Exodus 32:28
ESV
And the sons of Levi did according to the word of Moses. And that day about three thousand men of the people fell.
NIV
The Levites did as Moses commanded, and that day about three thousand of the people died.
NASB
So the sons of Levi did as Moses instructed, and about three thousand men of the people fell that day.
CSB
The Levites did as Moses commanded, and about three thousand men fell dead that day among the people.
NLT
The Levites obeyed Moses’ command, and about 3,000 people died that day.
KJV
And the children of Levi did according to the word of Moses: and there fell of the people that day about three thousand men.
NKJV
So the sons of Levi did according to the word of Moses. And about three thousand men of the people fell that day.
What does Exodus 32:28 mean?
The patriarch of the tribe of Levi once took brutal revenge for the rape of his sister (Genesis 34:1–2, 24–26). Here, his descendants respond to Moses' call (Exodus 32:26) and bring terrible judgment on their fellow Israelites (Exodus 32:27). The people violated God's clear commandment (Exodus 20:3–6) by making an idol (Exodus 32:1–6). The consequences are terrible but could have been much worse (Exodus 32:9–10).Levites move through the Israelite camp and kill three thousand men. Scripture does explain exactly how this happened, how quickly it was done, if it was announced in advance, nor many other questions. Yet the slaughter does not appear random or uncontrolled. Were the Levites killing everyone they could, the death toll would have been much worse. Most commentators believe they targeted prominent leaders in the effort to create the golden idol.
