Why were those who worshipped the calf commanded to kill themselves, and why were some killed while others were spared? Was the request to see Allah Almighty a collective one, or from some foolish individuals? And did some of the people remain in their dwellings?

When the people of Moses worshipped the calf and sought to repent, Allah made their repentance conditional on them killing themselves, meaning they were to fight among themselves until Allah stopped them. Those killed among them were considered martyrs, and the repentance of those who remained was accepted.

As for the seventy whom Moses chose for the appointed time with his Lord and who were seized by the earthquake (rajfa), exegetes differed regarding its cause. Some said it was because of their statement, "We will not believe you until we see Allah outright." Others said it was because they failed to forbid the worship of the calf. Still others said they worshipped the calf along with those who did, but there is no definitive proof for a specific reason.