Contemplative Bible Reading

Exodus 32:25-26 (New Living Translation)

²⁵ Moses saw that Aaron had let the people get completely out of control, much to the amusement of their enemies. ²⁶ So he stood at the entrance to the camp and shouted, “All of you who are on the Lord’s side, come here and join me.” And all the Levites gathered around him.

The above incident occurred after the people had just left Egypt. Moses called out, and all the Levites gathered around him. These people had spent 400 years in Egypt. After 400 years, the direct descendents of Levi knew one another and felt an allegiance to one another.

How did the sons of Israel maintain such strong family ties through 400 years of living in another land under another culture?