Exodus 35:1

ยถ And Moses gathered all the congregation of the children of Israel together, and said unto them, These [are] the words which the LORD hath commanded, that [ye] should do them.

And Moses {H4872} gathered {H6950} all the congregation {H5712} of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} together {H6950}, and said {H559} unto them, These are the words {H1697} which the LORD {H3068} hath commanded {H6680}, that ye should do {H6213} them.

Moshe assembled the whole community of the people of Isra'el and said to them, "These are the things which ADONAI has ordered you to do.

Then Moses assembled the whole congregation of Israel and said to them, โ€œThese are the things that the LORD has commanded you to do:

And Moses assembled all the congregation of the children of Israel, and said unto them, These are the words which Jehovah hath commanded, that ye should do them.

Commentary

Exodus 35:1 marks a significant moment in the wilderness journey of the Israelites, as Moses gathers the entire community to impart fresh divine instructions. This verse sets the stage for the detailed commands regarding the construction of the Tabernacle and the observance of the Sabbath, following the crucial period of covenant renewal after the golden calf incident.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse occurs immediately after Moses's second descent from Mount Sinai, where he received new tablets of the Law and experienced God's renewed covenant with Israel. The previous chapters recounted the devastating golden calf idolatry, God's righteous anger, and Moses's intercession. Thus, when Moses "gathered all the congregation," it was a solemn assembly, a fresh start emphasizing renewed commitment and obedience after a profound failure. The commands that follow are vital for establishing Israel's communal worship and their unique identity as God's chosen people.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Authority and Imperative: The phrase "These are the words which the LORD hath commanded" unequivocally states that the instructions are not human invention but direct, authoritative mandates from God Himself. This underscores the sanctity and binding nature of the Law.
  • Corporate Responsibility and Obedience: Moses addresses "all the congregation," emphasizing that God's commands apply to the entire community, not just a select few. The concluding phrase "that ye should do them" stresses the necessity of active obedience from every individual within the collective body.
  • Preparation for Worship and Presence: This verse initiates the detailed instructions for building the Tabernacle, which would serve as the central place of worship and the tangible symbol of God's dwelling presence among His people. It signifies a transition from receiving divine law to implementing the means of worship and communion with God.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "gathered" is qahal (ืงื”ืœ), which is the root of the word "congregation" or "assembly." This term highlights the organized, collective nature of the people of Israel as they come together to receive God's word. The word "commanded" (tsawah, ืฆื•ื”) denotes a strong, authoritative directive, conveying a divine imperative that requires diligent attention and action.

Practical Application

Exodus 35:1 serves as a timeless reminder that God's Word is meant to be received and obeyed by His entire people. Just as ancient Israel was called to build a physical sanctuary and live according to divine statutes, believers today are called to be temples of the Holy Spirit and to live in active obedience to Christ's commands. The emphasis on "doing" the commands highlights that true faith is not merely intellectual assent but involves practical submission to God's will. The very next instruction given in Exodus 35:2 concerns the Sabbath, reinforcing the enduring principle of setting aside time for God and rest, a vital aspect of spiritual well-being.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 34:32

    And afterward all the children of Israel came nigh: and he gave them in commandment all that the LORD had spoken with him in mount Sinai.

  • Exodus 25:1

    ยถ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

  • Exodus 25:40

    And look that thou make [them] after their pattern, which was shewed thee in the mount.

  • James 1:22

    But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

  • Matthew 7:21

    ยถ Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

  • Matthew 7:27

    And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

  • Romans 2:13

    (For not the hearers of the law [are] just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.
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