The Golden Calf
Moses stayed on Mount Sinai for forty days and forty nights while receiving instructions from God. As the days passed, the Israelites grew impatient and feared that Moses might never return. They asked Aaron to make a god they could see and follow.
Aaron collected gold earrings from the people and melted them down. From the gold he fashioned a calf and built an altar in front of it. The people offered sacrifices, brought offerings, and celebrated with a feast around the golden calf.
God was greatly displeased because the Israelites had quickly turned away from Him. He told Moses about their sin and spoke of judging the people. Moses pleaded with God, reminding Him of His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and asking Him to show mercy.
When Moses came down from the mountain, he saw the people worshiping the golden calf. In anger, he threw the stone tablets to the ground, breaking them. Moses then destroyed the calf by melting it in the fire.
Later, God called Moses back to the mountain and provided another set of the Ten Commandments for His people.
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BIble verse
NIV
"When Moses approached the camp and saw the calf and the dancing, his anger burned and he threw the tablets out of his hands, breaking them to pieces at the foot of the mountain." — Exodus 32:19 (NIV)
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Questions & Answers (QA)
1. How long was Moses on Mount Sinai?
2. Why did the Israelites become impatient?
3. Who made the golden calf?
4. What was used to make the calf?
5. What did Aaron build before the calf?
6. What did the people do around the calf?
7. How did God feel about their actions?
8. What did Moses remind God about?
9. What happened to the stone tablets?
10. What did God provide afterward?
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