EXODUS 32
25 And when Moses saw that the people had broken loose (for Aaron had let them break loose, to the derision of their enemies), 26 then Moses stood in the gate of the camp and said, “Who is on the Lord’s side? Come to me.” And all the sons of Levi gathered around him. 27 And he said to them, “Thus says the Lord God of Israel, ‘Put your sword on your side each of you, and go to and fro from gate to gate throughout the camp, and each of you kill his brother and his companion and his neighbor.’” 28 And the sons of Levi did according to the word of Moses. And that day about three thousand men of the people fell. 29 And Moses said, “Today you have been ordained for the service of the Lord, each one at the cost of his son and of his brother, so that he might bestow a blessing upon you this day.”– Exodus 32:25-29
EXODUS 32 MOSES CHALLENGES GOD’S PEOPLE
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
When Moses witnessed that the people have gone against God
He challenged the Israelites to declare who was on the Lord’s side
The whole clan of Levi went to side with the Lord and the rest didn’t
So, Moses asked the Levites to kill all those who were not on God’s side
The Levites followed obediently and killed those against God
Whether they were their son, neighbor or brother, they were executed.
This account may sound harsh but I think Moses was led by God to expose those who were truly for him and those who were against him. God is a God of order and clarity. It is either you belong to him or not. Sadly, even in our current days, we see so many people live compromised lives. They say that believe in God but their lives do not seem to match their beliefs. This is why we are warned in the bible that we should never conform with the world, but to be transformed by the renewal of our minds. We are also warned against following the world systems which to not glorify God but focuses on self-pleasure and gratification. Just like the Israelites decided that they will create their own gods when they couldn’t wait for Moses’ return from the mountain. It is good that Moses confronted their loyalties.
REFLECTION
- Why do you think the Levites didn’t have second thoughts to kill those even their closest family and friends who went against the Lord?
