Aaron and the golden calf

Moses went up on the mountain to talk to God. Aaron stayed in the camp and talked with the people. The inevitable took place: Aaron sinned by trying to please the people.

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. (Exodus 32:6)

Aaron was a tare on this occasion. He was not hearing from God. When Moses confronted him he would not confess his sin.

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. (Exodus 32:24) But Aaron had made the calf. His excuse was a lie.

Aaron did not understand the ways of the Lord. He feared the people. This may not seem like a great sin but it nearly resulted in the destruction of all the Israelites. What we understand to be great wickedness may not be what God considers to be great wickedness, and the reverse may be true. God is looking for people who will listen to him instead of doing what is expedient or what pleases the people. These are the righteous in God’s sight.

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