The people said to Aaron: “Come, make gods for us, who shall go before us.” (.). Aaron’s reported response was: “Take off the gold rings that are on the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me.” (.). Aaron actually made the calf-god (.) and instituted a festival for it (.f.). At this point I would like to respond to a friendly criticism from a Christian fundamentalist who believes God did give the Ten Commandments to Moses. He says with respect to the final Commandment: “God, but not man, would care about coveting”.71 I disagree. Moses, a leader in trouble, has supreme interest in coveting. His job! It is at risk. The subsequent behavior of Aaron is revealing. Aaron has not yet made his move, but he will. No one should underestimate the vigor with which political figures protect their job. I can understand that Godmight oppose coveting but I see no compelling reason for Him to legislate. But in the tradition Moses has a strong positive interest. Another point should be made. The prohibition against coveting makes superfluous the rules against stealing and adultery. Both involve coveting.72 71 See, e.g., Childs, Exodus, pp. 425 ff. 72 I owe this point to Hilton Bik. See Appendix 2.
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