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Exodus 32:6

And they rose up early on the morrow, and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play.

Exodus 32:6 · King James Version

Meaning

After the Israelites had witnessed the power and glory of God through the parting of the Red Sea, they responded by rising up early the next day to offer burnt offerings and peace offerings. These acts of worship were a demonstration of their gratitude and reverence for God's protection and deliverance. However, their actions took a turn when they sat down to eat and drink, and then rose up to play. The phrase "rose up to play" has been interpreted by some scholars as referring to indulging in idolatrous and immoral behavior. The Israelites allowed their celebrations to degenerate into revelry and disobedience, which ultimately led to severe consequences from God. This verse serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of losing focus on spiritual matters and succumbing to worldly temptations, even in the midst of worship and celebration.

Theological Overview

In this verse, Exodus 32:6, we see the Israelites engaging in worshipping false gods and indulging in immoral behavior. The phrase "rose up early on the morrow" suggests their eagerness to participate in these activities, demonstrating their lack of reverence for the true God. The offering of burnt offerings and peace offerings was intended to appease these false deities and seek their favor, despite the clear commandments against worshipping idols. The phrase "sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play" symbolizes their indulgence in feasting and revelry, which further distances them from the sacredness of their relationship with God. This verse serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of turning away from the one true God and serving idols, highlighting the consequences of disobedience and the need for repentance and faithfulness.

Exodus 32:6 in other translations

American Standard Version

And they rose up early on the morrow, and offered burnt-offerings, and brought peace-offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play.

World English Bible

They rose up early on the next day, and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play.

Douay-Rheims

And rising in the morning, they offered holocausts, and peace victims, and the people sat down to eat and drink, and they rose up to play.

Geneva Bible (1599)

So they rose vp the next day in the morning, and offred burnt offerings, and brought peace offrings: also the people sate them downe to eate and drinke, and rose vp to play.