The Ox and the Calf That Atone for Israel's Sin at the Mishkan

4) (Vayikra 9:4): "and an ox and a ram for peace-offerings": Because their sin was two-faceted, viz.: "They have made themselves a molten calf and (Tehillim 106:20): "And they exchanged their glory for the likeness of an ox eating grass" — let an ox come and atone for the "act" of the ox; let a calf come and atone for the "act" of the calf. Know that the L–rd has been conciliated to atone for your sins. The transgression that you are in fear of lies already slaughtered before the L–rd, viz. (Vayikra, Ibid.) "to slaughter before the L–rd." Israel said before Moses. How can a province praise a king without seeing his face? He responded: Even so, "for today the L–rd will appear to you" (to repose His shechinah in the work of your hands.)