The answer is: Made a molten calf

Deut 9:15-16

While Moses ascended Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments from God, the Israelites waited at the foot of the mountain. But their anticipation quickly morphed into impatience. With Moses gone for an extended period, they began to doubt whether he would return at all. Seeking tangible reassurance, they turned to Aaron and demanded, “Make us gods!” What followed was a striking and tumultuous moment in biblical history: the creation of a golden calf.

Now, let’s talk about that calf! In ancient cultures, calves symbolized strength and fertility. Many believe the people resorted to this idol as a way to recreate the stability they felt had vanished with Moses’ absence. But here’s a fun twist: this scene reflects the uncanny tug-of-war between faith and doubt present throughout ancient Hebrew narratives. It’s repeated in varying shades in stories from other cultures as well; artists do love to crowd-source divine advice!

When Moses descended and witnessed the debauchery, he was understandably furious. He shattered the tablets in a dramatic climax worthy of any epic saga—a moment echoing the fragility of personified law and order. The golden calf debacle unfolded alongside deeper lessons about the temptation of complacency and the importance of strong guidance while navigating periods of transition.

This narrative underscores a vibrant lesson: faith cannot rely solely on visible signs or figures—it ultimately lies within oneself and the community's deeper convictions.