Animality and Biblical Masculinities in Conflict: Moses and the Golden Calf (Exodus 32)

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to analyze the masculinity of the biblical figure Moses in relation to the golden calf in Exodus 32. The prophet has been used as a model of biblical masculinity based on criteria such as violence, persuasive ability, his relationship to women, and physical disability. However, no gender construction derived from his interaction with the animal idol has been considered. In the context of the intersection of “animal studies” and “masculinity studies,” this article proposes the conceptualization of a biblical “zoomasculinity” linked to the prophet. Cohabitation with the theriomorphic statue allows Moses to embody diverse alternative masculinities that culminate in his animalization and identification with the golden calf.