Exodus 32 18

Exodus 32:18 kjv

And he said, It is not the voice of them that shout for mastery, neither is it the voice of them that cry for being overcome: but the noise of them that sing do I hear.

Exodus 32:18 nkjv

But he said: "It is not the noise of the shout of victory, Nor the noise of the cry of defeat, But the sound of singing I hear."

Exodus 32:18 niv

Moses replied: "It is not the sound of victory, it is not the sound of defeat; it is the sound of singing that I hear."

Exodus 32:18 esv

But he said, "It is not the sound of shouting for victory, or the sound of the cry of defeat, but the sound of singing that I hear."

Exodus 32:18 nlt

But Moses replied, "No, it's not a shout of victory nor the wailing of defeat. I hear the sound of a celebration."

Exodus 32 verses

Exodus 32 18 Meaning

Moses, by divine discernment, clarifies for Joshua that the sounds emanating from the camp below are neither war cries of victory nor wails of defeat. Instead, they are the noises of revelry and singing associated with an idolatrous feast. Moses's insight cuts through the immediate sonic perception to grasp the true, sinister nature of the chaotic celebration.

Exodus 32 18 Context

This verse occurs immediately after Moses has been on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments and instructions for the tabernacle directly from God for forty days and forty nights. Down in the camp, the people, impatient for Moses's return, persuaded Aaron to fashion a golden calf, declaring it to be their god who brought them out of Egypt. They were engaged in idolatrous sacrifices and celebrations, eating, drinking, and rising up to play in pagan revelry. Moses is descending the mountain with Joshua, who hears the noise and assumes it is the sound of battle, either victory or defeat. Moses, however, discerningly corrects Joshua's assumption, revealing the sound's true nature as idolatrous worship. This context sets the scene for one of the most significant moments of national apostasy and divine judgment in Israel's early history, highlighting the deep contrast between divine instruction and human corruption.

Exodus 32 18 Word analysis

• Word-by-word:

  • And he said: This refers to Moses's immediate response to Joshua's misinterpretation of the sounds. It highlights Moses's discernment and role as God's representative, providing an authoritative correction.
  • It is not the voice: The Hebrew word is qol (קוֹל), meaning 'voice,' 'sound,' or 'noise.' The repeated use of qol emphasizes that the issue isn't the presence of sound, but its nature. The negation immediately corrects Joshua's initial premise.
  • of them that shout for mastery: From the Hebrew qol annot gevurah (קוֹל עַנּוֹת גְּבוּרָה). Annot here derives from 'anah,' meaning to answer or respond, often in song or chant. Gevurah means 'strength' or 'might,' referring to victory. This phrase describes a triumphal war cry after a battle won, a plausible interpretation for a military leader like Joshua.
  • neither is it the voice: Reiterates the negation, thoroughly eliminating a second potential interpretation that might arise from battlefield noise.
  • of them that cry for being overcome: From the Hebrew qol annot challashah (קוֹל עַנּוֹת חַלָּשָׁה). Challashah means 'weakness' or 'defeat.' This describes a wail or cry of those defeated or overcome in battle, indicating lament or surrender. Moses comprehensively rules out common battlefield sounds.
  • but the noise: This conjunction marks a stark transition from ruling out military sounds to identifying the true source. Again, qol (noise/sound) is used.
  • of them that sing: From the Hebrew qol annot shir (קוֹל עַנּוֹת שִׁיר). Shir means 'song.' Annot in this context refers specifically to responsive or antiphonal singing, characteristic of communal festivities or religious rites. This specific qol indicates a type of celebratory revelry distinct from warfare, hinting strongly at the idolatrous nature of their actions.
  • do I hear: Hebrew emphasizes the "I," signifying Moses's direct perception and active discernment. His hearing is not just physical but also spiritually astute, perceiving the underlying meaning and spiritual implications of the events.

• Words-group by words-group:

  • "It is not the voice... neither is it the voice...": This decisive double negative underscores Moses's authoritative and clear correction of Joshua's understanding. It systematically dismisses ordinary battlefield explanations, preparing Joshua for the alarming truth. It highlights Moses's spiritual acuity compared to Joshua's focus on conventional military analysis.
  • "them that shout for mastery" / "them that cry for being overcome": These phrases vividly portray common scenarios of military engagement. Joshua, accustomed to military interpretations, naturally correlated the loud, organized sounds with battle—either a victorious celebration or a mournful retreat. This shows Joshua's practical and literal understanding of events.
  • "but the noise of them that sing do I hear": This profound contrast reveals the true, shocking reality. The sound is not from conflict, but from a profound spiritual betrayal—a perverse form of celebration. The emphasis on "singing" in such a cacophonous, unholy context signifies a distorted and ritualistic form of revelry. Moses, guided by divine insight, penetrates beyond mere acoustics to perceive the spiritual depravity of the people, accurately identifying the chaotic sound as an idolatrous pagan rite.

Exodus 32 18 Bonus section

The "singing" described in this verse is not merely a melodic tune, but likely a boisterous, often ecstatic and uninhibited revelry characteristic of ancient pagan fertility rites and idol worship, which frequently involved excessive eating, drinking, dancing, and sexual licentiousness. The specific Hebrew term annot implies an "answering" or "responsive" chant, suggesting a collective, organized, albeit corrupt, form of ritual. This event tragically highlights the constant spiritual struggle Israel faced between true worship of Yahweh and the alluring temptation of syncretism with the idolatrous practices prevalent in the surrounding nations. Moses's unique discernment underscores a vital leadership quality: the ability to understand events not just on a superficial or physical level, but to perceive their deep spiritual implications in the eyes of God. The immediate and accurate exposure of this sound's true nature also emphasizes the urgency required in addressing such blatant acts of rebellion against God's holiness and covenant.

Exodus 32 18 Commentary

Exodus 32:18 serves as a pivotal moment of discernment, contrasting ordinary human perception with divinely bestowed insight. Joshua, Moses's military aide, interprets the sounds emanating from the Israelite camp with the logical assumptions of a commander, surmising battle, whether triumph or defeat. Moses, however, demonstrates profound spiritual insight. He perceives that the sound, though loud and cacophonous, is not the sound of combat but of "singing," specifically a type of ritualistic revelry and celebratory noise often associated with pagan feasts. This keen distinction by Moses is crucial; it unveils the profound apostasy of the Israelites in their worship of the golden calf. The "noise of them that sing" carries the chilling undertone of idolatrous pleasure and sensuality, marking a tragic betrayal of the covenant recently made with God. Moses's hearing transcends mere acoustic vibrations; it discerningly perceives the true spiritual condition and actions of the people, foreshadowing the divine wrath and the immediate confrontation that follows his descent from Mount Sinai.