“Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.”
King James Version (KJV)
10:7 Neither be ye idolaters - And so, neither murmur ye, #1Co 10:10|. The other cautions are given in the first person; but these in the second. And with what exquisite propriety does he vary the person! It would have been improper to say, Neither let us be idolaters; for he was himself in no danger of idolatry; nor probably of murmuring against Christ, or the divine providence. To play - That is, to dance, in honour of their idol. #Exod 32:6|.
1Co 10:7 Neither be ye idolaters. As many had been idolaters, and idolatry was so prevalent in Corinth, this was a great danger. As it is written The Israelites fell into idolatry at Sinai during the absence of Moses (Ex 32:6). The people sat down to eat and drink. At a feast in honor of the golden calf. Rose up to play. To dance religiously around their idol. Such is the meaning. Of course such an example was a pertinent warning to Corinthian brethren to shun the banquets in idol temples and their accompanying festivities. Three thousand Israelites fell on the occasion referred to (Ex 32:8).