Moses said, “You confirmed your ordination today—and at great cost, even killing your sons and brothers! And God has blessed you.”
The Levites carried out Moses’ orders. Three thousand of the people were killed that day.
The next day Moses addressed the people: “You have sinned an enormous sin! But I am going to go up to God; maybe I’ll be able to clear you of your sin.”
Clean living before God and justice with our neighbors mean far more to God than religious performance.