Keraia
Exodus 32

Exodus 32:27

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

Translations

Modern
He told them, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Each of you men is to fasten his sword to his side, go back and forth through the camp from gate to gate, and slay his brother, his friend, and his neighbor.’”
Traditional
And he said unto them, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, Put every man his sword by his side, and go in and out from gate to gate throughout the camp, and slay every man his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his neighbour.
Literal
And he said to them, “Thus says YHWH God of Israel, ‘Put each man his sword on his side, pass over and turn back from gate to gate throughout the camp, and each man kill his brother, and each man his companion, and each man his neighbor.’”
Latin
…quibus ait: Hæc dicit Dominus Deus Israël: Ponat vir gladium super femur suum: ite, et redite de porta usque ad portam per medium castrorum, et occidat unusquisque fratrem, et amicum, et proximum suum.

Original

Hebrew
English
He told them, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Each of you men is to fasten his sword to his side, go back and forth through the camp from gate to gate, and slay his brother, his friend, and his neighbor.’”

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

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes

Glossary

Aaron Book of Exodus Cattle Criminal Law and Punishment 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 Israel: Moses' Indignation Journey of Israel Through The Desert: To Mount Sinai: People Punished for Idolatry Levites: Religious Zeal of Obedience: The Israelites Punishment: Death Penalty: The Sword 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