Exodus 32:27-29 And he said to them, “Thus says the LORD God of Israel, ‘Put your sword on your side each of you, and go to and fro from gate to gate throughout the camp, and each of you kill his brother and his companion and his neighbor.’” And the sons of Levi did according to the word of Moses. And that day about three thousand men of the people fell. And Moses said, “Today you have been ordained for the service of the LORD, each one at the cost of his son and of his brother, so that he might bestow a blessing upon you this day.”
Numbers 25:5 And Moses said to the judges of Israel, “Each of you kill those of his men who have yoked themselves to Baal of Peor.”
Malachi 2:4-6 So shall you know that I have sent this command to you, that my covenant with Levi may stand, says the LORD of hosts. My covenant with him was one of life and peace, and I gave them to him. It was a covenant of fear, and he feared me. He stood in awe of my name. True instruction was in his mouth, and no wrong was found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and uprightness, and he turned many from iniquity.
It seems that the sin of Israel at the golden calf involved more than these 3,000 people. Yet these were undoubtedly those most flagrant in their idolatry and immorality, or these were the leaders of the sinful conduct. (Guzik)
Moses being, under God, their chief ruler, at God’s command, passed this extraordinary sentence upon the offenders, without the common process in courts of judicature, requiring the sons of Levi to go armed into the camp, and cut off the most notorious and obstinate offenders, without regard to kindred, friendship, or any other distinction whatever. And there was no fear of their killing the innocent in this case, because Moses had called to himself all that were on God’s side. These, either by resorting to him, or by retiring to their tents, were separated from the guilty, who were impudently walking about in the camp, trusting to their numbers. It may be observed further here, that, besides the authority of the command of Moses to the Levites, a peculiar impulse from God must have actuated them in this business, otherwise it is very improbable that they should have obeyed so readily, or have dared to attack so many; and a peculiar consciousness of guilt and terror must have fallen on the people, to have caused such a multitude to submit to be slain without making any resistance. (Benson)
The Levites were to slay the ringleaders in this wickedness; yet none were executed but those who openly stood forth. Those are marked for ruin who persist in sin: those who in the morning were shouting and dancing, before night were dying. Such sudden changes do the judgments of the Lord sometimes make with sinners that are secure and jovial in their sin. (Henry)
The zeal and courage of Moses was astonishing, considering he opposed an intoxicated mob. The people were separated into two divisions, and those who were the boldest and most obstinate in vindicating their idolatry were put to death, while the rest, who withdrew in shame or sorrow, were spared. (Brown)
Now, although the whole nation had been guilty of this crime, yet in this, as in every other rebellion, the guilt of all would not be the same, but many would simply follow the example of others; so that, instead of punishing all alike, it was necessary that a separation should be made, if not between the innocent and guilty, yet between the penitent and the stiff-necked transgressors. (Keil)
There are those who tempt others to join in their sinful acts and those that are tempted. The tempters will have no remorse for their actions, but the tempted will have both shame and remorse. It is hard to be strong and stand firm when the crowd around us is all seemingly in one mind to do something that we clearly know as not right. Friends, family, and neighbors can tempt us to follow along with them. It could be a great clear disobedience or a simple disregard for what is right. It can be clothed with eloquent words to disguise its disregard for God’s Word. Think about it; “Women’s Choice” is nothing more than the murder of babies. “Alternative Lifestyle”, “Sexual Preference”, and “Gender Affirmation” is nothing more than sexual deviation. “Adult Entertainment” is nothing more than pornography. “Medical Aid In Dying” is nothing more than assisted suicide. “Walking Back A Statement” is nothing more than being caught in a lie and trying to cover it up.
There will always be those who grab onto any one of these and proclaim its merit and benefit to those they are tempting. And there will be those who were tempted but then feel shame, guilt, and remorse. Life is not simple. It is a struggle and all the more so as the return of Jesus Christ nears. The falling away and chasing after and grabbing ahold of unholy thoughts and acts are clear signs that the Father of all lies is having his way right now.
Dear Heavenly Father, send out your Spirit afresh and revive the hearts of those who have been drawn into these lies.