Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the Lord’s side? let him come unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him. And he said unto them, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, Put every man his sword by his side, and go in and out from gate to gate throughout the camp, and slay every man his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his neighbour. And the children of Levi did according to the word of Moses: and there fell of the people that day about three thousand men. For Moses had said, Consecrate yourselves today to the Lord, even every man upon his son, and upon his brother; that he may bestow upon you a blessing this day.
Exodus 32:26-29
This was a very defining moment in the journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. There was a mass backsliding. A national revolt, corruption, and turning away from the worship of God. It seems that both Aaron and the rest did not fully realize the depth of sin which the nation has fallen into. This was also a very defining moment for the tribe of Levi as they followed Moses’ command and separated themselves to God. The times that are here now, demand us to be willing to take sides with God and His uncompromising word.