Exodus 32:21 - Moses said to Aaron, “What did these people do to you, that you have brought a great sin on them?”

Generated Verse: Exodus 32:21

What does "Exodus 32:21" mean?


This verse from Exodus 32:21 is part of the story of the Golden Calf. Moses has just descended from Mount Sinai, where he received the Ten Commandments, only to find the Israelites in a state of revelry, worshipping a golden idol they had made.

The verse means:

Moses is angry and accusatory: He is furious with Aaron, who was left in charge while Moses was on the mountain.
He questions Aaron's judgment and actions: Moses wants to know what the people did to manipulate or influence Aaron to such an extent that he would lead them into committing such a grave sin.
"Great sin": Moses recognizes that worshipping a false idol is a serious transgression against God.
"Brought on them": Moses holds Aaron responsible for leading the people astray and causing them to commit the sin of idolatry. The implication is that Aaron should have prevented this from happening.

In essence, Moses is asking Aaron how he allowed the situation to escalate to the point where the Israelites were worshipping a golden calf, thus breaking the covenant with God and bringing severe consequences upon themselves. It's a question of leadership failure and accountability.

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