The Problem of Idolatry
Text: Exodus 32
19 April 2016
THE PROBLEM OF IDOLATRY
1. The desire of the people to have “gods” (Exodus 32:1)
2. Reasons given
a) The absence of Moses
b) The dismissive attitude towards him
c) The need to have gods to go before the people
3. The peculiarity of desiring to worship idols
a) The children of Israel had experienced so many marvellous blessing/ miracles
i) They had seen the 10 plagues unleashed on Egypt
ii) They had crossed the Red Sea dry-shod
iii) They had seen how God provided water
iv) And how He gave them manna v) And even quails
b) They had even heard the voice of God
i) All the children of Israel had trembled before the Lord
ii) They had feared God (and rightly so)
c) How could anyone make themselves gods?
4.Turning to Aaron
a) He was ready to comply
b) He did not have what Moses possessed
i) Courage
ii) Fortitude
iii) Faithfulness
iv) Strength
v) Wisdom etc
THE MAKING OF A GOLDEN CALF
1. The gathering of gold (Exodus 32:2-3)
a) From ear-rings
b) Adults
c) Children
2. The crafting of the golden calf
a) This was fashioned carefully
b) A golden calf emerged (Exodus 32:4)
3. The exultation of the people
a) This is your God, O Israel (Exodus 32:4)
b) The exodus from Egypt was attributed to the golden calf (Exodus 32:4)
ABETTING THE WORSHIP OF THE GOLDEN CALF
1. Aaron
a) He built an altar for worship (Exodus 32:5)
b) He declared a feast to the LORD the next day (Exodus 32:5)
2. The children of Israel
a) Brought offerings to the golden calf
b) They indulged in eat, drink and “play” (Exodus 32:6)