INTENSIVE REACTION AGAINST THE WORSHIPPERS OF THE GOLD CALF. (VERSE NO. 150 - 151)

      The above verses imply that Moses was very furious and sorrowful, before his return and meeting with the Israelites; because God had informed him on the Mount Sinai of what had happened down there.

      He had every right of being so angry for the sake of God. Had he not behaved so, he should not have guided the ignorant and stubborn children of Israel, with his gentle advices and brotherly admonitions. Indeed the proverb is true in this case that says:``Spare the whip and spoil the child.'' Therefore when he returned: ``He threw down the Tablets and seized his brother by the head, pulling him towards himself.'' And Aaron said: ``Son of my mother! The people sought to weaken me, and were about to kill me. So don't you let our enemies to rejoice over me.''

      First of all, Moses (AS) laid hands on his own brother, who explained to him what actually had happened.

      Aaron who was from the same parent, in an affectionable term, called Moses the son of his mother, and with much tenderness and regret explained to Moses how the agitated people were about to kill him for resisting them. So when Moses was convinced that his brother was guiltless, his anger fell down, and prayed to God to forgive him for his wrath and casting the Tablets, and to forgive his brother for not being able to suppress the agitation and prevent the idolatry of his people.