Study note

Exodus 32:6

The Hebrew term translated as indulge in revelry is traditionally translated as they got up to play. In Hebrew, like in English, the word play can imply sexual activities (see Genesis 26:8, “caressing”). This is likely the case here.

Worship of a fertility symbol, such as a bull, often included the worshipers engaging in sexual activities (see 1 Corinthians 10:7–8).