Thematic Bible: People punished for idolatry

The LORD struck 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

When Moses saw that the people had 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 the LORD's side, come to me." All the sons of Levi gathered themselves together to him. He said to them, "Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, 'Every man put his sword on his thigh, and go back and forth from gate to gate throughout the camp, and every man kill his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his neighbor.'" read more.
The sons of Levi did according to the word of Moses: and there fell of the people that day about three thousand men. Moses said, "Consecrate yourselves today to the LORD, for every man was against his son, and against his brother; that he may bestow on you a blessing this day."