Matthew Henry's Complete Bible Commentary

Exodus 32

It is a very lamentable interruption which the story of this chapter gives to the record of the establishment of the church, and of religion among the Jews. Things went on admirably well towards that happy settlement: God had shown himself very favourable, and the people also had seemed to be pretty tractable. Moses had now almost completed his forty days upon the mount, and, we may suppose, was pleasing himself with the thoughts of the very joyful welcome he should have to the camp of Israel at his return, and the speedy setting up of the tabernacle among them. But, behold, the measures are broken, the sin of Israel turns away those good things from them, and puts a stop to the current of God’s favours; the sin that did the mischief (would you think it?) was worshipping a golden calf. The marriage was ready to be solemnized between God and Israel, but Israel plays the harlot, and so the match is broken, and it will be no easy matter to piece it again. Here is, I. The sin of Israel, and of Aaron particularly, in making the golden calf for a god (Exodus 32:1-32:4), and worshipping it, Exodus 32:5, 32:6. II. The notice which God gave of this to Moses, who was now in the mount with him, (Exodus 32:7, 32:8), and the sentence of his wrath against them, Exodus 32:9, 32:10. III. The intercession which Moses immediately made for them in the mount (Exodus 32:11-32:13), and the prevalency of that intercession, Exodus 32:14. IV. His coming down from the mount, when he became an eye-witness of their idolatry (Exodus 32:15-32:19), in abhorrence of which, and as an expression of just indignation, he broke the tables (Exodus 32:19), and burnt the golden calf, Exodus 32:20. V. The examination of Aaron about it, Exodus 32:21-32:24. VI. Execution done upon the ring-leaders in the idolatry, Exodus 32:25-32:29. VII. The further intercession Moses made for them, to turn away the wrath of God from them (Exodus 32:30-32:32), and a reprieve granted thereupon, reserving them for a further reckoning, Exodus 32:33-32:35 MHBCC 83.1