Exodus 32:18
And he said, It is not the voice of them that shout for mastery, neither is it the voice of them that cry for being overcome: but the noise of them that sing do I hear.
Original Language Analysis
עֲנ֣וֹת
of them that cry
H6030
עֲנ֣וֹת
of them that cry
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
4 of 13
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
גְּבוּרָ֔ה
for mastery
H1369
גְּבוּרָ֔ה
for mastery
Strong's:
H1369
Word #:
5 of 13
force (literally or figuratively); by implication, valor, victory
וְאֵ֥ין
H369
עֲנ֣וֹת
of them that cry
H6030
עֲנ֣וֹת
of them that cry
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
8 of 13
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
Historical Context
Moses' immediate discernment came from his awareness of Egyptian religion (having lived in Pharaoh's court) and God's recent revelation. He recognized pagan worship patterns despite Joshua's military interpretation.
Questions for Reflection
- How can religious activity mask spiritual adultery?
- What enables discernment between godly and fleshly worship?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Moses' threefold correction uses different Hebrew terms: not קוֹל עֲנוֹת גְּבוּרָה (qol anot gevurah, sound of triumph) nor קוֹל עֲנוֹת חֲלוּשָׁה (qol anot chalushah, sound of defeat), but קוֹל עַנּוֹת (qol annot, sound of singing/responding). The word עַנּוֹת (annot) suggests responsive singing, likely the antiphonal worship of pagan festivals. Moses recognized immediately what Joshua missed—this was worship, but directed toward the wrong object. The parallel sounds (עֲנוֹת, anot) emphasize Moses' certainty that this was religious activity, not warfare.