Then Mo'ses entered the camps of Is'ra-el and gave this solemn command: "Who is on the LORD'S side, and not on the side of this idol? Let him come and stand by my side." One whole tribe, the descendants of Le'vi, came forward at once. Mo'ses said to them, "Take your swords, go through the camp, and slay every man his brother, and companion, and neighbor." As a result of this order about three thousand of the wicked Is'ra-el-ites were slain.
After this terrible punishment had been inflicted, Mo'ses ordered a special sacrifice for those who had repented from their sins, and then he made one of the most wonderful prayers ever offered by man. He offered to take the place of Is'ra-el, and to suffer the punishment which his people deserved. God heard this prayer with favor, and granted forgiveness. The people were called to renewed consecration to God, and continued their journey under His Blessings.
God then directed Mo'ses to prepare two tablets of stone similar to those which he had broken in his anger against Is'ra-el, and to come up into the mountain again to receive another copy of the Ten Commandments. Mo'ses obeyed the order, and went alone to the top of the mountain to commune with God. The Ten Commandments were written by the LORD on the two tablets of stone prepared by Mo'ses, and other important laws were revealed.
Mo'ses remained on Mount Si'nai for another forty days and nights, and once again was kept in good health by the LORD during a fast which lasted for the same period. God's promise of continued blessings upon Is'ra-el was made even more clear than it had been during the previous season of converse. More elaborate and advanced rules for the government of Is'ra-el were given which Mo'ses put into permanent written form.
When Mo'ses returned to the camp of Is'ra-el with the two tablets of stone upon which God had written the Ten Commandments, his face was so radiant with the glory of God that the people were afraid of him. For this reason he had to cover his face with a veil when the elders of Is'ra-el came to him to hear the message which he brought from God. Before long this glory passed away, and Mo'ses was no longer hindered in his dealings with Is'ra-el.
