“Go descend, for your people…have acted corruptly” – it is not written here, “the people,” but rather, “your people.” Moses said: ‘Master of the universe, since when are they my people?’ The Holy One blessed be He said to him: ‘They are your people. When they were still in Egypt I said to you: “I will take out My hosts, My people” (Exodus 7:4).
I said to you not to mix the mixed multitude with them. You, who were humble and upright, said to Me: One always accepts penitents. But I knew what they were destined to do; I had said to you, no, but I performed your will.21Originally God said not to accept the mixed multitude, but He then acquiesced to Moses’ request that they be accepted, due to Moses’ argument (see Rabbi David Luria). It is they who crafted the calf, as they were idolaters; it is they who crafted it and caused My people to sin.’
See what is written: It is not written here, “this is our God,” but rather, “this is your god, [Israel]” (Exodus 32:4), as the proselytes who ascended with Moses, it was they who crafted it, and said to Israel: “This is your god, [Israel].” That is why the Holy One blessed be He said to Moses: “Go descend, for your people…have acted corruptly.”