Exodus 32:3-6 - And made a golden calf

32:3,4

So Aaron collected all the gold and fashioned a golden calf out of it. The golden calf was probably a structure coated with gold. The “calf” was probably actually a bull. Once completed it was declared that “these are your gods who brought you out of the land of Egypt!” What nonsense! And we see why God gave the commandment. They could either worship the true God who had actually brought them out of Egypt, or they could worship a useless model of a bull or calf. This is a clear example of the stupidity of man when he rejects God.

32:5,6

Aaron continues to be fully involved in the rebellion, one of its most enthusiastic proponents. Remember he had had a leading role in working with Moses to bring them out of Egypt, yet he had understood nothing. Just because someone has a leading role in the church or some mission of the church does not mean that they actually have any faith. Conversely there can be seemingly insignificant people who have genuine faith. So Aaron builds an altar before this monstrosity and inaugurates worship services before the thing. Note that the “service” had many of the trappings of a true worship service, yet it was an utter offence to the Lord.