28. The sons of Levi did according to the word of Moses: and there fell of the people that day about three thousand men.
29. Moses said, “Consecrate yourselves today to Yahweh, yes, every man against his son, and against his brother; that he may give you a blessing today.”
30. On the next day, Moses said to the people, “You have sinned a great sin. Now I will go up to Yahweh. Perhaps I shall make atonement for your sin.”
31. Moses returned to Yahweh, and said, “Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made themselves gods of gold.
32. Yet now, if you will, forgive their sin—and if not, please blot me out of your book which you have written.”