Shemot 32:27

27 And he said unto them, Thus saith Hashem Elohei Yisroel, Put every man his cherev by his side, and go in and out from sha’ar to sha’ar throughout the machaneh, and slay every man his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his neighbor.

Shemot 32:27 Meaning and Commentary

Exodus 32:27

And he said unto them, thus saith the Lord God of Israel,
&c.] The following orders are given by Moses, not of himself the chief magistrate, and as the effect of heat and passion, but there were from the Lord, who was Israel's God and King; he had them expressly from him, or by an impulse on his spirit, or in such a way and manner that he knew it was of God, and this was his will:

put every man his sword by his side;
girt there, ready to be drawn upon order:

and go in and out from gate to gate throughout the camp;
not into the tents, where good men might be bemoaning the sin committed, but throughout the streets, where many were loitering, it being a holy day with the idolaters:

and slay every man his brother, and every man his companion, and
every man his neighbour;
who were idolaters; none were to be spared on account of relation, friendship, and acquaintance.

Shemot 32:27 In-Context

25 And when Moshe saw that HaAm were exposed; (for Aharon had exposed them to derision among their enemies;)

26 Then Moshe stood in the sha’ar of the machaneh, and said, Who is on Hashem’s side? Let him rally unto me. And all the Bnei Levi gathered themselves together unto him.

27 And he said unto them, Thus saith Hashem Elohei Yisroel, Put every man his cherev by his side, and go in and out from sha’ar to sha’ar throughout the machaneh, and slay every man his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his neighbor.

28 And the Bnei Levi did according to the word of Moshe; and there fell of HaAm that day about three thousand men.

29 For Moshe had said, Consecrate yourselves today to Hashem, even every man against his ben, and against his brother; that He may bestow upon you a brocha this day.