Such a crisis demanded a man of firmness, decision, and unflinching courage; one who held the honor of God above popular favor, personal safety, or life itself. But the present leader of Israel was not of this character. Aaron feebly remonstrated with the people, but his wavering and timidity at the critical moment only rendered them the more determined. The tumult increased. A blind, unreasoning frenzy seemed to take possession of the multitude. There were some who remained true to their covenant with God, but the greater part of the people joined in the apostasy. A few who ventured to denounce the proposed image 317 making as idolatry, were set upon and roughly treated, and in the confusion and excitement they finally lost their lives.

I en sådan krisesituation var der brug for en beslutsom, urokkelig og modig mand, som satte Guds ære over folkets gunst og personlig sikkerhed, ja, selve livet. Men Israels nuværende leder var ikke af denne støbning. Aron besvarede folkets krav med en mild protest, men hans vaklen og frygtagtighed i det kritiske øjeblik gjorde dem blot endnu mere opsat på at få deres vilje. Uroen voksede, og folkemængden syntes at blive grebet af blindt raseri. Der var nogle, der forblev tro mod deres pagt med Gud, men størsteparten af folket tog del i frafaldet. Nogle få vovede at betegne det som afguderi at lave et billede, men de blev overfaldet og mishandlet og mistede til sidst livet i forvirringen og ophidselsen.