20:88
“Then he brought out (of the fire) before the (people) the image of a calf: It seemed to low: so they said: This is your god, and the god of Moses, but (Moses) has forgotten!”
Some commentators explain that the interpolation “it came to pass” helps account for the transition from direct speech in the preceding verse to indirect narration in the following passage. In exegetical interpretation, al-Sāmirī is often understood symbolically as representing individuals who themselves go astray and who also lead others into error. According to this interpretation, al-Sāmirī believed he had perceived a divine presence in the form of a bull and therefore chose to worship it instead of the true God. His statement, “I perceived that which they did not perceive,” is interpreted as reflecting a false sense of visionary certainty. Commentators suggest that this type of misguided certainty has historically contributed to the persistence of idolatrous practices among those who mistake illusion for divine truth.
References:
NOORUDDÎN ,ALLÂMAH. (2015). Exegesis of The Holy Qur’ân Commentary and Reflections.