What are the implications of "ve'es Chataschem asher Asisem es ha'Eigel"?
Avodah Zarah, 52a: It implies that even though Avodah Zarah does not become Asur be'Hana'ah until one actually worships it, one transgresses a sin from the time that one manufactures it.
Why did Moshe burn and grind the Eigel and cast the ashes into the river?
Ramban: To make Yisrael drink the water like Sotos.
Da'as Zekenim, Hadar Zekenim and Rosh: In order to prevent them from benefitting from the Eigel (by gathering its ashes - Hadar Zekenim).
Avodah Zarah, 54a: To teach us that it will not suffice to throw away Avodah Zarah, or even to just break it into two, but that one is obligated to grind it and cast it into the wind or into the sea. 1
See Torah Temimah, note 12.
Why did Moshe not mention the fact that he made the people drink the water?
Ramban: In order not to overly embarrass them.
