Israel Saved From the Calf and the Sin Trampled With the Heel

Rabbi Chuna and Rabbi Idi in the name of Rabbi Shmuel bar Nachman: Israel was saved from that deed, for if Israel had made the calf they would have said, "These are our God, O Israel." Rather, it was the converts who had come up with them who made the calf, and they were taunting Israel and saying to them, "These are your God, O Israel" (Exodus 32:4). Rabbi Yudah son of Rabbi Simon said: It is written, "The ox knows its owner, and the donkey its master's crib" (Isaiah 1:3). And did they not know? Rather, they trampled with the heel. And similarly, "For My people are foolish, they do not know Me" (Jeremiah 4:22). And did they not know? Rather, they trampled with the heel. And similarly, "And she did not know that I gave her the grain" (Hosea 2:10). And did she not know? Rather, she trampled with the heel.