"Saru Maher min ha'Derech ? ". What are the connotations of "Maher"?
R. Bachye #1: They already forgot the wonders that they saw at Ma'amad Har Sinai and were already serving idols whilst the Shechiah was still on the mountain. 1
R. Bachye #2 (citing Pesikta Zutr'sa): 'Wretched is the Kalah who commits adultery even whilst she is still under the Chupah'. 2
Seforno: Before Hashem had the chance to give them the entire Torah she'bi'Kesav written by Him 3 - as it was on the first Luchos, which Moshe now broke.
R. Bachye: As the Pasuk writes in Shir Hashirim 1: 12 "Ad she'ha'Melech bi"Mesibo Nirdi Nasan Reicho" and in Tehilim 106:12 "Maharu Shach'chu Ma'asav Lo Chiku la'Atzaso". See R. Bachye.
R. Bachye ibid.: As the Pasuk writes in Shir Hashirim 1: 12 "Ad she'ha'Melech bi"Mesibo Nirdi Nasan Reicho" - 'stank with the stench of the Eigel'.
Refer to 2`4:12:12:5*.
To whom did they prostrate themselves?
Moshav Zekenim (in Pasuk 6): Some prostrated themselves to Hashem, and some to the calf. 1
Hadar Zekenim (in Pasuk 6): They prostrated themselves to the calf as a sign of Kavod, not in order to worship it.
Refer to 32:6:151:1-4.
