Caput V (opening)

When those 46 days had run out — of which Moses spent forty in the midst of the cloud, and in perpetual fasting — the two stone tables of the covenant were given to the same Moses by the Lord; and at the same time [it was] indicated [that] the Israelites [had sinned] in the camp; [and he was bidden] therefore to return as quickly as possible, and to learn the whole matter. “And Moses returned” (Exodus 32, v. 15), “carrying the two tables of the testimony in his hand, written on both sides, and made by the work of God; the writing also of God was written on the tables. And Joshua, hearing the tumult of the shouting people, said to Moses: The noise of battle is heard in the camp: [it is] not the cry of those exhorting to fight, nor the shout of those compelling to flee; but I hear the voice of singers. And when they drew near the camp, Moses saw the golden calf, the dances, and the rest of the people’s wickedness; and he cast down those tables and broke them.”