Topical Bible: Calf of Gold: Worshipped With Profane Revelry

Bible > Topical > Calf of Gold

◄ Calf of Gold: Worshipped With Profane Revelry ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The "Calf of Gold" refers to the idolatrous image created by the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt, as described in the Book of Exodus. This event is a significant moment in biblical history, illustrating the dangers of idolatry and the consequences of turning away from the worship of the one true God.

Biblical Account

The narrative of the Golden Calf is found in Exodus 32. While Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments from God, the Israelites grew impatient and anxious about his prolonged absence. They approached Aaron, Moses' brother and the high priest, demanding, "Come, make us gods who will go before us. As for this Moses, who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has happened to him" (Exodus 32:1).

In response, Aaron instructed them to gather their gold earrings, which he then melted down to form a calf. The people proclaimed, "These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!" (Exodus 32:4). Aaron built an altar before the calf and declared a festival, leading the people in sacrifices and revelry.

Profane Revelry

The worship of the Golden Calf was marked by profane revelry, a term that denotes not only idolatrous worship but also immoral and licentious behavior. The Bible describes the people as "sitting down to eat and drink and rising up to play" (Exodus 32:6), a phrase that suggests indulgence in pagan rituals and debauchery.

This behavior was a direct violation of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, as the first two commandments explicitly prohibit the worship of other gods and the creation of graven images (Exodus 20:3-4). The revelry associated with the calf worship was not merely a breach of religious duty but also a moral and ethical failure.

Divine Judgment and Intercession

God's response to this idolatry was swift and severe. He informed Moses of the people's sin, expressing His intention to destroy them and make a great nation from Moses instead. However, Moses interceded on behalf of the Israelites, pleading with God to remember His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. "Turn from Your fierce anger; relent and do not bring disaster on Your people," Moses implored (Exodus 32:12).

God relented from the immediate destruction, but when Moses descended from the mountain and witnessed the idolatry and revelry, he shattered the tablets of the covenant in anger. He then destroyed the calf, ground it to powder, scattered it on the water, and made the Israelites drink it (Exodus 32:19-20).

Moses called for those who were on the Lord's side to come to him, and the Levites responded. They were commanded to execute judgment on the unrepentant, resulting in the death of about three thousand men (Exodus 32:26-28). This act of judgment was necessary to purify the camp and restore order.

Theological Significance

The incident of the Golden Calf serves as a powerful reminder of the human propensity toward idolatry and the ease with which people can turn away from God. It underscores the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's commandments. The episode also highlights the role of intercession, as Moses' plea for mercy exemplifies the power of prayer and advocacy before God.

The worship of the Golden Calf is a cautionary tale that resonates throughout Scripture, reminding believers of the need to remain steadfast in their devotion to God and to avoid the temptations of idolatry and moral compromise.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 32:6,18,19,25
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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Corinthians 10:7
Neither be you idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.
Torrey's Topical Textbook