James Nisbet's Church Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 32:1
SUBSTITUTES FOR GOD‘Gods which shall go before us.’ Exodus 32:1 We see that the Israelites’ residence in Egypt had familiarised them with the idea of symbols for God, so that there was no strangeness in it, but even a certain attraction in the pomp, and circumstance, and excitement, of idolatrous ceremonial. I. It must be borne in mind that, at the time of their lapse, they had no Tabernacle, and no religious rites, such as were soon after established. They had nothing of external form and... read more
G. Campbell Morgan's Exposition on the Whole Bible - Exodus 32:1-35
Immediately following the account of this period of communion between Moses and God we have the record of the sin of the people. When they said, "Up, make us Gods," they were seeking something to represent God rather than seeking a new god. The day after the calf was erected they observed a feast to Jehovah. In this connection Moses is seen in one of the greatest hours of his life as he stood and pleaded with God. It is to be observed that his plea was not so much on behalf of the people as... read more