And he said unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Put every man his sword by his side, and go in and out from gate to gate throughout the camp, and slay every man his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his neighbour.
And Moses said to them, 'This is what the LORD God of Israel commands: Each of you put your sword at your side, and go back and forth through the camp from one end to the other, and kill your brothers, your friends, and your neighbors.'
God is commanding severe judgment through Moses against those who worshiped the golden calf, requiring the Levites to execute divine justice even against their own family and friends.
📚 Historical Context
This command came after the Israelites had made and worshiped a golden calf while Moses was receiving the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. The Levites had remained faithful to God when Moses asked 'Who is on the LORD's side?' and were chosen to carry out this judgment. About 3,000 people died that day as punishment for the idolatry that had corrupted the camp.
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