Exodus 32:1 And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we know not what is become of him.
This is what took place with Aaron, who was facing the possibility of being stoned if he didn’t acquiesce to the demands of the people. Even though Aaron himself may never have worshipped the golden calf, in the most literal sense, the fact that he succumbed under pressure, means that he bowed….. Exodus 32:3 And all the people broke off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them unto Aaron.
Exodus 32:4 And he received them at their hand and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf: and they said, these be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. 5 And when Aaron saw it, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made proclamation, and said, tomorrow is a feast to the Lord. 6 And they rose up early on the morrow, and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play.
[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 316>317] Such a crisis demanded a man of firmness, decision, and unflinching courage; one who held the honor of God above popular favor, personal safety, or life itself. But the present leader of Israel was not of this character. Aaron feebly remonstrated with the people, but his wavering and timidity at the critical moment only rendered them more determined.
Exodus 32:7 And the Lord said unto Moses, Go, get thee down; for thy people, which thou brought out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves:
May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!