Definition: And Moses said unto Aaron, What did this people unto thee, that thou hast brought so great a sin upon them?
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 32:21. It’s a really important and slightly complex passage about God’s judgment on Israel. Here's what it essentially means in simple terms: The Core of the Story: God had just finished creating and setting up the Israelites in Egypt. They were living under oppressive conditions – they were treated like slaves, and they weren't allowed to worship freely. Moses was leading them out of Egypt. What Moses Said: Moses was talking to Aaron (a high priest) about this situation. He’s asking why God is punishing the Israelites so severely for a small mistake they made. The Meaning – It’s About Pride and Rebellion: This verse is essentially saying: “Aaron, you’ve caused a great sin! Why are you punishing us for something that wasn't really our fault?” Here’s how it breaks down further: "This people..." Refers to the Israelites who were enslaved in Egypt. "...unto thee..." - "To you" – Moses is pointing out a specific action by Aaron. "...that thou hast brought so great a sin upon them?" – This is the crucial part. It's not about what they did, but how they acted. They were defiant and refused to follow God’s instructions, even when Moses pleaded with them. They disobeyed God’s commands and started to worship other gods. In short: Moses is questioning why God is punishing the Israelites for a mistake they made – their refusal to listen to him and obey his laws. It's a powerful reminder of the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God’s will. Important Context: This verse is often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of pride and disobedience. It highlights that it's not enough to just follow rules; we must also be faithful and obedient to God's guidance. --- Do you have any specific questions about this verse that I can help you with? For example, would you like me to: Explain a particular aspect of the story in more detail? Connect it to other biblical stories?