The Golden Calf — Bible audio story cover art

The Golden Calf

Exodus 32:1-35

Moses was gone forty days. The people couldn't wait.

Moses is on the mountain with God, receiving the law. Below, the people grow restless. He's been gone too long. They go to Aaron — Moses' own brother — and demand: Make us gods who will go before us. Aaron collects their gold jewelry, melts it down, and shapes a calf. The people worship it with feasting and revelry. On the mountain, God tells Moses what's happening. Moses descends carrying the stone tablets and sees the celebration. He smashes the tablets at the base of the mountain. The covenant is barely made before it's broken.