Quran 2:54.....Kill yourselves......

[8pider]

Yusuf Ali
And remember Moses said to his people: "O my people! Ye have indeed wronged yourselves by your worship of the calf: So turn (in repentance) to your Maker, and slay yourselves (the wrong-doers); that will be better for you in the sight of your Maker." Then He turned towards you (in forgiveness): For He is Oft- Returning, Most Merciful.

Sahih International
And [recall] when Moses said to his people, "O my people, indeed you have wronged yourselves by your taking of the calf [for worship]. So repent to your Creator and kill yourselves. That is best for [all of] you in the sight of your Creator." Then He accepted your repentance; indeed, He is the Accepting of repentance, the Merciful.

I came across this verse today, and I find it odd that the Prophet Moses would instruct his people to kill themselves. I thought it might have another meaning other than actual death but the next verse 2:56 says "Then We revived you after your death that perhaps you would be grateful."

What is your understanding of these verses? Thanks

[IjazAhmad]

As-salaamu 'alaikum

I'd suggest that you study the surrounding verses and you will comprehend why Musa (pbuh) said so, however, some scholars believe it to be an allegory. Read the context and you might understand why he said that 

Regards
Ijaz.

[Sardar Miyan]

As Bro Ijaz said it may be a logical or  killing Ego or repentance as some translations suggest