Exodus 32:28Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Furthermore, what was he to do when he ordered the execution of his parents, if God's anger was provoked, wickedness was on the rise, and no one could rescue them from divine fury? Should he allow divine judgment to strike all tribes, condemning humanity to total annihilation while leaving the sin—now beyond remedy—unpunished? Or was it preferable to eradicate the sin through the punishment and death of a few, thereby restraining God's wrath and prompting Him to show mercy toward the offenders? A careful reflection on the actions of this righteous individual will reveal his profound gentleness.

Consequently, although not everyone suffers the same fate when God's wrath is deployed, there is a divine intent to rectify wrongs, bringing about healing and correction even if not all endure the punishment directly.

In a broader spiritual interpretation, the lawgiver appeals universally, proclaiming, “Whosoever is the Lord's, come unto me” (Ex. 32:26). This summons, indicative of the law, invites all to befriend the divine—recognizing that to embrace the law is to be an ally of God. Therefore, those who gather under this call are commanded to wield the sword against their brothers, friends, and neighbors. By examining the essence of this mandate, we comprehend that each individual who contemplates God and the law purifies themselves by severing the sins they have learned. The definitions of brother, friend, and neighbor are not uniformly applied; some could be allies while others may be adversaries. These terms refer to our internal battles, revealing how our thoughts shape our spiritual existence—life yielding to death and death shaping life.

This idea resonates with the previously discussed role of Aaron. As he served Moses, he was portrayed as a guardian spirit, executing signs to frighten the Egyptians, rightly deemed an elder for his angelic origins, while being considered a brother due to the shared nature of the divine and the human. A challenge arises: how can Aaron, who initiated idolatry for the Israelites, contribute positively to our ongoing discourse? We must recognize that the same term can signify different realities depending on context, for the brother who opposes the Egyptian oppressor may also be the one who creates an idol for Israel.

In the face of such conflicting portrayals, Moses drew his sword. He enacted for others what he commanded for himself. Striking down such a brother signifies uprooting sin. Therefore, anyone who dismantles the evil instigated by an adversary has simultaneously vanquished that evil from within themselves. It is crucial for us to cultivate this understanding, drawing from historical narratives.

It is mentioned that under Aaron’s direction, the Israelites were to surrender their ‘earrings’ (Ex. 32:2), which were then used to fashion the idol. We might say that Moses adorned Israel with the ‘earrings’ of the law, while the false brother stripped them of this ornament, creating an idol instead. Originally, the act of sin involved a taking away of these ‘earrings’—an encouragement to defy God's command. Can one truly consider as a friend or neighbor the one who, like the serpent, persuades them to forsake divine directives? This signifies the removal of the ‘earrings’ of obedience. Thus, those who slay such brothers, friends, and neighbors will hear Moses’ admonition: “Today commit your hands unto the Lord, every one in his son and brother, that He may send you a blessing today” (Ex 32:29).

And thou shalt do this, that a blessing may be upon thee." However, if you do not relinquish your attachments to men, if you allow your heart to be ensnared by fleeting desires, and if you remain earthbound throughout your life, you will possess nothing of the spirit; your remains will lie outside the Promised Land. Do not fear the act, nor the battle, nor the giants! As a true Israelite and a faithful Levite, do not show mercy to your brothers, sons, daughters, or neighbors!