Keraia
Exodus 32

Exodus 32:29

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

Translations

Modern
Afterward, Moses said, “Today you have been ordained for service to the LORD, since each man went against his son and his brother; so the LORD has bestowed a blessing on you this day.”
Traditional
For Moses had said, Consecrate yourselves to day to the Lord, even every man upon his son, and upon his brother; that he may bestow upon you a blessing this day.
Literal
And Moses said, “Fill your hand today for YHWH—for each man is against his son and against his brother—that He may bestow on you this day a blessing.”
Latin
Et ait Moyses: Consecrastis manus vestras hodie Domino, unusquisque in filio, et in fratre suo, ut detur vobis benedictio.

Original

Hebrew
English
Afterward, Moses said, “Today you have been ordained for service to the LORD, since each man went against his son and his brother; so the LORD has bestowed a blessing on you this day.”

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

Moses: Prophet who led Israel out of Egypt

Glossary

Book of Exodus Cattle Deuteronomy, Book of Gods and Goddesses Golden Calf History of Israel Levi (Person) Leviticus, Book of Offerings and Sacrifices 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 Obedience: The Israelites Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Moses and Levites Reproof: Faithfulness in Moses, of the Israelites