While Moses was on the mountain receiving instructions regarding glorious worship, the people on the desert floor were engaging in idolatrous revelry. Prodded by the people, Aaron made an "idol cast in the shape of a calf" (Ex. 32:4). Of this golden statue it was proclaimed, "These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt" (Ex. 32:4). It is possible that this golden calf was designed to represent God, as Aaron planned a festival "to the LORD" (v. 5) for the very next day. Young bulls were often used in ancient cultures as symbols of strength, vigor, and endurance. Aaron and the people nevertheless violated God's command which was recently given to them. Moreover, while their festival included burnt and fellowship offerings, it degenerated into "revelry" (v. 6), a Hebrew term that signifies immoral activity.
