Exodus 32

Exodus 32

BibleHub

When the peopleI sawII that MosesIII delayedIV to come downV from the mountain,VI

Notes on verse 1a

I “people” = am. From amam (to darken, hide, associate; creating shadows by huddling together). This is people or nation. It can be used specifically for a tribe, collectively of troops or armies, or figuratively to refer to a flock of animals.
II “saw” = raah. This is to see in a literal or figurative sense so stare, advise, think, view.
III “Moses” = Mosheh. From mashah (to pull out in a literal or figurative sense, to draw out) OR from Egyptian mes or mesu (child, son i.e. child of…). This is Moses – the one drawn out from the water, which is to say, rescued. If derived from the Egyptian, his name would share a root with Rameses and Thutmose.
IV “delayed” = bosh. Properly, this means to be pale, which implies shame, disappointment, or confusion.
V “come down” = yarad. This is to go down, descend; going down in a literal or figurative sense. It can be going to the shore or a boundary, bringing down an enemy.
VI “mountain” = har. From harar (hill or mountain). This is mountain, hill, hilly region.

the people gatheredVII around AaronVIII and said to him, “Come,IX makeX godsXI for us,

Notes on verse 1b

VII “gathered” = qahal. From qahal (assembly, congregation, multitude). This is to gather, convene, assemble like a congregation.
VIII “Aaron” = Aharon. Derivation uncertain. May mean “bearer of martyrs” OR be related to Ancient Egyptian ꜥḥꜣ rw (warrior lion) OR elevated, exalted, high mountain. This is Aaron. See https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Aaron
IX “come” = qum. To arise, stand, accomplish, establish, abide. This is rising as in rising against, getting up after being sick or asleep, arising from one state to another, becoming powerful, or rising for action. It can also be standing in a figurative sense.
X “make” = asah. This is to make, do, act, appoint, become in many senses.
XI “gods” = elohim.

who shall goXII beforeXIII us; as for this Moses, the manXIV who brought us upXV

Notes on verse 1c

XII “go” = halak. This is go, come, walk. It is walk literally and figuratively and includes people and animals. It can be used figuratively for one’s moral life – how we walk according to God’s way or against it. It can also refer to the walk of life as in the course one’s life takes, the choices we make, etc.
XIII “before” = paneh. From panah (to turn, face, appear). This is face in a literal or figurative sense. It could be face, presence, anger, respect. It can also be used of God to indicate divine favor or presence.
XIV “man” = ish. Perhaps from enosh (human, humankind, mortal); from anash (to be weak, sick, or frail). This is man, husband, another, or humankind.
XV “brought…up” = alah. This is to go up, approach, ascend, be high, be a priority; to arise in a literal or figurative sense.

out of the landXVI of Egypt,XVII we do not knowXVIII what has becomeXIX of him.” 

Notes on verse 1d

XVI “land” = erets. Root may mean to be firm. This is earth, ground, field land, or country.
XVII “Egypt” = Mitsrayim. Perhaps from matsor (besieged or fortified place, bulwark, entrenchment; something hemmed in; a siege or distress or fastness); from tsur (to confine, besiege, to cramp). This is Egypt.
XVIII “know” = yada. This is to know, acknowledge, advise, answer, be aware, be acquainted with. Properly, this is to figure something out by seeing. It includes ideas of observation, recognition, and care about something. It can be used causatively for instruction, designation, and punishment.
XIX “become” = hayah. This is to be or become, to happen.

Aaron said to them, “Take offXX the goldXXI ringsXXII that are on the earsXXIII of your wives,XXIV your sons,XXV and your daughtersXXVI and bringXXVII them to me.” 

Notes on verse 2

XX “take off” = paraq. 10x in OT. This is to tear apart, break off, drag away, or crunch. Figuratively, it can mean to deliver.
XXI “gold” = zahab. Root may mean to shimmer. This is gold or something that has the color of gold like oil. It can also refer to a clear sky – to good weather.
XXII “rings” = nezem. 17x in OT. This is a ring worn for decorative reasons. It also includes earrings, nose rings, or other jewels.
XXIII “ears” = ozen. This is ear, hearing, audience, show. Properly, it is broadness – applied to its ear in reference to its shape.
XXIV “wives” = ishshah. Related to “man” in v1. From ish (see note XIV above). This is woman, wife, or female.
XXV “sons” = ben. From banah (to build or obtain children). This is son, age, child. It is son in a literal or figurative sense.
XXVI “daughters” = bat. Related to “sons” in v2. From ben (see note XXV above). This is daughter in a literal or figurative sense.
XXVII “bring” = bo. This is to enter, come in, advance, fulfill, bring offerings, enter to worship, attack. It can also have a sexual connotation.

So allXXVIII the people took off the gold rings from their ears and brought them to Aaron.  He tookXXIX these from them,XXX formedXXXI them in a mold,XXXII 

Notes on verses 3-4a

XXVIII “all” = kol. From kalal (to complete). This is all or every.
XXIX “took” = laqach. This is to take, accept, carry away, receive. It can also have the sense of take a wife or take in marriage.
XXX “them” = yad. This is hand, ability, power. Hand in a literal sense, but also what one can do or the means by which one does it.
XXXI “formed” = yatsar. Perhaps related to yatsar (to be narrow, distressed, or vexed); perhaps related to tsarar (to bind, restrict, narrow, be cramped, an adversary). This is to fashion or form, perhaps by squeezing something into a shape or form. Particularly, it is to create as a potter does. Figuratively, it is to determine.
XXXII “mold” = cheret. 2x in OT. Perhaps more literally “formed it with a chisel.” This is any kind of tool used for engraving – a stylus, chisel, or pen.

and castXXXIII an imageXXXIV of a calf,XXXV and they said, “These are your gods, O Israel,XXXVI who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!” 

Notes on verse 4b

XXXIII “cast” = asah. Same as “make” in v1. See note X above.
XXXIV “image” = massekah. From nasak (to cover, pour out, offer; by analogy anointing a king). This is a pouring out or over. So it could be pouring molten metal to cast an image, making a libation (pouring out a drink offering), or otherwise covering.
XXXV “calf” = egel. May be from the same as agol (round, circular – root meaning revolve). This is a male calf as one that frisks about. Often used for one that is almost grown up. This is also the word used for the molten calf in Ex 32.
XXXVI “Israel” = Yisrael. Related to “gods” in v1. From sarah (to persist, exert oneself, contend, persevere, wrestle, prevail) + el (see note XI above). This is Israel, meaning God strives or one who strives with God; new name for Jacob and for his offspring. This refers to the people and to the land.

When Aaron saw this, he builtXXXVII an altarXXXVIII beforeXXXIX it, and Aaron made a proclamationXL

Notes on verse 5a

XXXVII “built” = banah. Perhaps related to “sons” and “daughters” in v2. See note XXV above.
XXXVIII “altar” = mizbeach. From zabach (to kill, slay, offer; slaughtering an animal to offer as a sacrifice). This is an altar.
XXXIX “before” = paneh. Same as “before” in v1. See note XIII above.
XL “made a proclamation” = qara. This is to call or call out – to call someone by name. Also used more broadly for calling forth.

and said, “TomorrowXLI shall be a festivalXLII to the Lord.”XLIII 

Notes on verse 5b

XLI “tomorrow” = machar. Perhaps from achar (to be behind, delay, be late, procrastinate, continue). This is tomorrow or later. It is some kind of deferred time, so it could also mean indefinitely or refer to the time to come.
XLII “festival” = chag. From chagag (feast, celebrating a festival, making a pilgrimage; properly, going in a circle or marching in sacred procession; implies giddiness and dancing; reeling to and fro). This is a feast, a sacrifice as part of a festival, or the gathering of the festival.
XLIII “Lord” = YHVH. Related to “become” in v1. From havah (to be, become) or hayah (see note XIX above). This is the name of the God of Israel, the self-existent and eternal one, the tetragrammaton. This pronunciation has been lost to time so “Lord” is generally used in its place.

They rose earlyXLIV the next dayXLV and offeredXLVI burnt offeringsXLVII

Notes on verse 6a

XLIV “rose early” = shakam. This is leaning one’s shoulder into a burden or load, whether a person or an animal. Thus, it meant starting or rising early.
XLV “next day” = mochorath. Related to “tomorrow” in v5. From the same as machar (see note XLI above).  This is the next day or next morning.
XLVI “offered” = alah. Same as “brought…up” in v1. See note XV above.
XLVII “burnt offerings” = olah. Related to “brought…up” in v1. From alah (see note XV above). This is a step, stairs, or some kind of ascent. It is also used for whole burnt offerings, being the offering in which the whole things is burned and rises as smoke. Burnt offerings were the least common of the offerings: most were eaten, shared with the priest and the one bringing the offering.

and broughtXLVIII sacrifices of well-being,XLIX and the people sat downL

Notes on verse 6b

XLVIII “brought” = nagash. This is to draw, bring, or come near. It is approaching for any reason – as an attack on an enemy, in order to worship, to make an argument. It can also be used as a euphemism for sex.
XLIX “sacrifices of well-being” = shelem. From shalam (to make amends, finish, be safe, be friendly, to be complete or sound). This is a peace offering or a sacrifice of well-being. It was a voluntary offering given when one celebrated thanksgiving, alliance, or friendship.
L “sat down” = yashab. This is to sit and so to remain and so to dwell. It is sitting for any reason – as a judge, in order to ambush, or just sitting quietly. Causatively, this can mean settling or marrying. This can also mean continue, endure, or establish.

to eatLI and drinkLII and rose upLIII to revel.LIV

Notes on verse 6c

LI “eat” = akal. This is to eat, devour, burn up, or otherwise consume. It can be eating in a literal or figurative sense.
LII “drink” = shathah. This is to drink literally or figuratively. It could also be a drinker.
LIII “rose up” = qum. Same as “come” in v1. See note IX above.
LIV “revel” = tsachaq. 13x in OT. This is to laugh, mock, play, make sport. It is laughing out loud whether in joy or in a scornful way. This is the root of “Isaac.”

The Lord saidLV to Moses, “Go downLVI at once! Your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, have acted perversely;LVII they have been quickLVIII to turn asideLIX

Notes on verses 7-8a

LV “said” = dabar. This is generally to speak, answer, declare, or command. It might mean to arrange and so to speak in a figurative sense as arranging words.
LVI “down” = yarad. Same as “come down” in v1. See note V above.
LVII “acted perversely” = shachath. This is to go to ruin, perish, decay, batter, cast off, lose, one who destroys. This can be used in a literal or figurative sense.
LVIII “quick” = maher. 18x in OT. From mahar (being liquid, which implies flowing; so, hurrying forward, whether in a positive or negative sense). This is speedy, quickly, soon, suddenly, or at once.
LIX “turn aside” = sur. This is to turn aside in a literal or figurative sense – to depart, decline, rebel, remove, or withdraw.

from the wayLX that I commandedLXI them; they have cast for themselves an image of a calf and have worshipedLXII it and sacrificedLXIII to it and said, ‘These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!’” 

Notes on verse 8b

LX “way” = derek. From darak (to tread, march, to walk. Can also mean affixing a string to a box since one needs to step on it to bend it in the process; so also an archer). This is a road as a thing that is walked on. Can be used figuratively for the path that one’s life takes or how one chooses to live one’s life.
LXI “commanded” = tsavah. This is to charge, command, order, appoint, or enjoin. This is the root that the Hebrew word for “commandment” comes from (mitsvah).
LXII “worshiped” = shachah. This is to bow down, make a humble entreaty, to do homage to royalty or to God.
LXIII “sacrificed” = zabach. Related to “altar” in v5. See note XXXVIII above.

The Lord said to Moses, “I have seen this people,LXIV how stiffLXV-neckedLXVI they are. 10 Now let me aloneLXVII so that my wrathLXVIII

Notes on verses 9-10a

LXIV {untranslated} = hinneh. From hen (lo! Behold! If, though; an expression of surprise). This is to draw attention, show suddenness or surprise, or to emphasize the importance of the coming statement. See! Lo! Behold!
LXV “stiff” = qasheh. From qashah (to be fierce, cruel, dense, tough, severe). This is hard, severe, heavy, obstinate, hard-hearted.
LXVI “necked” = oreph. This is the back of the neck – also used for stiff-necked. It is also used for the back more generally in a literal or figurative sense.
LXVII “let…alone” = yanach. Perhaps from the same as nuach (to rest, calm, camp, free, place, remain, satisfy, settle, station, or wait; implies settling down in a literal or figurative sense). This is to lay down, let alone, pacify, cast down, or deposit. It can also mean to allow something or someone to stay.
LXVIII “wrath” = aph. From anaph (to be angry; properly, breathing hard as a signifier of being enraged). This properly refers to the nose or nostril and by extension the face. It can specifically refer to anger or wrath as one breathes hard and nostrils flare in times of great anger.

may burn hotLXIX against them and I may consumeLXX them, and of you I will make a greatLXXI nation.”LXXII

Notes on verse 10b

LXIX “burn hot” = charah. Perhaps related to charar (to be hot, burn, glow, melt, be scorched; figuratively, to incite passion, be angry). This is to be displeased, burn with anger, glow, become warn. Figuratively it is a blaze of anger, zeal, or jealousy.
LXX “consume” = kalah. This is to end, be finished, complete, prepare, consume, spent, or completely destroyed.
LXXI “great” = gadol. From gadal (to grow up, become great, become wealthy – to advance. The root meaning may be to twist in the sense of the process of growing). This is great, high, bigger, noble, old, marvelous. It can also refer to someone who is powerful or distinguished.
LXXII “nation” = goy. From the same root as gevah (the back, person, or body); related to gev (among); related to gaah (to rise up). This is nation or people. Often used to refer to Gentiles or foreign nations. It can also be used figuratively for a group of animals. This is where the Yiddish “goy” comes from.

11 But Moses imploredLXXIII theLXXIV Lord his GodLXXV and said, “O Lord, why does your wrath burn hot against your people, whom you broughtLXXVI out of the land of Egypt with great powerLXXVII and with a mightyLXXVIII hand?LXXIX 

Notes on verse 11

LXXIII “implored” = chalah. Properly, this is to be worn; hence, being weak, sick, or afflicted. It can also mean to grieve or, positively, to flatter or entreat.
LXXIV {untranslated} = paneh. Same as “before” in v1. See note XIII above.
LXXV “God” = Elohim. Same as “gods” in v1. See note XI above.
LXXVI “brought” = yatsa. This is to go or come out, bring forth, appear. It is to go out in a literal or figurative sense.
LXXVII “power” = koach. Root may mean to be firm. This is power, strength, force. It can be literal or figurative, positive or negative. It can also mean capacity or means – what something produces. Additionally, it could refer to some kind of small reptile.
LXXVIII “mighty” = chazaq. From chazaq (to strengthen, seize, be courageous, repair, bind, heal, conquer, harden). This is strong, hard, powerful, loud, bold, violent, impudent. It is usually strong in a negative sense.
LXXIX “hand” = yad. Same as “them” in v4. See note XXX above.

12 Why should the EgyptiansLXXX say, ‘It was with evil intentLXXXI that he brought them out to killLXXXII them in the mountains and to consume them from the faceLXXXIII of the earth’?LXXXIV

Notes on verse 12a

LXXX “Egyptians” = Mitsri. Related to “Egypt” in v1. From the same as Mitsrayim (see note XVII above). This is Egyptian.
LXXXI “evil intent” = ra’. From ra’a’ (to be evil, bad, afflict; properly, to spoil – to destroy by breaking into pieces; figuratively, to cause something to be worthless; this is bad in a physical, social, or moral sense; that which displeases, to do harm or mischief, to punish or vex). This is bad, disagreeable, that which causes pain, misery, something having little or no value, something that is ethically bad, wicked, injury, calamity. This refers to anything that is not what it ought to be – a natural disaster, a disfigurement, an injury, a sin.
LXXXII “kill” = harag. This is to strike with deadly intent so it can be kill, destroy, murder, or put to death.
LXXXIII “face” = paneh. Same as “before” in v1. See note XIII above.
LXXXIV “earth” = adamah. From the same as adam (man, humankind); perhaps from ‘adom (to be red). This is ground, earth, soil as red, or land.

TurnLXXXV from your fierceLXXXVI wrath; change your mindLXXXVII and do not bring disasterLXXXVIII on your people. 

Notes on verse 12b

LXXXV “turn” = shub. To turn back, return, turn away – literally or figuratively. Doesn’t necessarily imply going back to where you started from. This is also the root verb for the Hebrew word for repentance “teshubah.”
LXXXVI “fierce” = charon. Related to “burn hot” in v10. From charah (see note LXIX above). This is burning anger, fierceness, or wrathfulness.
LXXXVII “change…mind” = nacham. Properly, this is a strong breath or a sigh. This can be to be sorry, to pity, console. Comfort, or repent. But, one can also comfort oneself with less righteous thoughts, so this can also mean to avenge oneself.
LXXXVIII “disaster” = ra’. Same as “evil intent” in v12. See note LXXXI above.

13 RememberLXXXIX Abraham,XC Isaac,XCI and Israel, your servants,XCII how you sworeXCIII to them by your own self,

Notes on verse 13a

LXXXIX “remember” = zakar. This is to remember, to mark something so that it can be recalled, to be mindful of, to mention.
XC “Abraham” = Abraham. From the same as Abiram (exalted father, a high father – lofty) {from ab (father literal or figurative) + rum (rise, bring up, being high, extol, exalt, haughty; to raise in a literal or figurative sense)}. This is Abraham, father of many nations or father of a multitude.
XCI “Isaac” = Yitschaq. Related to “revel” in v6. From tsachaq (see note LIV above). This is Isaac, meaning “he laughs.”
XCII “servants” = ebed. From abad (to work, serve, compel; any kind of work; used causatively, can mean to enslave or keep in bondage). This is a servant, slave, or bondservant.
XCIII “swore” = shaba. Perhaps from sheba (seven – the number of perfection/sacred fullness). This is to swear, curse, vow, make a covenant. Properly, it can mean to be complete. This is to seven oneself – as in affirming something so strongly it is as though it were said seven times.

saying to them, ‘I will multiplyXCIV your descendantsXCV like the starsXCVI of heaven,XCVII

Notes on verse 13b

XCIV “multiply” = rabah. This is increasing in any aspect whether quantity, authority, size, quality, greatness, etc.
XCV “descendants” = zera. From zara (to sow or scatter seed; conceive or yield). This is seed or sowing. It can, thus, mean a fruit, plant, sowing time, child, offspring, or posterity.
XCVI “stars” = kokab. Perhaps from the same as kavah (to prick, blister, burn, scorch). This is a star as shining, stargaze. Figuratively, can mean prince.
XCVII “heaven” = shamayim. Root may mean being lofty. This is sky, the air, or heaven. It is in a dual noun form so this might refer to the part of the sky where the clouds move on the one hand and the part beyond that where the sun, moon, and stars are on the other hand.

and all this land that I have promised I will giveXCVIII to your descendants, and they shall inheritXCIX it forever.’”C 14 And the Lord changed his mind about the disaster that he plannedCI to bring onCII his people.

Notes on verses 13c-14

XCVIII “give” = natan. This is to give, put, set, offer. It is to give literally or figuratively.
XCIX “inherit” = nachal. From nachalah (properly something that was inherited; can mean occupancy generally or, more particularly, an heirloom or an estate; can be an inheritance, gift, possession, or portion). This is to gain as a possession, divide for inheritance. Also, to occupy for any reason.
C “forever” = olam. This is a long scope of time whether in the past (antiquity, ancient time) or in the future (eternal, everlasting).
CI “planned” = dabar. Same as “said” in v7. See note LV above.
CII “bring on” = asah. Same as “make” in v1. See note X above.

15 Then Moses turnedCIII and went downCIV from the mountain, carrying the twoCV tabletsCVI of the covenantCVII in his hands,

Notes on verse 15a

CIII “turned” = panah. Related to “before” in v1. See note XIII above.
CIV “went down” = yarad. Same as “come down” in v1. See note V above.
CV “two” = shenayim. From sheni (double, again, another, second); from shanah (to fold, repeat, double, alter, or disguise). This is two, both, second, couple.
CVI “tablets” = luach. Root likely means glistening, so this would refer to a tablet as being polished in some sense, whether it’s made of stone, wood, or metal.
CVII “covenant” = eduth. From ed (witness, testimony, recorder); from ud (to admonish, repeat, duplicate, testify, restore, record, relieve). This is testimony, ordinance, decree, warning, or witness.

tablets that were writtenCVIII on bothCIX sides,CX written on the front and on the back. 16 The tablets were the workCXI of God, and the writingCXII was the writing of God, engraved upon the tablets. 

Notes on verses 15b-16

CVIII “written” = kathab. This is to inscribe, write, record, or decree.
CIX “both” = shenayim. Same as “two” in v15. See note CV above.
CX “sides” = eber. From abar (to pass over, pass through, or pass by; cross over or to alienate; used for transitions). This is the place across or beyond, by, from, other, the opposite side, against, over. It often refers to the other side of the Jordan river or toward the east.
CXI “work” = maaseh. Related to “make” in v1. From asah (see note X above). This is a work – any action whether positive or negative. It can also be a transaction, construction, activity, property, or something that is produced.
CXII “writing” = miktab. Related to “written” in v15. 9x in OT. From kathab (see note CVIII above). This is a writing, inscription, document, letter.

17 When JoshuaCXIII heardCXIV the noiseCXV of the people

Notes on verse 17a

CXIII “Joshua” = Yehoshua. Related to “become” in v1 & “Lord” in v5. From YHVH (see note XLIII above) + yasha (to deliver, defend, help, preserve, rescue; properly, to be open, wide or free, which implies being safe. So, in a causative sense, this is to free someone). This is Joshua, Jeshua, or Yehoshua, which means “the Lord is salvation.”
CXIV “heard” = shama. This is to hear, call, consent, or consider. It implies listening intelligently, giving attention, and, because of these two factors, obedience and action are often implied.
CXV “noise” = qol. This is a sound, used often for human voices. Also used when God speaks or angels, animals or instruments. It can be a cry or a noise, thunder or earthquakes and so on.

as they shouted,CXVI he said to Moses, “There is a noise of warCXVII in the camp.”CXVIII 

Notes on verse 17b

CXVI “shouted” = rea. 3x in OT. From rua (to break or destroy something; figuratively, an ear splitting sound such as a call of alarm or a joyful sound). This is shout, crashing, aloud, loudly. It can be a thunderclap or that sound of war or joy.
CXVII “war” = milchamah. From lacham (to eat or feed on; figuratively, to battle as a kind of consumption/destruction). This is battle, war, fighting, or one who fights (i.e. a warrior).
CXVIII “camp” = machaneh. From chanah (to decline, bending down, or living in tents; can be camping to create a home or camping as a part of battle). This is an encampment, whether of people traveling together or soldiers. So, it can be a camp band, or company as well as an army of soldiers. Also can be used of other groups like animals, angels or stars.

18 But he said,

“It is not the sound madeCXIX by victorsCXX
or the sound made by losers;CXXI
it is the sound of singingCXXII that I hear.”

Notes on verse 18

CXIX “sound made” = qol + anah. Qol is the same as “noise” in v17. See note CXV above. Anah is answer, respond, announce, sing, shout, or testify. It means to pay attention, which implies responding and, by extension, starting to talk. Used in a specific sense for singing, shouting, testifying, etc.
CXX “victors” = geburah. From gabar (to be strong or mighty; to prevail or be insolent). This is force in a literal or figurative sense. So, it could be strength, power, courage, triumph, victory, or mastery.
CXXI “losers” = chalushah. 1x in OT. From chalash (to answer, respond, announce, sing, shout, or testify; to pay attention, which implies responding and, by extension, starting to talk; singing, shouting, testifying, etc.). This is weakness, prostration, or defeat.
CXXII “singing” = anah. Same as “sound made” in v18. See note CXIX above.

19 CXXIIIAs soon as he came nearCXXIV the camp and saw the calf and the dancing,CXXV Moses’s angerCXXVI burned hot, and he threwCXXVII the tablets from his hands and brokeCXXVIII them at the footCXXIX of the mountain. 

Notes on verse 19

CXXIII {untranslated} = hayah. Same as “become” in v1. See note XIX above.
CXXIV “came near” = qarab. This is to come near, offer, make ready, approach, take.
CXXV “dancing” = mecholah. 8x in OT. From machol (round dance); from chul (whirling around so dancing as in a circle or writhing in pain; used particularly for the pain of childbirth or from writhing due to fear; can also be falling in pain or waiting). This is a dance.
CXXVI “anger” = aph. Same as “wrath” in v10. See note LXVIII above.
CXXVII “threw” = shalak. This is to throw, fling, or hurl. It can also be to throw away in a literal or figurative sense.
CXXVIII “broke” = shabar. This is break, collapse, destroy, break in pieces, tear. It is bursting in a literal or figurative sense.
CXXIX “at the foot” = tachat. This is underneath, below, the bottom, instead of.

20 He took the calf that they had made, burnedCXXX it with fire,CXXXI groundCXXXII it to powder,CXXXIII

Notes on verse 20a

CXXX “burned” = saraph. This is to burn or kindle. This is the root that “seraphim” comes from.
CXXXI “fire” = esh. This is fire, burning, flaming, hot. It is fire in a literal or figurative sense.
CXXXII “ground” = tachan. 8x in OT. This is to grind as in grinding meal. It can also be used euphemistically for infidelity.
CXXXIII “powder” = daqaq. 12x in OT. This is to crush, crumble, make dust, thresh, grind, be very small.

scatteredCXXXIV it onCXXXV the water,CXXXVI and made the IsraelitesCXXXVII drinkCXXXVIII it.

Notes on verse 20b

CXXXIV “scattered” = zarah. This is to scatter or toss around. It can imply to disperse, cast away, or to scrutinize.
CXXXV {untranslated} = paneh. Same as “before” in v1. See note XIII above.
CXXXVI “water” = mayim. This is water, waters, or waterway in a general sense. Figuratively, it can also mean juice, urine, or semen.
CXXXVII “Israelites” = ben + Yisrael. Literally, “children of Israel.” Ben is the same as “sons” in v2. See note XXV above. Yisrael is the same as “Israel” in v4. See note XXXVI above.
CXXXVIII “made…drink” = shaqah. This is to give water to, to cause to drink – to irrigate, drown. It can be used for watering plants or giving water to flocks.

21 Moses said to Aaron, “What did this people doCXXXIX to you that you have brought so great a sinCXL upon them?” 

22 And Aaron said, “Do not let the anger of my lordCXLI burn hot; you know the people, that they are wicked.CXLII 23 They said to me, ‘Make gods for us, who shall go beforeCXLIII us; as for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.’ 24 So I said to them, ‘Whoever has gold, take it off’; so they gave it to me, and I threw it into the fire, and out cameCXLIV this calf!”

Notes on verses 21-24

CXXXIX “do” = asah. Same as “make” in v1. See note X above.
CXL “sin” = chataah. 8x in OT. From chata (to miss or go wrong and so to sin, bear the blame; it can also include the sense of forfeiting or lacking) OR from chet (sin, fault, or punishment of sin); {from chata (see above)}. This is a sin or sin offering.
CXLI “lord” = adon. From a root that means ruling or being sovereign. This is lord, master, or owner.
CXLII “wicked” = ra’. Same as “evil intent” in v12. See note LXXXI above.
CXLIII “before” = paneh. Same as “before” in v1. See note XIII above.
CXLIV “out came” = yatsa. Same as “brought” in v11. See note LXXVI above.

25 When Moses saw that the people were out of controlCXLV (for Aaron had lost controlCXLVI of them, prompting derisionCXLVII among their enemies),CXLVIII 

Notes on verse 25

CXLV “out of control” = para. 16x in OT. This is to loosen, let alone, uncover, avoid, dismiss, or perish.
CXLVI “lost control” = para. Same as “out of control” in v25. See note CXLV above.
CXLVII “derision” = shimtsah. 1x in OT. From the same as shemets (may come from a word that means making a sound; a whisper, inkling). This is whisper, derision, or shame.
CXLVIII “enemies” = qum. Same as “come” in v1. See note IX above.

26 then Moses stoodCXLIX in the gateCL of the camp and said, “Who is on the Lord’sCLI side? Come to me!” And all the sons of LeviCLII gatheredCLIII around him. 

Notes on verse 26

CXLIX “stood” = amad. This is to stand up in a literal or figurative sense. So it can be establish, continue, endure, take a stand, act, be a servant, stand still, remain, stand against an enemy.
CL “gate” = shaar. May be related to sha’ar (to calculate or reckon; may come from a root that means to open up or split). This is a gate, door, or other opening like a port.
CLI “Lord’s” = YHVH. Same as “Lord” in v5.  See note XLIII above.
CLII “Levi” = Levi. Perhaps from lavah (to join, twine, unite, remain, borrow, lend). This is Levi, perhaps meaning “attached.” It can refer to Jacob’s son, his tribe, and descendants.
CLIII “gathered” = asaph. This is to gather, assemble, or bring. It can also mean to take away, destroy, or remove.

27 He said to them, “Thus says the Lord,CLIV the God of Israel: PutCLV your swordCLVI on your side,CLVII eachCLVIII of you!

Notes on verse 27a

CLIV “Lord” = YHVH. Same as “Lord” in v5.  See note XLIII above.
CLV “put” = sim. This is to put or place in a literal or figurative sense. It can be appoint, care, change, make, and may other things.
CLVI “sword” = chereb. From charab (to attack, slay). This is any sharp instrument like a sword, dagger, axe, or mattock.
CLVII “sider” = yarek. Root may mean to be soft. This is thigh, side, body, shank. It can be used figuratively for genitalia.
CLVIII “each” = ish. Same as “man” in v1. See note XIV above.

Go backCLIX and forthCLX from gate to gate throughout the camp, and each of you kill your brother,CLXI your friend,CLXII and your neighbor.”CLXIII 

Notes on verse 27b

CLIX “go back” = abar. Related to “sides” in v15. See note CX above.
CLX “forth” = shub. Same as “turn” in v12. See note LXXXV above.
CLXI “brother” = ach + ish. Ach is brother, kindred, another, other, like. It is literally brother, but it can also be someone who is similar, resembling, or related to. Ish is the same as “man” in v1. See note XIV above.
CLXII “friend” = rea + ish. Rea is from raah (to associate with). This is the same as neighbor in Leviticus 19:18 “love your neighbor as yourself.” This is friend, companion, fellow, neighbor. It is someone with whom you associate, whether more or less close. Ish is the same as “man” in v1. See note XIV above.
CLXIII “neighbor” = qarob. Related to “came near” in v19. From qarab (see note CXXIV above). This is near whether nearby, related, near in time, or allied.

28 The sons of Levi did as Moses commanded,CLXIV and about threeCLXV thousandCLXVI of theCLXVII people fellCLXVIII on that day.CLXIX 

Notes on verse 28

CLXIV “commanded” = dabar. Literally, “according to the word of.” Related to “said” in v7. From dabar (see note LV above). This is speech, a word, a matter, an affair, charge, command, message, promise, purpose, report, request. It is a word, which implies things that are spoken of in a wide sense.
CLXV “three” = shalosh. This is three, fork, three times.
CLXVI “thousand” = eleph. Perhaps from the same as eleph (herd, cattle); from alaph (to learn, speak, associate with). This is thousand.
CLXVII {untranslated} = ish. Same as “man” in v1. See note XIV above.
CLXVIII “fell” = naphal. This is to fall, whether by accident, to fall prostrate, or to fall in violent death. Figuratively, it can refer to personal ruin or calamity, a city falling, an attack or a falling away. It can also be a deep sleep or wasting away.
CLXIX “day” = yom. Root may mean being hot. This is the day in a literal or figurative sense. It can also mean birth, age, daylight, continually or other references to time.

29 Moses said, “TodayCLXX you have been ordainedCLXXI for the serviceCLXXII of the Lord,CLXXIII each one at the cost of a son or a brother, and so have broughtCLXXIV a blessingCLXXV on yourselves this day.”

Notes on verse 29

CLXX “today” = yom. Same as “day” in v28. See note CLXIX above.
CLXXI “ordained” = male. This is fill, satisfy, replenish, accomplish, fulfill, confirm, or consecrate. It is fill in a literal or figurative sense.
CLXXII “service” = yad. Same as “them” in v4. See note XXX above.
CLXXIII “Lord” = YHVH. Same as “Lord” in v5.  See note XLIII above.
CLXXIV “brought” = natan. Same as “give” in v13. See note XCVIII above.
CLXXV “blessing” = barakah. From barak (to kneel, bless; blessing God as part of worship and adoration; blessing humans to help them; can be used as a euphemism to say curse God). This is blessing, which implies prosperity or peace.

30 CLXXVIOn the next day Moses said to the people, “You have sinnedCLXXVII a great sin. But now I will go upCLXXVIII to the Lord;CLXXIX perhaps I can make atonementCLXXX for your sin.”CLXXXI 

Notes on verse 30

CLXXVI {untranslated} = hayah. Same as “become” in v1. See note XIX above.
CLXXVII “sinned” = chata. Related to “sin” in v21. See note CXL above.
CLXXVIII “go up” = alah. Same as “brought…up” in v1. See note XV above.
CLXXIX “Lord” = YHVH. Same as “Lord” in v5.  See note XLIII above.
CLXXX “make atonement” = kaphar. This is to appease, cover, pacify, cancel, make atonement, placate. Specifically, it can mean to cover with bitumen.
CLXXXI “sin” = chatta’ah. Related to “sin” in v21 & “sinned” in v30. From chata’ (see note CXL above). This is sin itself as well as punishment for sin. It is sometimes used specifically to refer to sin that is habitual.

31 So Moses returnedCLXXXII to the LordCLXXXIII and said, “Alas,CLXXXIV this people has sinnedCLXXXV a great sin;CLXXXVI they have made for themselves gods of gold. 

Notes on verse 31

CLXXXII “returned” = shub. Same as “turn” in v12. See note LXXXV above.
CLXXXIII “Lord” = YHVH. Same as “Lord” in v5.  See note XLIII above.
CLXXXIV “alas” = annah. 13x in OT– 4x for beg, beseech, entreat; 9x for Alas, O, Ah. Perhaps from ahabah (love); {from aheb (to love, beloved, friend; to have affection for sexually or otherwise)} + na (I or we pray, now; used to ask for something). This word is oh, I ask you, now.
CLXXXV “sinned” = chata. Same as “sinned” in v30. See note CLXXVII above.
CLXXXVI “sin” = chataah. Same as “sin” in v21. See note CXL above.

32 But now, if you will only forgiveCLXXXVII their sinCLXXXVIII—but if not, pleaseCLXXXIX blot me outCXC of the bookCXCI that you have written.” 

Notes on verse 32

CLXXXVII “forgive” = nasa. This is to lift in a broad sense, literally and figuratively. So it could be to carry, take, or arise. It could also be bring forth, advance, accept.
CLXXXVIII “sin” = chatta’ah. Same as “sin” in v30. See note CLXXXI above.
CLXXXIX “please” = na. Related to “alas” in v31. See note CLXXXIV above.
CXC “blot…out” = machah. This is to rub, which implies to erase. It can also be making something smooth with grease or oil. So, this could we wipe out, blot out, or destroy. Also, to touch or reach.
CXCI “book” = sepher. Perhaps from saphar (to tally or record something; to enumerate, recount, number, celebrate, or declare). This can be writing itself or something that is written like a document, book, letter, evidence, bill, scroll, or register.

33 But the LordCXCII said to Moses, “Whoever has sinnedCXCIII against me I will blot out of my book. 34 But now go, leadCXCIV the people to the place about which I have spoken to you; see,CXCV my angelCXCVI shall go in frontCXCVII of you.

Notes on verses 33-34a

CXCII “Lord” = YHVH. Same as “Lord” in v5.  See note XLIII above.
CXCIII “sinned” = chata. Same as “sinned” in v30. See note CLXXVII above.
CXCIV “lead” = nachah. This is lead, guide, or bring. It can be used for transporting into exile or coming in as colonists. This is the word used in Psalm 23 “he leads me in the paths of righteousness.”
CXCV “see” = hinneh. Same as {untranslated} in v9. See note LXIV above.
CXCVI “angel” = malak. This is a messenger, an angel, or a deputy of some kind. Can be used for human messengers literally or for prophets, priests, or teachers as messengers of God. Also used for supernatural messengers i.e. angels.
CXCVII “in front” = paneh. Same as “before” in v1. See note XIII above.

Nevertheless, when the day for punishmentCXCVIII comes, I will punishCXCIX them for their sin.”CC

35 Then the LordCCI sent a plagueCCII on the people, because they made the calf—the one that Aaron had made.

Notes on verses 34b-35

CXCVIII “punishment” = paqad. This is to attend to or visit – can be used for a friendly or violent encounter. So, it can be to oversee, care for, avenge, or charge.
CXCIX “punish” = paqad. Same as “punishment” in v34. See note CXCVIII above.
CC “sin” = chatta’ah. Same as “sin” in v30. See note CLXXXI above.
CCI “Lord” = YHVH. Same as “Lord” in v5.  See note XLIII above.
CCII “sent a plague” = nagaph. This is to strike, beat, hurt, stumble, defeat, inflict disease.


Image credit: “Moses monument in Lodz, Poland.” Photo by Jerzystrzelecki, 2014.

You May Also Like

Leave a Reply