In the biblical account found in Exodus 32, Moses had gone up Mount Sinai to receive the commandments from God. The Israelites, impatient and feeling uncertain about Moses' return, approached Aaron, Moses' brother, and requested that he make gods for them. They expressed a desire for a physical representation of a god to guide them, as they perceived that Moses had delayed on the mountain.

Aaron, complying with their request, collected gold from the people and fashioned a golden calf, which the Israelites then worshipped. This act of idolatry led to God's anger and Moses' subsequent intervention to intercede for the people. The Israelites had a tendency to turn away from God during uncertain or impatient times, as proven by this incident.