Exodus 32:27 — Meaning and Application

And when Moses saw that the people {were} naked; (for Aaron had made them naked unto {their} shame among their enemies:) {their enemies: Heb. those that rose up against them}

Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who {is} on the LORD'S side? {let him come} unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him.

And he said unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Put every man his sword by his side, {and} go in and out from gate to gate throughout the camp, and slay every man his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his neighbour.

And the children of Levi did according to the word of Moses: and there fell of the people that day about three thousand men.

For Moses had said, Consecrate yourselves to day to the LORD, even every man upon his son, and upon his brother; that he may bestow upon you a blessing this day. {For Moses...: or, And Moses said, Consecrate yourselves to day to the LORD, because every man hath been against his brother, etc} {Consecrate...: Heb. Fill your hands}