Israel Worships a Golden Calf
191
with the cloud of the Presence still before them, they turned back in
their hearts to the idolatry of Egypt.
The judicial authority had been delegated to Aaron, and a vast
crowd gathered about his tent. The cloud, they said, now rested per-
manently upon the mount; it would no longer direct their travels. They
must have an image in its place; and if, as had been suggested, they
should return to Egypt, they would find favor with the Egyptians by
bearing this image before them as their god.
Instead of Leading, Aaron Follows
Aaron feebly remonstrated with the people, but his wavering and
timidity at the critical moment rendered them the more determined.
A blind, unreasoning frenzy seemed to possess the multitude. Some
remained true to their covenant with God; but the greater part joined
in the apostasy. A few who ventured to denounce the proposed image
making as idolatry were set upon and finally lost their lives.
Aaron feared for his own safety, and instead of nobly standing up
for the honor of God, he yielded to the demands of the multitude. They
willingly yielded up their ornaments, and from these he made a molten
calf in imitation of the gods of Egypt.
The people proclaimed, “These be thy gods, O Israel, which
brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.” And Aaron basely permitted
this insult to Jehovah. He did more. Seeing with what satisfaction the
golden god was received, he built an altar before it and made procla-
mation, “Tomorrow is a feast to the Lord. And they rose up early on
[221]
the morrow, and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings;
and the people sat down to eat ... and rose up to play.” They gave
themselves up to gluttony and licentious reveling.
A religion that permits men to devote themselves to selfish or
sensual gratification is as pleasing to the multitudes now as in the days
of Israel. There are still pliant Aarons in the church who will yield to
the desires of the unconsecrated, and thus encourage them in sin.
Israel Broke Their Solemn Promise
Only a few days had passed since the Hebrews had stood trembling
before the mount, listening to the words of the Lord, “Thou shalt have