The Church Fathers on this verse

Exodus 32:21Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

And he said to Aaron: What has this people done to thee, that thou shouldst bring upon them a most heinous sin?

Douay-Rheims

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר מֹשֶׁה֙ אֶֽל־אַהֲרֹ֔ן מֶֽה־עָשָׂ֥ה לְךָ֖ הָעָ֣ם הַזֶּ֑ה כִּֽי־הֵבֵ֥אתָ עָלָ֖יו חֲטָאָ֥ה גְדֹלָֽה׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

2 Church Fathers comment on this verse

John Chrysostom

4th centuryChurch Father

He does not offer correction indiscriminately, but distinguishes between the common people and their leaders, redirecting the blame onto those in authority. This approach to admonishment has proven to be effective, as demonstrated by Moses, who frequently employed it. In instances where everyone was deserving of rebuke, this prophet chose to direct his words toward the rulers. Conversely, Moses, observing the people’s greater transgressions, found Aaron deserving of a milder reproach; thus, he addressed the less guilty while prompting the very guilty to grapple with their own failings, encouraging them to recognize their deserving of significant judgment.

Read more (94 words)

Consequently, there was no requirement for further exhortations to the people; rather, the rebuke directed solely at Aaron was enough to lead countless individuals to repentance, acting as if they were unified in their contrition, transforming their defiance into reverence and deep sorrow. Anticipating this impact, Moses promptly descended from the mountain, cast down the tablets, and addressed Aaron, asking, "What have these men done unto thee, that thou hast brought upon me the displeasure of our adversaries?" Moses not only reproached Aaron but also, by adopting a compassionate demeanor, effectively conveyed that admonition.

Wlastow G.K.

19th centuryCommentator

The Lord was extremely displeased with Aaron and wanted to bring judgment upon him; yet I interceded for Aaron, as Moses recounts in Deuteronomy 9:20. Moses’ words to Aaron reflect a profound rebuke that leaves a lasting mark on the heart, conveying the deep grief and intense anguish within Moses’ spirit: "What have you done to this people? What wickedness have you brought upon them, allowing them to face destruction?"

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.