Exodus 32:28
Exodus 32:28 in Multiple Translations
The Levites did as Moses commanded, and that day about three thousand of the people fell dead.
And the children of Levi did according to the word of Moses: and there fell of the people that day about three thousand men.
And the sons of Levi did according to the word of Moses: and there fell of the people that day about three thousand men.
And the sons of Levi did as Moses said; and about three thousand of the people were put to death that day.
The Levites did what Moses had told them, and that day around 3,000 men were killed.
So the children of Leui did as Moses had commanded: and there fel of the people the same day about three thousand men.
And the sons of Levi do according to the word of Moses, and there fall of the people on that day about three thousand men,
The sons of Levi did according to the word of Moses. About three thousand men fell of the people that day.
And the children of Levi did according to the word of Moses: and there fell of the people that day about three thousand men.
And the sons of Levi did according to the words of Moses, and there were slain that day about three and twenty thousand men.
The descendants of Levi did what Moses/I told them to do, and they killed 3,000 men on that day.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 32:28
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Exodus 32:28 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 32:28
Study Notes — Exodus 32:28
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 32:28 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 32:28
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 32:28
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 32:28
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 32:28
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 32:28
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 32:28
- Sermons on Exodus 32:28
Context — The Golden Calf
28The Levites did as Moses commanded, and that day about three thousand of the people fell dead.
29Afterward, 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.” 30The next day Moses said to the people, “You have committed a great sin. Now I will go up to the LORD; perhaps I can make atonement for your sin.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 33:9 | He said of his father and mother, ‘I do not consider them.’ He disregarded his brothers and did not know his own sons, for he kept Your word and maintained Your covenant. |
| 2 | Malachi 2:4–6 | Then you will know that I have sent you this commandment so that My covenant with Levi may continue,” says the LORD of Hosts. “My covenant with him was one of life and peace, which I gave to him; it called for reverence, and he revered Me and stood in awe of My name. True instruction was in his mouth, and nothing false was found on his lips. He walked with Me in peace and uprightness, and he turned many from iniquity. |
| 3 | 1 Corinthians 10:8 | We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. |
| 4 | Numbers 16:41 | The next day the whole congregation of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron, saying, “You have killed the LORD’s people!” |
| 5 | Hebrews 2:2–3 | For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every transgression and disobedience received its just punishment, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? This salvation was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, |
| 6 | Numbers 16:32–35 | and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their households—all Korah’s men and all their possessions. They went down alive into Sheol with all they owned. The earth closed over them, and they vanished from the assembly. At their cries, all the people of Israel who were around them fled, saying, “The earth may swallow us too!” And fire came forth from the LORD and consumed the 250 men who were offering the incense. |
Exodus 32:28 Summary
This verse shows that the Levites obeyed Moses' command to punish the people who had sinned against God, and about three thousand people died as a result. This event teaches us that God is holy and just, and that He will not tolerate sin, as seen in Exodus 32:28 and Romans 6:23. It also reminds us of the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God, as taught in Deuteronomy 28:1-14 and Matthew 22:37-40. By reflecting on this verse, we can learn to prioritize our relationship with God and seek to obey His commands, even when it's difficult, as seen in Matthew 10:37 and 1 Corinthians 10:31.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Moses command the Levites to slay their brothers and friends?
Moses commanded the Levites to slay their brothers and friends as a judgment from the Lord for their idolatry and rebellion, as seen in Exodus 32:28, which was a consequence of their actions, similar to the judgment in Numbers 25:1-9, where the Lord commanded the judges of Israel to slay those who had sinned.
How could the Levites bring themselves to obey such a command?
The Levites were able to obey Moses' command because they were committed to following the Lord's instructions, even when it was difficult, as seen in Exodus 32:26-28, and they were willing to prioritize their loyalty to God over their personal relationships, as taught in Matthew 10:37.
What does this verse reveal about God's character?
This verse reveals that God is a holy and just God who will not tolerate sin and rebellion, as seen in Exodus 32:28, and that He will judge those who disobey Him, as stated in Hebrews 10:26-31 and Romans 6:23.
How does this event relate to the broader story of the Israelites?
This event is a pivotal moment in the story of the Israelites, as it marks a turning point in their relationship with God, and it serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience, as seen in Exodus 32:28, and the importance of faithfulness and obedience, as taught in Deuteronomy 28:1-14 and Jeremiah 7:23.
Reflection Questions
- What would I be willing to sacrifice in order to obey God's commands, and how can I prioritize my relationship with Him above all else?
- How do I respond to difficult circumstances or commands from God, and what can I learn from the example of the Levites in Exodus 32:28?
- In what ways do I struggle with idolatry or rebellion in my own life, and how can I seek God's forgiveness and restoration, as seen in 1 John 1:9 and Psalm 51:1-19?
- What does it mean to be 'ordained for service to the Lord' as the Levites were in Exodus 32:29, and how can I seek to be set apart for God's service in my own life, as taught in Romans 12:1-2 and 1 Corinthians 6:19-20?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 32:28
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 32:28
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 32:28
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 32:28
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 32:28
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 32:28
Sermons on Exodus 32:28
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Levitical Ministry - Part 1of4 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of the Levi tribe in the Bible and how it relates to the church. The Levi tribe represents the principle and meaning of the h |
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Chief Cause for Decay in the Church by Ian Murray | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the verses from the book of Malachi, specifically chapter 4. The text speaks of a day that will come, burning like an oven, where the proud |
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Malachi #3: Defiling the Table and Dividing the Redeemed by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of serving God with reverence and awe. He highlights the covenant between God and Levi, where Levi revered God, walked in peac |
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(Om Orientation) the Pull of the Flesh - Part 2 by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a strong desire for freedom from sin and a hunger to see others set free as well. He compares this desire to the det |
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Grace That Endures by Dennis Kinlaw | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of hallowing God's name and glorifying Him above all else. He shares his struggle in deciding what to speak about and highligh |
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From Wrath to Mercy by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the transition from God's wrath to His mercy, illustrating how the blood of Jesus satisfies divine justice and allows God to extend grace to humanity. He |
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"Hebrews" Monday - Part 2 (Keswick Convention 2003) by Charles Price | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the limitations of the Old Testament law and its inability to bring about true salvation. He explains that the law was like a shadow, pointin |






