They made a calf in Horeb, and worshipped the molten image.
Ver. 19. They made a calf in Horeb] i.e. In the country near to that mountain, where they at same time saw visible tokens of God's dreadful presence. Well might Aaron say of this people, that they were wholly set upon wickedness, Exodus 32:22. This piece of idolatry they had learned belike of the Egyptians, who worshipped Apis in such a shape, so catching is sin, and so dangerous is ill company (Lege Lacrant. and Aug. lib. 1, de Mirab. Script. cap. 15).