Exodus 32:28
And the children of Levi did according to the word of Moses: and there fell of the people that day about three thousand men.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּֽעֲשׂ֥וּ
did
H6213
וַיַּֽעֲשׂ֥וּ
did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 13
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
בְנֵֽי
And the children
H1121
בְנֵֽי
And the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
2 of 13
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
כִּדְבַ֣ר
according to the word
H1697
כִּדְבַ֣ר
according to the word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
4 of 13
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
וַיִּפֹּ֤ל
and there fell
H5307
וַיִּפֹּ֤ל
and there fell
Strong's:
H5307
Word #:
6 of 13
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
מִן
H4480
מִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
7 of 13
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הָעָם֙
of the people
H5971
הָעָם֙
of the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
8 of 13
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
בַּיּ֣וֹם
that day
H3117
בַּיּ֣וֹם
that day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
9 of 13
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
הַה֔וּא
H1931
הַה֔וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
10 of 13
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
כִּשְׁלֹ֥שֶׁת
about three
H7969
כִּשְׁלֹ֥שֶׁת
about three
Strong's:
H7969
Word #:
11 of 13
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
Historical Context
This execution established the Levites' priesthood and demonstrated that covenant relationship requires covenant faithfulness. False worship merits death—a severity that reveals idolatry's ultimate horror.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the severity of punishment reveal about idolatry's seriousness?
- How does the contrast between Exodus 32 (3,000 die) and Acts 2 (3,000 saved) demonstrate grace's triumph?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The Levites' obedience (וַיַּעֲשׂוּ בְנֵי־לֵוִי כִּדְבַר מֹשֶׁה, vaya'asu venei-Levi kidvar Moshe, the sons of Levi did according to Moses' word) despite personal cost demonstrates true devotion. The death toll—כִּשְׁלֹשֶׁת אַלְפֵי אִישׁ (kisheloshet alfei ish, about three thousand men)—shows judgment's severity. This number (out of ~600,000 men) suggests the execution targeted ringleaders and persistent rebels, not all who sinned. The precision 'that day' (בַּיּוֹם הַהוּא, bayyom hahu) indicates swift justice. Peter's Pentecost saw 3,000 saved (Acts 2:41), a redemptive inversion showing grace's triumph.