Exodus 32:8 They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them: they have made them a molten calf, and have worshipped it, and have sacrificed thereunto, and said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.
[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 216>217] The tumult increased. A blind, unreasoning frenzy seemed to take possession of the multitude. There were some who remained true to their covenant with God, but the greater part of the people joined in the apostasy. A few who ventured to denounce the proposed image making as idolatry were set upon and roughly treated, and in the confusion and excitement they finally lost their lives.
In this dangerous life-threatening predicament what was Aaron supposed to do? The heat of the furnace has been turned up several notches, persons who dare to stand for the truth are being slain, and that frenzied mob cannot be reasoned with. What was Aaron supposed to do?…. [Patriarchs & Prophets pp 217] Aaron feared for his own safety; and instead of nobly standing up for the honor of God, he yielded to the demands of the multitude.
The Lord would have us understand that there are various kinds of pressure brought against persons to buckle and bow. There is social pressure, and there is peer pressure, there is political pressure and there is religious and financial pressure. Again, there is that type of pressure that emanates from threats against your person, where if you were to refuse to bow, your life can be endangered.
Exodus 32:21 And Moses said unto Aaron, What did this people unto thee, that thou hast brought so great a sin upon them? 22 And Aaron said, Let not the anger of my lord wax hot: thou knowest the people, that they are set on mischief.
May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!