“Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them, as it is written, The people sate downe to eate and drinke, and rose vp to play.”
1611 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).