Keraia
Exodus 32

Exodus 32:26

The Golden Calf · Exodus 32:1–35
Read Exodus 32

Translations

Modern
So Moses stood at the entrance to the camp and said, “Whoever is for the LORD, come to me.” And all the Levites gathered around him.
Traditional
Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the Lord’s side? let him come unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him.
Literal
And Moses stood in the entrance of the camp and said, “Who is for YHWH? Come to me!” And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together to him.
Latin
…et stans in porta castrorum, ait: Si quis est Domini, jungatur mihi. Congregatique sunt ad eum omnes filii Levi:

Original

Hebrew
English
So Moses stood at the entrance to the camp and said, “Whoever is for the LORD, come to me.” And all the Levites gathered around him.

Notes

Exodus 32:26–29

Moses had asked God to spare the people, but now he called on those who followed the Lord to kill those who had sinned. The Levites (32:26) were willing to confront the sin that Aaron had let loose. Although Moses commanded them to kill everyone (32:27), the number 3,000 (32:28) makes it clear that the words each of you had a restricted meaning.

The reference to his son and his brother suggests that as Aaron had led in the idolatry, many of the Levites had led in the worship of the idol, and they were the ones that the rest of the Levites killed. Aaron may have escaped because God had already designated him as high priest (28:1).

Exodus 32:15–29

When Moses saw what was happening, he became much less calm than he was on the mountain. He smashed the two tablets (32:15–19). He destroyed the calf (32:20). He confronted Aaron (32:21–25). He ordered the death of the rebellious leaders (32:26–29).

Exodus 32:1–35

Moses had been gone for many days. While waiting at the bottom of Mount Sinai, the people wanted protection, guidance, and a way to show their worship. God understood this and wanted to help them (see chapters 25–31). But the Israelites tried to meet their needs on their own. Fellowship with God requires relying on him (see John 15:5; 2 Corinthians 3:5).

Events

Parallels

Deuteronomy 9:7–29 Acts 7:39–43

People

Levi: Son of Jacob; progenitor of the Levites Moses: Prophet who led Israel out of Egypt

Glossary

Aaron Book of Exodus Cattle Deuteronomy, Book of Gods and Goddesses Golden Calf History of Israel Levi (Person) Leviticus, Book of Tabernacle Tribe of Levi

Topics

Calf of Gold: Making of Israel Punished For Decision: Exhibited in Being on the Lord's Side Gates: Made to Camps Israel: Moses' Indignation Journey of Israel Through The Desert: To Mount Sinai: People Punished for Idolatry Levites: Religious Zeal of Obedience: The Israelites Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Moses and Levites Reproof: Faithfulness in Moses, of the Israelites The Levites: Zeal Against Idolatry a Cause of Their Appointment