The biblical account of the episode of the Golden Calf in Exodus 32 is a poignant illustration of Israel's breaking its covenant with God, a glimpse of the breadth of God's wrath (which would have resulted in the destruction of the people), Moses' intercession on behalf of the nation, and a reconciliation of God's chosen people with Him. It is but one of many biblical incidents which demonstrate the continuing presence of Adam's sin in the lives of God's people and how that sin seeks to separate man from God, and it is further proof that God remains faithful to His covenant with Abraham to confer a special privilege upon the Hebrew people among all others whom He has created.
In constructing this paper, which will recount the story of the Golden Calf, examine the sin associated with its molding, and review the effects which were felt by Moses and the people, it will be of value to draw insights from a comparison of a combination of Jewish source material. This includes biblical translations and exegetical commentaries as well as some rabbinic and Midrashic literature.
On the third new moon after the Israelites had gone forth from the land of Egypt, on that very day, they entered the wilderness of Sinai. Having journeyed from Rephidim, they entered the wilderness of Sinai and encamped in the wilderness. Israel encamped there in front of the mountain . . . .
In this first encampment at Sinai, Moses was drawn into God's presence, where His covenantal relationship with the people was reaffirmed, and subsequently God told Moses that He would appear mightily to the people on the third day.
On that third day, the presence of God was evident on the mountain in the form of fire and smoke, together with the blare of a horn which continually grew louder. The Lord called Moses to the top of the mountain and proclaimed the first ten Commandments to him, which Moses reiterated to the people in Exodus 20. In utter awe o...