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Exodus 32:26
Verse
Context
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Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Who is on the Lord's side? - That is, Who among you is free from this transgression? And all the sons of Levi, etc. - It seems they had no part in this idolatrous business.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said--The camp is supposed to have been protected by a rampart after the attack of the Amalekites. Who is on the Lord's side? let him come unto me--The zeal and courage of Moses was astonishing, considering he opposed an intoxicated mob. The people were separated into two divisions, and those who were the boldest and most obstinate in vindicating their idolatry were put to death, while the rest, who withdrew in shame or sorrow, were spared.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And he said unto them, thus saith the Lord God of Israel,.... The following orders are given by Moses, not of himself the chief magistrate, and as the effect of heat and passion, but there were from the Lord, who was Israel's God and King; he had them expressly from him, or by an impulse on his spirit, or in such a way and manner that he knew it was of God, and this was his will: put every man his sword by his side; girt there, ready to be drawn upon order: and go in and out from gate to gate throughout the camp; not into the tents, where good men might be bemoaning the sin committed, but throughout the streets, where many were loitering, it being a holy day with the idolaters: and slay every man his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his neighbour; who were idolaters; none were to be spared on account of relation, friendship, and acquaintance.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
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 word everyone had a restricted meaning. The reference to your own sons and brothers 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 32:26
The Golden Calf
25Moses saw that the people were out of control, for Aaron had let them run wild and become a laughingstock to their enemies. 26So Moses stood at the entrance to the camp and said, “Whoever is for the LORD, come to me.” And all the Levites gathered around him.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
A Life of Self Acknowlegement
By Zac Poonen1.3K1:01:40GEN 3:12EXO 32:26JOB 1:5JER 5:26MAT 5:8LUK 16:15JHN 16:131JN 3:2This sermon emphasizes the importance of discipline in various aspects of life, such as time management, financial stewardship, and controlling bodily desires. It also highlights the need to live a non-judgmental life, focusing on self-improvement rather than criticizing others. The message draws parallels from biblical stories like Simeon prophesying about Jesus and the actions of the tribe of Levi to illustrate the impact of Christ's presence and the revelation of inner thoughts when encountering Him.
Where You Going to Stand?
By Zeb McDaris1.2K19:37ChoosingEXO 32:1EXO 32:20EXO 32:26EXO 32:29In this sermon, the preacher begins by explaining that he initially didn't plan to use a microphone but decided to do so. He then provides a brief history of the text from Exodus, where Aaron falls for a trick and leads the people to produce a golden calf. The preacher reflects on the challenges of being a leader and the importance of not letting sin steal glory from God. The sermon emphasizes the need to destroy and get rid of sinful things in order to free ourselves and give glory to God.
Shipwrecks
By John McGregor98339:09Falling AwayEXO 32:26MAT 6:33JHN 1:38ACT 27:10ACT 27:21In this sermon, the speaker discusses various lessons that can be learned from a biblical text. The first lesson highlighted is the confidence of a spirit-filled servant, as seen in verses 21 through 44. The speaker emphasizes the importance of maintaining courage in the face of challenging circumstances. The second lesson focuses on the rapid changes that can occur in life, using the example of a ship caught in a wind. The speaker encourages listeners to trust in God's control even when they feel out of control. The third lesson explores the console of worldly thinking, highlighting how the non-Christian world bases their decisions on flawed perspectives. The speaker urges believers to rely on God's wisdom rather than worldly wisdom.
Spiritual Value #1 - What Is Value? Principle
By Stephen Kaung8691:11:18GEN 12:1EXO 32:26MAT 6:33MAT 16:16MAT 16:21MAT 16:26In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of valuing our souls over worldly gains. He highlights that in this world, everything comes at a cost and we often exchange our souls for worldly possessions. The preacher refers to Matthew 16:26, where Jesus asks what profit it is to gain the whole world but lose one's soul. He explains that our sense of value is distorted, and we often prioritize things that we shouldn't and despise the things we should treasure. The preacher encourages the audience to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Jesus in order to truly value God above all things.
Who Is on the Lord's Side
By John Ridley84343:46EXO 32:26MAT 7:7MAT 11:28JHN 5:39ROM 6:23HEB 9:22JAS 4:7In this sermon, the speaker discusses the challenge of choosing between the Lord's side and the side of the world. He tells the story of Moses coming down from the mountain with the Ten Commandments and witnessing the Israelites worshiping a golden calf. Moses calls out for those who are on the Lord's side to come to him, and the Levites gather to him. They are then commanded to execute judgment on the rest of the camp, resulting in the death of 3,000 people. The speaker emphasizes the importance of choosing the Lord's side and highlights the power of the blood of Jesus Christ to cleanse us from sin.
Learning From Persecution
By Peter Hammond15649:29PersecutionEXO 32:26JHN 15:181PE 1:6REV 6:15REV 7:9REV 7:17In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a faith that is not just intellectual, but also heartfelt and practical. He shares his personal experience of finding joy in the midst of difficult circumstances and learning valuable lessons from them. The speaker highlights the power of prayer and persistence, using the example of a persistent widow who obtained justice from an unjust judge. He also references the stories of Jeremiah Denton and Captain Redmayrd Daniels, who maintained their sanity and strength through physical exercise and mental focus during their time in communist prisons. The sermon concludes with an emphasis on the importance of Bible study, prayer fellowship, decentralization, Bible memorization, and fearing God.
Nicodemus Leaders
By Anton Bosch0EXO 32:26MAT 5:10JHN 3:16JHN 3:19HEB 11:25Anton Bosch delves into the stories of Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea, highlighting their fear of openly identifying with Jesus due to concerns about image, popularity, and position. He draws parallels between these men and modern spiritual leaders who know the Truth but remain silent for fear of consequences. Bosch emphasizes the importance of standing up for the Truth, even in the face of persecution, using biblical examples like Moses and the call to be salt and light in the church.
True Saints
By Charles Finney0True Friendship with GodThe Nature of True SaintsEXO 32:26MAT 5:14Charles Finney's sermon 'True Saints' emphasizes the distinction between three classes of professing Christians, focusing on the true friends of God who are characterized by their sincere benevolence, abhorrence of sin, and a deep desire to reconcile others to God. He highlights that true saints are not motivated by self-interest or public opinion but are driven by a genuine love for God and a commitment to holiness. Finney urges listeners to examine their own lives and motivations, stressing that true piety is marked by a relentless pursuit of the salvation of souls and a heartfelt prayer life focused on others. He challenges the congregation to reflect on whether they embody the characteristics of true friends of God and man, as defined by their actions and desires.
Letter 106
By James Bourne0EXO 32:26HOS 13:7JHN 14:6ROM 9:161CO 10:13COL 3:22TI 4:10James Bourne addresses a dear friend who is struggling to speak or write about spiritual matters, advising her to give up these difficulties and immerse herself in worldly pursuits like David did when he fled to the land of the Philistines. Bourne emphasizes the importance of manifesting spiritual life during trying circumstances, encouraging the friend to cry out to God for help and guidance. He warns against being indifferent and careless about spiritual matters, urging her to seek the Lord's mercy and remember that Christ is the only way of escape for sinners.
Legal Religion
By Charles Finney0True Religion vs. LegalismSelf-ExaminationEXO 32:26MAT 22:37Charles Finney addresses the concept of 'Legal Religion,' emphasizing the distinction between true love for God and a self-serving approach to faith. He categorizes religious individuals into three classes, focusing on those motivated by self-love, who treat religion as a secondary concern and perform duties out of obligation rather than genuine affection. Finney critiques this mindset, highlighting that such individuals often prioritize their own salvation over the salvation of others, lack true joy in spiritual practices, and are more concerned with avoiding punishment than with the honor of God. He calls for self-examination among believers to determine their true motivations in faith and urges them to embrace a more genuine, selfless approach to their relationship with God.
A Special Vocation
By T. Austin-Sparks0The Role of the Holy SpiritSpiritual MaturityEXO 32:26MAL 2:7MAT 10:39LUK 9:62JHN 6:54ROM 8:2ROM 12:1HEB 4:121PE 2:51PE 2:9T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the special vocation of God's people, illustrating the distinctions within the community of faith through the example of Israel's structure around the tabernacle. He explains that while all believers share in the benefits of Christ's sacrifice, there exists a deeper, more subjective experience of faith that characterizes a smaller group, akin to the Levites in Israel. This inward experience is marked by a personal relationship with God, facilitated by the Cross, the Blood, and the Spirit, which leads to spiritual maturity and effective ministry. Sparks warns against the dangers of merely objective faith, urging believers to seek a transformative relationship with Christ that goes beyond surface-level understanding. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper commitment to spiritual growth and the active work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.
Legal Religion: Principles of Fear
By Charles Finney0Selfishness vs. SelflessnessTrue Faith vs. LegalismGEN 39:9EXO 32:26PSA 51:13ACT 20:35ROM 8:1Charles Finney addresses the concept of 'Legal Religion' by emphasizing that many individuals approach their faith out of fear and self-interest rather than genuine love for God. He contrasts the legalist, who performs religious duties out of obligation and fear of punishment, with the true believer, who seeks to honor God and serve others selflessly. Finney challenges listeners to examine their motivations, urging them to move beyond a self-centered faith to one that actively seeks to rid the world of sin and promote holiness. He calls for a deeper understanding of true Christianity, which is characterized by love, self-denial, and a desire to do good for others. Ultimately, he implores his audience to determine which side they are on: the Lord's side or the side of selfishness.
Palestine for the Young - the Tribe of Levi
By Andrew Bonar0Jesus as the High PriestThe Role of the LevitesGEN 49:7EXO 32:26DEU 33:8JOS 21:11CH 6:54MAT 5:14JHN 10:11ROM 12:1HEB 7:231PE 2:9Andrew Bonar emphasizes the fulfillment of Jacob's prophecy regarding the Tribe of Levi, highlighting their unique role as servants of God scattered throughout Israel. Unlike other tribes, the Levites were given cities not to possess but to dwell in, serving as spiritual leaders and maintainers of worship across the land. Bonar illustrates how their dispersion turned a curse into a blessing, allowing them to spread God's influence and teachings everywhere. He draws parallels between the Levites' responsibilities and the ultimate priesthood of Jesus, who fulfills the role of the true High Priest. The sermon concludes with a call to recognize the blessings of being aligned with Christ, the ultimate source of spiritual inheritance.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Who is on the Lord's side? - That is, Who among you is free from this transgression? And all the sons of Levi, etc. - It seems they had no part in this idolatrous business.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said--The camp is supposed to have been protected by a rampart after the attack of the Amalekites. Who is on the Lord's side? let him come unto me--The zeal and courage of Moses was astonishing, considering he opposed an intoxicated mob. The people were separated into two divisions, and those who were the boldest and most obstinate in vindicating their idolatry were put to death, while the rest, who withdrew in shame or sorrow, were spared.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And he said unto them, thus saith the Lord God of Israel,.... The following orders are given by Moses, not of himself the chief magistrate, and as the effect of heat and passion, but there were from the Lord, who was Israel's God and King; he had them expressly from him, or by an impulse on his spirit, or in such a way and manner that he knew it was of God, and this was his will: put every man his sword by his side; girt there, ready to be drawn upon order: and go in and out from gate to gate throughout the camp; not into the tents, where good men might be bemoaning the sin committed, but throughout the streets, where many were loitering, it being a holy day with the idolaters: and slay every man his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his neighbour; who were idolaters; none were to be spared on account of relation, friendship, and acquaintance.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
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 word everyone had a restricted meaning. The reference to your own sons and brothers 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).