“And he said unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Put every man his sword by his side, and go in and out from gate to gate throughout the camp, and slay every man his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his neighbour.”
Context:Exodus 32:27 occurs in the narrative of the golden calf incident. The people of Israel, led by Aaron, had turned away from the worship of the one true God and crafted a golden calf to worship in the absence of Moses, who had gone up Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments from God. This act of idolatry angered the Lord, and He informed Moses of the people’s sin, expressing His intention to destroy them (Exodus 32:7-10).
Moses, however, interceded on behalf of the people and pleaded with God not to destroy them, reminding Him of His promises to their forefathers (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob). In response to Moses’ intercession, the Lord relented from destroying the people but still expressed His anger (Exodus 32:11-14).
Verse 27 comes after Moses descends from the mountain, carrying the two tablets of the testimony (the Ten Commandments) in his hands. When Moses saw the idolatrous worship and the chaotic revelry of the people, he became enraged and threw the tablets, breaking them at the base of the mountain (Exodus 32:15-19).
God’s Righteous Wrath:Exodus 32:27 illustrates God’s righteous anger against sin and idolatry. The Israelites’ rebellion was a grave offense, breaking the very first commandment God had just given them: “Thou shalt have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3). It shows the seriousness of turning away from the one true God and serving false idols.
Moses’ Zeal for God:Moses, as the mediator between God and Israel, displayed a zealous commitment to God’s glory and holiness. His anger was not personal but an expression of his concern for the honor and name of God. As leaders and believers, we can learn from Moses’ passion for God’s righteousness and justice.
Consequences of Sin:The command given by Moses to “slay every man his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his neighbor” was a call to implement judgment for the sin of idolatry. While this might seem harsh, it reflects the seriousness of sin in God’s eyes and its potential consequences if not dealt with.
Divine Mercy and Intercession:Even in the face of God’s anger and judgment, we see God’s willingness to listen to intercessory prayers. Moses pleaded on behalf of the people, and God relented from completely destroying them. This demonstrates the significance of intercessory prayer and God’s willingness to extend mercy.
Application to Our Lives:The account of the golden calf and God’s response highlights the importance of keeping God at the center of our lives and avoiding the temptation to worship other things, whether they be material possessions, worldly desires, or any false gods. It reminds us to remain faithful to the Lord and to seek His forgiveness when we do sin.
Conclusion:Exodus 32:27 presents a significant moment in the history of Israel, revealing God’s response to their idolatry and Moses’ zealous intercession. It serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and the need for repentance and intercession. Moreover, it emphasizes God’s righteous character, His willingness to extend mercy, and the importance of keeping Him at the center of our lives. As we study this passage, let us learn from the lessons it offers and strive to live in obedience to God, recognizing the gravity of sin and the greatness of His grace and mercy.
