God wanted to kill all the people for their worship of the golden calf. Moses interceded yet delivered his own set of consequences. He tried to illustrate how breaking even one law nullified the whole covenant. Moses made them choose a side. The Levites publicly professed their allegiance and service to God. They paid a high price but were blessed in return. Moses tried to atone for the people's sin but found himself unqualified and unworthy. We too are all lawbreakers (sinners) in need of God's mercy. We must all choose whose side we are on and what price we are willing to pay for the Lord, the One who paid it all for us. No one but Jesus is able to bring forgiveness, mercy, or salvation. We are all responsible for our own faith or lack their of.