it as done by magic art, and by the operation of Satan, and speak of it as coming out alive, bellowing and dancing; and the Targum of Jonathan is,

"and I cast it into the fire, and Satan entered into the midst of it, and out of it came the likeness of this calf.''

Aaron says not a word of his fashioning it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf; but Moses learned this elsewhere, and has recorded it. What Moses thought of this apology is not said; it could not be satisfactory to him: and it is certain the conduct of Aaron in this affair was displeasing to God; and it seemed as if he would have destroyed him, had not Moses prayed for him, Deuteronomy 9:20.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

The faithfulness of Moses in the office that had been entrusted to him was now to be put to the test. It was to be made manifest whether he loved his own glory better than he loved the brethren who were under his charge; whether he would prefer that he should himself become the founder of a “great nation,” or that the Lord’s promise should be fulfilled in the whole people of Israel. This may have been especially needful for Moses, in consequence of his natural disposition. See Numbers 12:3; and compare Exodus 3:11. With this trial of Moses repeated in a very similar manner Numbers 14:11-23, may be compared the trial of Abraham Genesis 22:0 and of our Saviour Matthew 4:8-10.

Exodus 32:8

These be thy gods ... have brought - This is thy god, O Israel, who has brought ...

Exodus 32:10

Let me alone - But Moses did not let the Lord alone; he wrestled, as Jacob had done, until, like Jacob, he obtained the blessing Genesis 32:24-29.

Exodus 32:14

This states a fact which was not revealed to Moses until after his second intercession when he had come down from the mountain and witnessed the sin of the people Exodus 32:30-34. He was then assured that the Lord’s love to His ancient people would prevail God is said, in the language of Scripture, to “repent,” when His forgiving love is seen by man to blot out the letter of His judgments against sin (2 Samuel 24:16; Joel 2:13; Jonah 3:10, etc.); or when the sin of man seems to human sight to have disappointed the purposes of grace (Gen 6:6; 1 Samuel 15:35, etc.). The awakened conscience is said to “repent,” when, having felt its sin, it feels also the divine forgiveness: it is at this crisis that God, according to the language of Scripture, repents toward the sinner. Thus, the repentance of God made known in and through the One true Mediator reciprocates the repentance of the returning sinner, and reveals to him atonement.

Exodus 32:17-18

Moses does not tell Joshua of the divine communication that had been made to him respecting the apostasy of the people, but only corrects his impression by calling his attention to the kind of noise which they are making.

Exodus 32:19

Though Moses had been prepared by the revelation on the Mount, his righteous indignation was stirred up beyond control when the abomination was before his eyes.

Exodus 32:20

See Deuteronomy 9:21. What is related in this verse must have occupied some time and may have followed the rebuke of Aaron. The act was symbolic, of course. The idol was brought to nothing and the people were made to swallow their own sin (compare Micah 7:13-14).

Exodus 32:22

Aaron’s reference to the character of the people, and his manner of stating what he had done Exo. 5:24, are very characteristic of the deprecating language of a weak mind.

Exodus 32:23

Make us gods - Make us a god.

Exodus 32:25

Naked - Rather unruly, or “licentious”.

Shame among their enemies - Compare Psalms 44:13; Psalms 79:4; Deuteronomy 28:37.

Exodus 32:26-29

The tribe of Levi, Moses’ own tribe, now distinguished itself by immediately returning to its allegiance and obeying the call to fight on the side of Yahweh. We need not doubt that the 3,000 who were slain were those who persisted in resisting Moses. The spirit of the narrative forbids us to conceive that the act of the Levites was anything like an indiscriminate massacre. An amnesty had first been offered to all by the words: “Who is on the Lord’s side?” Those who were forward to draw the sword were directed not to spare their closest relations or friends; but this must plainly have been with an understood qualification as regards the conduct of those who were to be slain. Had it not been so, they who were on the Lord’s side would have had to destroy each other. We need not stumble at the bold, simple way in which the statement is made.

Exodus 32:29

Consecrate yourselves to day to the Lord ... - The margin contains the literal rendering. Our version gives the most probable meaning of the Hebrew, and is supported by the best authority. The Levites were to prove themselves in a special way the servants of Yahweh, in anticipation of their formal consecration as ministers of the sanctuary (compare Deuteronomy 10:8), by manifesting a self-sacrificing zeal in carrying out the divine command, even upon their nearest relatives.

Exodus 32:31

Returned unto the Lord - i. e. again he ascended the mountain.

Gods of gold - a god of gold.

Exodus 32:32

For a similar form of expression, in which the conclusion is left to be supplied by the mind of the reader, see Daniel 3:15; Luke 13:9; Luke 19:42; John 6:62; Romans 9:22. For the same thought, see Romans 9:3. It is for such as Moses and Paul to realize, and to dare to utter, their readiness to be wholly sacrificed for the sake of those whom God has entrusted to their love. This expresses the perfected idea of the whole burnt-offering.

Thy book - The figure is taken from the enrolment of the names of citizens. This is its first occurrence in the Scriptures. See the marginal references. and Isaiah 4:3; Daniel 12:1; Luke 10:20; Philippians 4:3; Revelation 3:5, etc.

Exodus 32:33, Exodus 32:34

Each offender was to suffer for his own sin. Compare Exodus 20:5; Ezekiel 18:4, Ezekiel 18:20. Moses was not to be taken at his word. He was to fulfill his appointed mission of leading on the people toward the land of promise.

Exodus 32:34

Mine Angel shall go before thee - See the marginal references and Genesis 12:7.

In the day when I visit ... - Compare Numbers 14:22-24. But though the Lord chastized the individuals, He did not take His blessing from the nation.

Clarke's Notes on the Bible

Verse Exodus 32:24. I cast it into the fire and there came out this calf. — What a silly and ridiculous subterfuge! He seems to insinuate that he only threw the metal into the fire, and that the calf came unexpectedly out by mere accident. The Targum of Jonathan ben Uzziel makes a similar excuse for him: "And I said unto them, Whosoever hath gold, let him break it off and give it to me; and I cast it into the fire, and Satan entered into it, and it came out in the form of this calf!" Just like the popish legend of the falling of the shrine of our Lady of Loretta out of heaven! These legends come from the same quarter. Satan can provide more when necessary for his purpose.


 
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