YouVersion Logo
Search Icon

Exodus 32:18-32

Exodus 32:18-32 GNT

Moses said, “That doesn't sound like a shout of victory or a cry of defeat; it's the sound of singing.” When Moses came close enough to the camp to see the bull-calf and to see the people dancing, he became furious. There at the foot of the mountain, he threw down the tablets he was carrying and broke them. He took the bull-calf which they had made, melted it, ground it into fine powder, and mixed it with water. Then he made the people of Israel drink it. He said to Aaron, “What did these people do to you, that you have made them commit such a terrible sin?” Aaron answered, “Don't be angry with me; you know how determined these people are to do evil. They said to me, ‘We don't know what has happened to this man Moses, who brought us out of Egypt; so make us a god to lead us.’ I asked them to bring me their gold ornaments, and those who had any took them off and gave them to me. I threw the ornaments into the fire and out came this bull-calf!” Moses saw that Aaron had let the people get out of control and make fools of themselves in front of their enemies. So he stood at the gate of the camp and shouted, “Everyone who is on the LORD's side come over here!” So all the Levites gathered around him, and he said to them, “The LORD God of Israel commands every one of you to put on your sword and go through the camp from this gate to the other and kill your brothers, your friends, and your neighbors.” The Levites obeyed, and killed about three thousand men that day. Moses said to the Levites, “Today you have consecrated yourselves as priests in the service of the LORD by killing your sons and brothers, so the LORD has given you his blessing.” The next day Moses said to the people, “You have committed a terrible sin. But now I will again go up the mountain to the LORD; perhaps I can obtain forgiveness for your sin.” Moses then returned to the LORD and said, “These people have committed a terrible sin. They have made a god out of gold and worshiped it. Please forgive their sin; but if you won't, then remove my name from the book in which you have written the names of your people.”

YouVersion uses cookies to personalize your experience. By using our website, you accept our use of cookies as described in our Privacy Policy