Home / Sunday School / The Golden Calf

Old Testament · Exodus 32:1-35

The Golden Calf

While Moses remains on Mount Sinai, the Israelites ask Aaron to make a visible god to lead them. Aaron forms a golden calf from their gold, and the people worship it with celebration. God tells Moses what is happening and announces judgment. Moses intercedes, comes down carrying the two tablets of the covenant, breaks them when he sees the calf and the dancing, destroys the calf, confronts Aaron and the people, and calls for those loyal to the LORD. A plague follows the people’s sin, and Moses again appeals to God on Israel’s behalf.

Coloring pages: 10Age/complexity: Explore (ages 3–5) · Imagine (ages 6–8) · Discover (ages 9–12)

Lesson resource collection

Color the story, one scene at a time.

Choose individual pages for your group, or print a coordinated story sheet when one is available.

Print The Golden Calf: 4-Scene Story Sheet

The Israelites gather around Aaron at the camp near Mount Sinai and ask him to make gods to go before them while Moses is delayed on the mountain.

Waiting for Moses

Exodus 32:1-35

Aaron forms a golden calf from the Israelites’ gold earrings while the people gather near an altar in the camp.

The Golden Calf Is Made

Exodus 32:1-35

The Israelites offer burnt offerings and peace offerings at an altar before the golden calf, then eat, drink, and play; Aaron is present.

A Feast Before the Calf

Exodus 32:1-35

Moses on Mount Sinai receives the LORD’s warning about the Israelites and the golden calf below.

The LORD Warns Moses

Exodus 32:1-35

Moses praying to the LORD at Mount Sinai for the Israelites after their worship of the golden calf.

Moses Prays for the People

Exodus 32:1-35

Moses and Joshua come down Mount Sinai toward Israel’s camp while Moses carries the two covenant tablets.

Moses Comes Down with the Tablets

Exodus 32:1-35

Moses at the foot of Mount Sinai after seeing the golden calf and dancing, with the broken covenant tablets, destroyed calf, and water described in Exodus 32:19-20.

The Covenant Is Broken

Exodus 32:1-35

Moses questions Aaron in the Israelite camp about the golden calf, the gold, the Israelites’ pressure, and Aaron’s explanation about the fire.

Moses Questions Aaron

Exodus 32:1-35

Moses calls for those on the LORD’s side at Israel’s camp gate, and the sons of Levi gather to him after the golden calf worship.

Who Is on the LORD’s Side?

Exodus 32:1-35

Moses seeks forgiveness from the LORD for the Israelites after their worship of the golden calf, near Mount Sinai.

Moses Seeks Forgiveness

Exodus 32:1-35

Scripture reference

Exodus 32:1-35

Use this reference as you prepare and read the account with your class.

Talk together

A thoughtful question