Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does 'Who is on the Lord’s side?' mean in Exodus 32:26?
A: In Exodus 32:26, Moshe calls out to the people after the sin of the Golden Calf, asking who remains loyal to Hashem. According to Rashi, this was a test to identify those who rejected idolatry and were ready to repent. The tribe of Levi responded immediately, showing their unwavering commitment to Hashem.
Q: Why did Moshe stand at the gate of the camp in Exodus 32:26?
A: Moshe stood at the gate of the camp, a central and public place, to make his call for loyalty to Hashem heard by all. The Midrash explains that this location symbolized a decisive moment—those who joined him at the gate chose righteousness, while those who didn’t remained associated with sin.
Q: Why did the tribe of Levi gather to Moshe in this verse?
A: The tribe of Levi gathered to Moshe because they demonstrated their faithfulness to Hashem during the crisis of the Golden Calf. The Rambam teaches that their swift response showed their dedication to Torah and rejection of idolatry, earning them their role as servants in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later the Beit HaMikdash (Temple).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Exodus 32:26 today?
A: This verse teaches the importance of standing up for truth and loyalty to Hashem, even when others go astray. The Levi'im set an example by immediately aligning themselves with Moshe and rejecting sin. Today, we must also strive to make the right choices, especially in moments of moral challenge.
Q: How does this verse connect to the role of the Levites?
A: Exodus 32:26 marks the beginning of the Levites' special role in Jewish tradition. Because they answered Moshe’s call without hesitation, they were later chosen for sacred duties, such as serving in the Mishkan and teaching Torah. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 26b) highlights their zeal for Hashem’s honor as the reason for their elevated status.
Context of the Verse
This verse (Shemot 32:26) appears in the aftermath of the sin of the Golden Calf (עגל הזהב). Moshe Rabbeinu returns from Har Sinai to find Bnei Yisrael engaged in idolatry and calls for those loyal to Hashem to separate themselves from the transgressors.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi explains that Moshe stood at the entrance of the camp to physically separate those who remained faithful to Hashem from those who participated in the sin. His call, "מִי לַיהוָה אֵלָי" ("Who is on Hashem's side?"), was a demand for public allegiance to the true service of Hashem.
The Response of the Levi'im
The immediate gathering of the entire tribe of Levi demonstrates their unwavering commitment to Hashem. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 32:5) highlights that the Levi'im did not participate in the sin of the Golden Calf, and their swift response to Moshe's call showed their zeal for Hashem's honor.
Rambam's Perspective
In Hilchot Avodat Kochavim (4:6), Rambam cites this episode as a model for how to respond to public idolatry. The Levi'im's actions exemplify the principle of kana'ut (zealotry) for Hashem's name when the community strays from Torah.
Symbolism of the Camp's Gate
Legacy of the Levi'im
The Talmud (Yoma 66b) teaches that because of their loyalty here, the Levi'im were later chosen for special service in the Mishkan and Beit HaMikdash. Their willingness to stand for truth at this critical moment earned them eternal distinction in avodat Hashem.