The Golden Calf

[Sif]

Hello again. In the OT when Israel has left Egypt and Moses goes up on the mountain the Israelites begin to worship an image of a golden calf (Exodus 32:4). What is the significance of the golden calf? What is the context?

Thanks in advance.

 

[talitha]

The main significance of the golden calf within the context of the story is the contrast between the mighty God, Yahweh - who saved His people from slavery and from slaughter at the hands of the Egyptian army, and from thirst in the wilderness - and a mere statue made by their own hands.

 

[talitha]

The main significance of the golden calf within the context of the story is the contrast between the mighty God, Yahweh - who saved His people from slavery and from slaughter at the hands of the Egyptian army, and from thirst in the wilderness - and a mere statue made by their own hands.

 

[Sif]

Talitha, thanks for your response

 

[football5680]

The significance of this passage is that it condemns the worship of idols which was common in the region. They were not worshipping the God's of the Egyptians or surrounding people, but they were following the practices of the Egyptians and surrounding people to make figures and worship the figures as if they were Gods. We do not know whether they were emulating the Egyptians or some other group because a Calf was a very common Idol people would make back then.

This passage is also a warning for future generations to avoid falling into this sin because the people were punished.