Exodus 32:35
ESV
Then the Lord sent a plague on the people, because they made the calf, the one that Aaron made.
NIV
And the Lord struck the people with a plague because of what they did with the calf Aaron had made.
NASB
Then the Lord struck the people with a plague, because of what they did with the calf which Aaron had made.
CSB
And the Lord inflicted a plague on the people for what they did with the calf Aaron had made.
NLT
Then the Lord sent a great plague upon the people because they had worshiped the calf Aaron had made.
KJV
And the Lord plagued the people, because they made the calf, which Aaron made.
NKJV
So the Lord plagued the people because of what they did with the calf which Aaron made.
What does Exodus 32:35 mean?
Little detail is given in connection with this verse. God is responding to Israel's act of blatant idolatry (Exodus 32:1–6). He has commanded Moses to take the people away from Sinai (Exodus 32:34). Moses has already punished the people in several ways (Exodus 32:19–20, 27–29). Some commentators believe the "plague" mentioned here is the slaughter of three thousand men by the tribe of Levi. Others suggest this was a new disease or other condition. Even the results of the plague are unclear. Perhaps the people were struck with something painful and miserable, but not fatal (Exodus 9:10). Maybe the plague is one of the later punishments Israel will receive for disobedience.For their part, the people mourn (Exodus 33:4–6). God will move His presence outside their camp, symbolizing the fracture in the relationship (Exodus 33:3, 7). Soon the Lord will renew the covenant and consecrate replacements for the stone tablets smashed by Moses (Exodus 34).
