Exodus 32:22 - Aharon's plea for mercy

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Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר אַהֲרֹן אַל־יִחַר אַף אֲדֹנִי אַתָּה יָדַעְתָּ אֶת־הָעָם כִּי בְרָע הוּא׃

English Translation

And Aharon said, Let not the anger of my lord burn: thou knowst the people, that they are bent on mischief.

Transliteration

Va'yomer Aharon al-yichar af adoni atah yada'ta et-ha'am ki b'ra hu.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אַהֲרֹ֔ן אַל־יִ֥חַר אַ֖ף אֲדֹנִ֑י אַתָּה֙ יָדַ֣עְתָּ אֶת־הָעָ֔ם כִּ֥י בְרָ֖ע הֽוּא׃

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Shemot 32:22) appears during the episode of the Golden Calf, when Moshe confronts Aharon about the people's sin. Aharon responds by pleading with Moshe not to be angry, acknowledging the people's inclination toward wrongdoing.

Aharon's Defense

Rashi explains that Aharon was not making excuses for his own actions but rather emphasizing the people's rebellious nature. The phrase "כִּי בְרָע הוּא" ("that they are bent on mischief") suggests that the people were predisposed to sin, as they had just emerged from Egyptian idolatrous influences (Rashi on Shemot 32:22).

The Nature of the People's Sin

The Midrash Tanchuma (Ki Tisa 19) elaborates that Aharon was highlighting the people's impatience and lack of faith. They assumed Moshe had died and demanded an idol, demonstrating their spiritual weakness. Aharon sought to delay them, hoping Moshe would return before they sinned further.

Aharon's Humility

Rambam (Hilchos De'os 1:6) notes that Aharon's words reflect his humility and desire for peace. By addressing Moshe as "אֲדֹנִי" ("my lord"), he showed deference, attempting to calm Moshe's anger and prevent further strife.

Lessons in Leadership

Aharon's response teaches that leaders must understand the people's weaknesses (Sforno on Shemot 32:22).
His plea demonstrates the importance of seeking reconciliation rather than escalating conflict (Talmud, Sanhedrin 6b).
The incident underscores the danger of impulsive behavior and the need for spiritual vigilance (Kli Yakar on Shemot 32:22).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Aaron mean when he says 'the people are bent on mischief' in Exodus 32:22?
A: Aaron is explaining to Moshe (Moses) that the Jewish people were prone to impulsive behavior and lacked patience, which led them to create the Golden Calf. Rashi explains that Aaron was trying to calm Moshe's anger by pointing out the people's weak spiritual state at that time.

Q: Why was Aaron trying to calm Moshe's anger in Exodus 32:22?
A: Aaron understood that anger could lead to harsh judgment. According to the Talmud (Berachos 7a), Aaron was known as a peacemaker who sought to avoid conflict. Here, he appeals to Moshe's understanding of the people's nature to prevent excessive punishment.

Q: What lesson can we learn from Aaron's words in Exodus 32:22?
A: The verse teaches the importance of judging others with compassion and understanding their weaknesses. The Rambam (Hilchos De'os 2:3) emphasizes that we should give people the benefit of the doubt, just as Aaron tried to do for the Jewish people in this situation.

Q: How does Exodus 32:22 apply to leadership and conflict resolution today?
A: Aaron's approach demonstrates that effective leaders must consider the circumstances and nature of those they lead. The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 37:2) highlights Aaron's role in calming tensions, teaching us to address conflicts with patience and understanding rather than immediate anger.