Thematic Bible: People punished for idolatry

And LORD smote the people, because they made the calf, which Aaron made. Verse ConceptsAaron, Life EventsCalf worshipAngels as agents of judgmentRetributionAnger Of God, Examples OfGod Harmed Them

And when Moses saw that the people were broken loose, (for Aaron had let them loose for a derision among their enemies,) then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Whoever is on LORD's side, [come] to me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together to him. And he said to them, Thus says LORD, the God of Israel, Put ye every man his sword upon his thigh, 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 read more.
And the sons of Levi did according to the word of Moses. And there fell of the people that day about three thousand men. And Moses said, Consecrate yourselves today to LORD, yea, every man against his son, and against his brother, that he may bestow upon you a blessing this day.