Definition: And he received [them] at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf: and they said, These [be] thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 32:4. It’s a really important and complex passage in the Bible, and it’s often misunderstood. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Story: God is busy bringing Israel out of slavery in Egypt. He wants them to be free and prosperous. He decides to build a golden calf as a sign of their devotion – a way to show how much they love him. However, the Israelites become too focused on building this golden calf and are so confident that it’s God’s creation that they demand that God create it for them. What happened next? God sees what they're doing and decides to intervene. He uses a tool – a graving tool – to make the golden calf. It’s incredibly detailed, showing how he molded it with precision. The Key Phrase: “And he received [them] at their hand…” This is crucial. God isn't just making the calf; He’s receiving it. He takes the calf and places it in his hand. It’s a demonstration of His power and control. What did they say? The Israelites, in their arrogance and idolatry (worshiping other gods), declared, “These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.” What does this mean? Idolatry: They were worshipping a golden calf – a representation of themselves, not God. It’s a direct rejection of the true God. Pride and Complacency: Their arrogance blinded them to the truth – they were so focused on making something that they didn't see what was already there: God. In short: This verse is about pride, idolatry, and the importance of recognizing and obeying God’s will above all else. It's a stark warning against turning away from God and focusing solely on worldly things instead of Him. Important Note: This passage is complex and has been debated for centuries. It’s often interpreted as a story about Israel's rebellion, but it’s also understood as a symbolic representation of humanity’s tendency to worship idols – anything that seems like God or a powerful entity – rather than truly worshipping Him. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Discuss why this passage is significant in biblical history? Offer some context about the time and culture of Israel at this point in their story?