Free group study handout
Exodus 32: Group Study Handout
How to use: read Exodus 32 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.
Overview
When Moses delayed to return from the mountain, the people gathered to Aaron and urged him to make gods for them (vv. 1-2). Aaron collected gold from them and fashioned a molten calf, which the people worshiped (vv.
Key verse
“Moses said to Aaron, “What did these people do to you, that you have brought a great sin on them?”
Exodus 32:21 (WEB)
Outline
- Exodus 32:1–6 The Golden Calf is Created
- Exodus 32:7–10 God's Anger Revealed
- Exodus 32:11–14 Moses Intercedes for Israel
- Exodus 32:15–19 Moses Confronts the People
- Exodus 32:20–24 Aaron's Defense
- Exodus 32:25–29 Consequences of Idolatry
- Exodus 32:30–35 Moses Appeals Again to God
Discussion questions
- In v1, what do the people ask Aaron to make for them?
- What does Aaron use to create the molten calf in v4?
- In vv. 9-10, why does God refer to the people as 'stiff-necked'?
- Moses' plea in vv. 11-13: how does he appeal to God's covenant with the patriarchs?
- When have you turned to something tangible for guidance like the people and the golden calf?
Go deeper
Passages that echo Exodus 32: Deuteronomy 9, Exodus 33, 1 Corinthians 10.
Before next time: read Exodus 33.