Deu 9:16 | TNotes | STEP | 9:16 The gold calf idol Israel made at Sinai (Exod 32 ) was probably modeled after bovine deities of Egypt, such as the bull god Apis and the cow goddess Hathor, both associated with fertility. When the Israelites entered Canaan, they would be confronted with the fertility gods of the Canaanite cults. They would be tempted to rely upon these false gods, rather than the one true God, as the source of their blessings (cp. Deut 8:18-20 ).

bExod 32►

cDeut 8:18-20►

‏ Deuteronomy 9:16

9:16 ^a The gold calf idol Israel made at Sinai (Exod 32 ^b) was probably modeled after bovine deities of Egypt, such as the bull god Apis and the cow goddess Hathor, both associated with fertility. When the Israelites entered Canaan, they would be confronted with the fertility gods of the Canaanite cults. They would be tempted to rely upon these false gods, rather than the one true God, as the source of their blessings (cp. Deut 8:18-20 ^c).