And when the people saw that Moses— The long delay of Moses in the mount led this ever-murmuring and incredulous generation to think that he had utterly forsaken them; that an attempt to go forward into Canaan would, therefore, be absurd; and that it would be better to follow their groveling inclination, and return into Egypt. That this was their intention, we collect from Acts 7:39-40 where St. Stephen says, that in their hearts they turned back again into Egypt; saying unto Aaron, Make us gods to go before us; for as for this Moses, who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we know not what is become of him: see Numbers 14:4. The expression, this Moses, who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, plainly intimates their design. It appears, from the whole account of this transaction, that the defection was very general. The sons of Levi, Exodus 32:26 appear to have preserved themselves from it, as, most probably, did many others; see 1 Corinthians 10:7 nevertheless, both from Acts 7 and this chapter, it is clear that the major part were guilty. It is not to be supposed that the people were so stupid, as to believe that Aaron could absolutely form for them such gods as were really invested with Divine power: their meaning, it is evident, could only be, that he should form such a visible image and representation of the Deity, as might always be present with them; as the cloud, the visible emblem of JEHOVAH, had hitherto been with them under the ministration of Moses; but which now, they conceived, Moses disappearing, would cease itself to appear. The word rendered gods in this verse is אלהים elohim; and must certainly mean, "make us a representative of that Divine Power, who may go before us as our Conductor, in the manner that the visible emblem of Jehovah has hitherto gone before us."
REFLECTIONS.—When Moses is now ready to descend from the Mount, the perverseness and impatience of the people destroy all the blessings which were designed for them. They had before been often distrustful and disobedient, but now they break out into open rebellion. They riotously assemble, and present a petition to Aaron, to make them gods to go before them. Two grievous sins are the consequences of this proceeding.
1. Impious idolatry against God. They were not satisfied with the repeated evidences he had given them of his presence in the midst of them. Note; Where the heart is not truly converted to God, though for a time partial reformations may deceive, the old sins will again break out, and the dog return to his vomit.
2. Base ingratitude to Moses. He had been long their governor; they were most highly indebted to him. He was now gone expressly on their affairs. As he had God's call to go, they had sufficient reason to expect his return; but should he not return, they were at least bound to treat him with respect and regard. But they overlook every consideration, and, with a careless mention of their great Deliverer, insinuate, that he has forsaken them, and never intends to return. Note; (1.) The best of men, and the greatest ministers, may expect to meet with most ungrateful returns from many whom they have served. (2.) They who are inclined to think evil will pretend, in the clearest case, not to know what to think. (3.) Forgetfulness, and doubt of the return of Jesus from the Mount of glory, is the great means of hardening the sinner; while it is among the sorest temptations of the true believer, that in times of greatest difficulty our Lord seems to delay his coming: but if he tarry, let us wait for him.