Exodus 32:29

29. For Moses had said Thus rendered, this verse is supposed to explain the zeal of the Levites in the slaughter just described . Their zeal and activity were to be a consecration of themselves to Jehovah . But the common version is not in strict accord with the Hebrew text . The margin gives the better rendering . But the explanations of the verse have been various . Translating literally we read: And Moses said, Fill your hand to-day unto (or for) Jehovah, for a man (is or was) against his son and against his brother, and (it was) to give a blessing upon you to-day. The expression “fill the hand” is a metaphor which is used in describing the consecration of persons, (compare Exodus 28:41; Exodus 29:9; Exodus 29:29; Exodus 29:33; Leviticus 8:33; Leviticus 21:10; Numbers 3:3; 1Ch 29:5 ; 2 Chronicles 29:31,) and is translated consecrate in all the passages here referred to. The allusion in the metaphor appears to refer to some ceremony of giving into the hands of those consecrated some sign or symbol of their office and work. It would be thus signified that their hands were thenceforth to be filled with the duties and obligations of their sacred calling. We need not here understand that these Levites were commanded to bring any special offerings at this time, but that the work which they had that day performed was a consecration of themselves to Jehovah. They had filled their hands with an act which would give them memorable distinction. Accordingly, the verse might be thus paraphrased: Consecrate yourselves this day unto Jehovah. For you have shown yourselves worthy to be his ministers by rising above personal and family considerations when Jehovah’s honour was at stake, (comp. Deuteronomy 33:8-11; Luke 14:26,) for by turning in this case against son and brother you have shown yourselves loyal to Jehovah and worthy to receive his blessing .