Exodus 32:28 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And the sons of Levi did according to the word of Moses. And that day about three thousand men of the people fell.

NIV: The Levites did as Moses commanded, and that day about three thousand of the people died.

NASB: So the sons of Levi did as Moses instructed, and about three thousand men of the people fell that day.

CSB: The Levites did as Moses commanded, and about three thousand men fell dead that day among the people.

NLT: The Levites obeyed Moses’ command, and about 3,000 people died that day.

KJV: And the children of Levi did according to the word of Moses: and there fell of the people that day about three thousand men.

NKJV: So the sons of Levi did according to the word of Moses. And about three thousand men of the people fell that day.

The patriarch of the tribe of Levi once took brutal revenge for the rape of his sister (Genesis 34:1–2, 24–26). Here, his descendants respond to Moses' call (Exodus 32:26) and bring terrible judgment on their fellow Israelites (Exodus 32:27). The people violated God's clear commandment (Exodus 20:3–6) by making an idol (Exodus 32:1–6). The consequences are terrible but could have been much worse (Exodus 32:9–10).

Levites move through the Israelite camp and kill three thousand men. Scripture does explain exactly how this happened, how quickly it was done, if it was announced in advance, nor many other questions. Yet the slaughter does not appear random or uncontrolled. Were the Levites killing everyone they could, the death toll would have been much worse. Most commentators believe they targeted prominent leaders in the effort to create the golden idol.

Exodus 32:25–35 describes Israel's initial punishment for idolatry (Exodus 32:1–6). Moses calls for loyal men; his own tribe of Levi responds. He assigns the men to put several thousand people to death. It seems likely that those executed are leaders who cooperated in making the idol. Moses continues to offer himself as a sacrifice in exchange for God's mercy on Israel. God refuses. Instead, the Lord commands the Israelites to break camp and head for their next destination.

During Moses' long absence (Exodus 24:18), the Israelites lose patience. They demand that Aaron (Exodus 24:14) make them a god they can see. Aaron makes a gold idol from donated jewelry and the people worship it as God. On the mountain, God is furious and sends Moses back. Moses arrives, breaks the stone tablets of God's law which he carried, and destroys the idol. Moses then calls on loyal men to execute those responsible. Aaron is spared, but Israel can anticipate more punishment.

Moses went onto Sinai to communicate with the Lord (Exodus 24:12) and has been gone a long time (Exodus 24:18). He is receiving instructions from God (Exodus 25—31). Meanwhile, Israel falls into idolatry. They break the first two commandments just given at Sinai (Exodus 20:3–6). After delivering initial consequences, God commands Israel to move along and discusses how He will renew His covenant (Exodus 33—34).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.

Accessed 9/17/2025 8:29:40 PM