Exodus 32:27

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Exodus 32:21-29

Moses, having shown his just indignation against the sin of Israel by breaking the tables and burning the calf, now proceeds to reckon with the sinners and to call them to an account, herein acting as the representative of God, who is not only a holy God, and hates sin, but a just God, and is engaged in honour to punish it, Isa. 59:18. Now, I. He begins with Aaron, as God began with Adam, because he was the principal person, though not first in the transgression, but drawn into it. Observe... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Exodus 32:27

And he said unto them, thus saith the Lord God of Israel ,.... The following orders are given by Moses, not of himself the chief magistrate, and as the effect of heat and passion, but there were from the Lord, who was Israel's God and King; he had them expressly from him, or by an impulse on his spirit, or in such a way and manner that he knew it was of God, and this was his will: put every man his sword by his side ; girt there, ready to be drawn upon order: and go in and out from... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 32:27

From gate to gate - It is probable that there was an enclosed or entrenched camp, in which the chief rulers and heads of the people were, and that this camp had two gates or outlets; and the Levites were commanded to pass from one to the other, slaying as many of the transgressors as they could find. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 32:27

Verse 27 27.Thus saith the Lord God of Israel He commands the Levites to gird themselves with their swords, to commit slaughter throughout the whole camp; and this may at first sight seem to be cruel and inhuman, when they are forbidden to spare their brothers, their friends, and neighbors; but it was by no means excessive, if we reflect how much more grievous it is to profane the sacred worship of God, than to inflict injury on man. Nor does he desire that all should be slain promiscuously;... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 32:15-35

Judgment and mercy. I. THE DESCENT or MOSES THE EMBLEM OF THE LAW 'S ENTRANCE INTO A WORLD OF SIN ( Exodus 32:15-29 ). 1 . He came with tables written by God's own finger. The Divine origin and claims of the law are still attested by its own nature and by man's conscience. 2 . He was met by the exhibition of gross and defiant sin. The law does not come to a people waiting to receive the knowledge of God's will, but busy with their idolatry and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 32:25-29

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 32:25-30

The zeal of Levi. Panic was in the camp. The idolaters stood as they had been taken in their guilty revels. Their sin had been of too heinous a nature to admit of its being passed over without severe punishment. Law must be vindicated. Vengeance must be taken for the injury offered to the majesty of Jehovah. Stern as the duty is, the mediator does not shrink from immediately addressing himself to the execution of judgment. I. THE SUMMONS . He stood in the gate of the camp and said,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 32:26-28

The punishment of idolatry. God did not long allow the sin against his majesty to remain unpunished. He declared his will to Moses ( Exodus 32:27 )—"Thus saith the Lord God of Israel"—and Moses, with his usual dutifulness, was prompt to execute his will. Having obtained the necessary force, he lost no time in inflicting the punishment. Of the punishment itself, we shall do well to note— I. ITS SEVERITY . Men talk and think very slightingly in these days of sins against God's... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 32:27

Go in and out from gate to gate, etc.,— i.e; "pass through the whole camp—visit every part of it—and, where you see the licentious rites continuing, use your swords—do not spare, though the man be a brother, or a companion, or a neighbour—strike nevertheless, and bring the revel to an end." read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Exodus 32:7-35

The faithfulness of Moses in the office that had been entrusted to him was now to be put to the test. It was to be made manifest whether he loved his own glory better than he loved the brethren who were under his charge; whether he would prefer that he should himself become the founder of a “great nation,” or that the Lord’s promise should be fulfilled in the whole people of Israel. This may have been especially needful for Moses, in consequence of his natural disposition. See Numbers 12:3; and... read more

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