Exodus 32:27-29

New International Reader's Version

²⁷ Then he spoke to them. He said, “The Lord, the God of Israel, says, ‘Each man must put on his sword. Then he must go back and forth through the camp from one end to the other. Each man must kill his brother and friend and neighbor.’ ” ²⁸ The Levites did as Moses commanded. About 3,000 of the people died that day. ²⁹ Then Moses said to the Levites, “You have been set apart for the Lord today. You fought against your own sons and brothers. And he has blessed you this day.”