What does Exodus 32:21 Mean?

Context Summary

There was no weak compromise on the part of Moses. He cast the tables from his hands as though he felt that the covenant between God and the Hebrew race was hopelessly broken. He remonstrated with Aaron, destroyed the calf, and appointed the tribe of Levi as the executors of divine justice. How striking the act that forced the people to drink the dust of the golden calf! Men always have to drink the dust of their idolatries. You cannot make an idol without growing into the likeness of your idol and becoming, some day, nauseated with it.

As Israel turned from the splendors that shone on the summit of Sinai to fashion the calf, and found that the end of those things was misery, so those who turn from the Savior, who is the brightness of the Father's glory and the express image of His Person, pierce themselves through with many sorrows and perish. See Hebrews 12:25. [source]

Chapter Summary: Exodus 32

¹  The people in the absence of Moses, caused Aaron to make a calf
⁷  God informs Moses, who intercedes for Israel, and prevails
¹⁵  Moses comes down with the tablets
¹⁹  He breaks them
²⁰  He destroys the calf
²²  Aaron's excuse for himself
²⁵  Moses causes the idolaters to be slain
³⁰  He prays for the people