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Exodus 32:27 - Severe justice for golden calf

Exodus 32:27 - שמות 32:27

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר לָהֶם כֹּה־אָמַר יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל שִׂימוּ אִישׁ־חַרְבּוֹ עַל־יְרֵכוֹ עִבְרוּ וָשׁוּבוּ מִשַּׁעַר לָשַׁעַר בַּמַּחֲנֶה וְהִרְגוּ אִישׁ־אֶת־אָחִיו וְאִישׁ אֶת־רֵעֵהוּ וְאִישׁ אֶת־קְרֹבוֹ׃

English Translation

And he said to them, Thus says the Lord God of Yisra᾽el, Put every man his sword by his side, and go to and fro from gate to gate throughout the camp, and slay every man his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his neighbour.

Transliteration

Va'yomer lahem ko amar Adonai Elohei Yisrael simu ish charbo al yerecho ivru vashuvu mi'sha'ar la'sha'ar ba'machaneh ve'hirgu ish et achiv ve'ish et re'ehu ve'ish et k'rovo.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר לָהֶ֗ם כֹּֽה־אָמַ֤ר יְהֹוָה֙ אֱלֹהֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל שִׂ֥ימוּ אִישׁ־חַרְבּ֖וֹ עַל־יְרֵכ֑וֹ עִבְר֨וּ וָשׁ֜וּבוּ מִשַּׁ֤עַר לָשַׁ֙עַר֙ בַּֽמַּחֲנֶ֔ה וְהִרְג֧וּ אִֽישׁ־אֶת־אָחִ֛יו וְאִ֥ישׁ אֶת־רֵעֵ֖הוּ וְאִ֥ישׁ אֶת־קְרֹבֽוֹ׃
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר לָהֶ֗ם כֹּֽה־אָמַ֤ר יְהֹוָה֙ אֱלֹהֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל שִׂ֥ימוּ אִישׁ־חַרְבּ֖וֹ עַל־יְרֵכ֑וֹ עִבְר֨וּ וָשׁ֜וּבוּ מִשַּׁ֤עַר לָשַׁ֙עַר֙ בַּֽמַּחֲנֶ֔ה וְהִרְג֧וּ אִֽישׁ־אֶת־אָחִ֛יו וְאִ֥ישׁ אֶת־רֵעֵ֖הוּ וְאִ֥ישׁ אֶת־קְרֹבֽוֹ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Shemot 32:27) appears in the aftermath of the sin of the Golden Calf, when Moshe returns from Har Sinai and witnesses Bnei Yisrael's idolatry. He calls upon the tribe of Levi to carry out divine justice against those who participated in the sin.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Shemot 32:27) explains that the command "Put every man his sword by his side" was directed specifically at the tribe of Levi, who had not participated in the sin of the Golden Calf. The phrase "from gate to gate" refers to the entrances of the Israelite camp, where the sinners were gathered. The instruction to slay "his brother, his companion, and his neighbor" indicates that the Levi'im were to execute judgment even upon close relatives who had sinned—demonstrating their unwavering commitment to Hashem's command.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Avodat Kochavim (3:1), Rambam cites this episode as a halachic precedent for the obligation to zealously oppose idolatry, even to the point of taking severe action against those who engage in it. The Levi'im's actions exemplify the principle of kana'ut (zealotry) for Hashem's honor.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash Tanchuma (Ki Tisa 26) states that the Levi'im hesitated at first, questioning whether they should kill their own brethren. Moshe then declared, "Thus says the Lord God of Israel," emphasizing that this was a direct divine command.
  • The Yalkut Shimoni (Shemot 392) teaches that the phrase "from gate to gate" alludes to the fact that the Levi'im had to pass through the entire camp, ensuring that no sinner escaped judgment.

Moral and Halachic Implications

The Kli Yakar (Shemot 32:27) notes that this episode underscores the severity of idolatry and the necessity of upholding divine justice, even when it requires difficult actions. However, he also points out that such measures are only permitted when explicitly commanded by Hashem or sanctioned by halachah, as in this unique circumstance.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the context of Exodus 32:27?
A: This verse occurs after the sin of the Golden Calf, when Moshe (Moses) returns from Har Sinai (Mount Sinai) and sees Bnei Yisrael (the Children of Israel) worshipping the idol. The tribe of Levi is commanded to take action against those who participated in the sin to restore order and demonstrate loyalty to Hashem (God).
Q: Why did the tribe of Levi have to kill their own brothers and neighbors?
A: According to Rashi and the Midrash, this was a test of loyalty to Hashem. The Levi'im (Levites) chose to uphold divine justice over family ties, showing their commitment to Torah values. Those who participated in idolatry had violated a severe prohibition, and the punishment was necessary to purify the camp.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Exodus 32:27 today?
A: The verse teaches the importance of prioritizing devotion to Hashem above all else, even when it requires difficult choices. The Levi'im set an example of unwavering commitment to Torah principles, which remains relevant in standing up for truth and righteousness in all generations.
Q: How does Jewish tradition interpret the phrase 'go from gate to gate throughout the camp'?
A: The Ramban (Nachmanides) explains that this command was to ensure that justice was carried out thoroughly and without favoritism. The Levi'im were to move systematically through the entire camp, demonstrating that no one who sinned would escape accountability.
Q: Was this punishment only for those who actually worshipped the Golden Calf?
A: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 7a) and Rashi clarify that only those who were witnessed actively participating in the idolatry with clear intent were punished. The Levi'im did not act indiscriminately—they followed strict Torah laws of justice and evidence.