Exodus 32:18 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Moses corrects Joshua, saying the noise is not from warfare but from singing and celebration.
The Context of Exodus 32:18
Moses identifies the noise as singing and celebration, not warfare.
What Does Exodus 32:18 Mean?
Moses recognized the sound more accurately: it was singing, feasting, and revelry—the noise of people in unrestrained celebration, not the organized sounds of military conflict.
Moses' immediate comprehension suggests the Spirit gave him understanding of what had happened below. Even before seeing the calf, he grasped that the people were engaged in festive worship of something other than God.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 32:18
What does Exodus 32:18 mean?
Moses corrects Joshua, saying the noise is not from warfare but from singing and celebration.
What is the context of Exodus 32:18?
Moses identifies the noise as singing and celebration, not warfare.