Exodus 32:2

Break off the golden ear-rings These were probably some of the jewels which they had of the Egyptians. From the ears of your sons Men wore these ornaments in the eastern countries as well as the women, Judges 8:24. Some suppose that when Aaron gave this direction he did it with a design to crush the proposal, believing, that if their covetousness did not hinder them from giving up their ear-rings, their pride, at least, would prevent their parting with them. He says, therefore, Which are in the ears of your wives and daughters Thinking them most fond of their jewels, and most unlikely to part with them.