The answer is: They didn't know what had happened to Moses

Exo 32:1

In the midst of their desert wanderings, the Israelites found themselves in a moment of uncertainty that led to the infamous incident of the golden calf. When they apparently lost sight of their leader Moses, who ventured up Mount Sinai to receive instructions from God, they were left feeling abandoned and anxious. This fear of the unknown galvanized them into an impulsive act - fashioning a golden calf as an idol. It's interesting to know that in ancient Egyptian culture, bulls were associated with strength and fertility, especially reflected in the deity Apis.

By reverting to a physical idol, the Israelites were seeking immediate and tangible reassurance, a common endpoint when spiritual guidance seems too distant or disengaged. They wanted something to worship that they could see and touch, an early example of what we many often do today—relying on the physical rather than the elusive divine.

This story can serve as a reflection of the human tendency to panic in times of distress, as well as a reminder of the aftermath of choices made during chaos. The immediate relationship with the divine was replaced by a meaningless object of worship, showcasing how distraction from one’s faith can lead down unintended paths.

Moreover, it's a compelling echo within the narrative of freedom; in a sense, they tried to translate their newfound liberation into a familiar form, yet lost sight of the deeper meaning of their journey. The golden calf moment gives us pause to reconsider what we elevate in our lives—items, status, desires—when we lose personal conviction or connection.