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Book of Exodus - Chapter 32 - Verse 21

32:21
And Moses said unto Aaron, What did this people unto thee, that thou hast brought so great a sin upon them?

Meaning

In this verse, Moses is questioning his brother Aaron about the grave sin that the people have committed. The context of this question is when Moses comes down from Mount Sinai to find the Israelites worshiping a golden calf. Aaron had been left in charge while Moses was receiving the Ten Commandments from God, and instead of leading the people in the right direction, he allowed them to give into their impatience and fear by creating an idol to worship. Moses is expressing his disappointment and frustration with Aaron for allowing such a sin to take place. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of leadership and staying true to one's faith even in times of uncertainty and doubt. It also highlights the consequences of straying from the path of righteousness. Through Moses' question, readers are encouraged to reflect on their own actions and the impact they may have on others.

Theological Overview

In this verse from the book of Exodus, we see Moses questioning Aaron about the golden calf that the Israelites had made while he was on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments from God. This incident highlights the weakness of human nature and how easily people can stray from God's commandments. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God. By bringing such a great sin upon the people, Aaron is shown to have failed in his role as a leader and mediator between the Israelites and God. It serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the need for strong, virtuous leadership. Additionally, this verse serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of idolatry and the importance of staying true to God's word. Through word studies, we can delve deeper into the meanings of 'sin' and 'people' to gain a better understanding of the gravity of Aaron's actions and the impact it had on the community.

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