28. So the sons of Levi did as Moses instructed, and about three thousand men of the people fell that day.
29. Then Moses said, "Dedicate yourselves today to the Lord-for every man has been against his son and against his brother-in order that He may bestow a blessing upon you today."
30. On the next day Moses said to the people, "You yourselves have committed a great sin; and now I am going up to the Lord, perhaps I can make atonement for your sin."
31. Then Moses returned to the Lord, and said, "Alas, this people has committed a great sin, and they have made a god of gold for themselves.