God Orders 3000 People Killed
October 30, 2022
Commentary
Moses saw that the Israelites were out of control, and he knew it was Aaron’s fault (v. 25). The people had thrown off all restraint and become a disgrace before their enemies. Moses realized that firm action was needed, so he stood at the camp entrance and shouted, “Whoever is for the Lord, come to me” (v. 26). The Levites gathered to him, showing their loyalty to God. Moses told them that the Lord commanded them to go through the camp and exe-cute judgment on those who refused to repent (v. 27). The Levites obeyed, and about 3000 people died that day (v. 28). This judgment revealed the serious-ness of idolatry and the cost of rebellion against God. Because of their obedience, Moses told the Levites they would receive a special blessing and become the Lord’s priests (v. 29).
Even though the people regretted their sin, forgiveness still required atonement. Moses wanted to intercede for them, so he said he would return to the Lord and plead for mercy (v. 30). When he prayed, Moses asked God to forgive their terrible sin and even offered himself in their place, saying, “Please forgive them, or erase my name from Your book” (v. 32). But the Lord said that only those who had sinned would be erased (v. 33). God then told Moses to continue leading the people toward the promised land, but He would punish those who had rebelled when the time came (v. 34). Finally, the Lord sent a plague on the Israelites as a consequence for their idolatry (v. 35). Through this, the people learned that sin always brings judgment, but mercy is still available through humble repentance, sincere intercession, and renewed obedience to God’s will.
Application
When I see sin spreading around me, do I quietly watch or take a stand for what is right? Moses called people to choose the Lord’s side, and the Levites obeyed. Am I willing to obey even when it’s unpopular or costly? What idols might I need to destroy so that my loyalty and love for God remain pure and strong each day?
Exodus 32:25–35 (NET)
25 Moses saw that the people were running wild, for Aaron had let them get completely out of control, causing derision from their enemies. 26 So Moses stood at the entrance of the camp and said, “Whoever is for the Lord, come to me.” All the Levites gathered around him, 27 and he said to them, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, has said ‘Each man fasten his sword on his side, and go back and forth from entrance to entrance throughout the camp, and each one kill his brother, his friend, and his neighbor.’”
28 The Levites did what Moses ordered, and that day about 3,000 men of the people died. 29 Moses said, “You have been consecrated today for the Lord, for each of you was against his son or against his brother, so he has given a blessing to you today.”
30 The next day Moses said to the people, “You have committed a very serious sin, but now I will go up to the Lord—perhaps I can make atonement on behalf of your sin.”
31 So Moses returned to the Lord and said, “Alas, this people has committed a very serious sin, and they have made for themselves gods of gold. 32 But now, if you will forgive their sin…, but if not, wipe me out from your book that you have written.” 33 The Lord said to Moses, “Whoever has sinned against me—that person I will wipe out of my book. 34 So now go, lead the people to the place I have spoken to you about. See, my angel will go before you. But on the day that I punish, I will indeed punish them for their sin.”
35 And the Lord sent a plague on the people because they had made the calf —the one Aaron made.
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