Exodus 32:25 Moses saw that the people were running wild and that Aaron had let them get out of control and so become a laughingstock to their enemies.
There are so many things that confuse me about today’s verses. Moses counsels God in v12 to turn from His anger, yet Moses gives the order that results in 3,000 deaths? I mean, I recognize that things are out of control, but the murder of 3,000 brothers, friends, and neighbors? That’s what will be helpful here?
Exodus 32:26 So he stood at the entrance to the camp and said, “Whoever is for the Lord, come to me.” And all the Levites rallied to him.
And, while the only decision is “to be on the Lord’s side,” as commentary posits, we have to be able to trust the one who purports to be on God’s side, who purports to be preaching God’s word because, unfortunately, there are so many wolves preaching “God’s word” perverted by their own objectives that it is hard to know whom to trust sometimes.
Exodus 32:27 Then he said to them, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘Each man strap a sword to his side. Go back and forth through the camp from one end to the other, each killing his brother and friend and neighbor.’ ”
Precious Savior, You know I struggle with death in the Bible: Is it truly necessary? Will it be used by modern “prophets” to twist and corrupt Your word and Your people? Help me–to understand and to trust–in a way that brings You glory and does not lead to ungodly destruction. Help me, Jesus. Amen.
Exodus 32:28 The Levites did as Moses commanded, and that day about three thousand of the people died.
Have a blessed day.