(32,1)1.Q&A&Q Why did the people request an idol in place of Moshe? They themselves say right after this: "for this man Moshe". Shouldn't they have requested a new leader? The Da'as Zikainim could provide an answer, for if we translate the word "Elohim" as: "judge" like we do in Mishpatim (22,27): "A judge you shall not curse," we can say that they were requesting a judge in place of Moshe, which would be a very resonable request. The only thing is, if this is true how is an idol a response to their request?