Exodus 35:4

KJV

And Moses spake unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying, This [is] the thing which the LORD commanded, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} spake {H559} unto all the congregation {H5712} of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, saying {H559}, This is the thing {H1697} which the LORD {H3068} commanded {H6680}, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

Moshe said to the whole community of the people of Isra'el, "Here is what ADONAI has ordered:

Berean Standard Bible

Moses also told the whole congregation of Israel, “This is what the LORD has commanded:

American Standard Version

And Moses spake unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying, This is the thing which Jehovah commanded, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 35:4 serves as a pivotal introductory statement, marking the formal commencement of the Tabernacle's construction. After the profound breach of the golden calf incident and the subsequent renewal of the covenant on Mount Sinai, Moses gathers the entire congregation of Israel to relay the precise, divinely ordained commands for building the sanctuary. This verse underscores God's unwavering desire to dwell among His people, His sovereign authority in establishing the terms of that dwelling, and the communal responsibility of all Israel in contributing to this sacred endeavor.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the book of Exodus. It immediately follows the account of God's renewed covenant with Israel after the devastating golden calf idolatry ([Exodus 32](/exodus/32 "Exodus 32 - The Golden Calf Incident")). Moses has just descended from Mount Sinai, bearing the second set of tablets inscribed with the Law and reflecting the glory of God on his face ([Exodus 34](/exodus/34 "Exodus 34 - The Second Tablets and Covenant Renewal")). Having received detailed instructions for the Tabernacle's design and materials earlier (recorded in [Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Initial Tabernacle Instructions")), Moses now transitions from receiving revelation to initiating its practical implementation. Exodus 35:4 thus acts as a formal preamble to the detailed instructions for the Tabernacle's construction and the call for freewill offerings, which occupy the remainder of the book.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites are encamped at the foot of Mount Sinai, having recently experienced both the profound intimacy of God's presence and the catastrophic consequences of their rebellion. The need for a tangible, central place of worship—the Tabernacle—was paramount for God to dwell among a people prone to idolatry and to facilitate their proper worship and atonement. In the ancient Near East, the concept of a deity dwelling in a sanctuary was common, but Yahweh's Tabernacle was unique: it was portable, designed by divine blueprint, and symbolized His holiness, presence, and the means of approach for a sinful people. Moses' address to "all the congregation" highlights the communal nature of this sacred project, distinguishing it from royal or priestly initiatives; every Israelite was to participate in this divine mandate, fostering a sense of shared ownership and responsibility for God's dwelling place among them.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"spake" (Hebrew, דָּבַר, _dabar'_):** This verb signifies more than casual conversation; it denotes a formal, authoritative declaration. In this context, it emphasizes Moses' role as God's chosen prophet and intermediary, delivering a divine message rather than his own thoughts or opinions. The use of _dabar_ here highlights the weight and binding nature of the words that follow.
* **"congregation" (Hebrew, עֵדָה, _`edah'_):** This term refers to the entire assembled community of Israel, not merely its leaders or a select group. Its use underscores the universal reach of God's command and the communal responsibility for the Tabernacle's construction. God's covenant was with the whole nation, and the participation of every individual was essential for establishing His dwelling among them.
* **"thing" (Hebrew, דָּבָר, _dabar'_):** Interestingly, this is the same root word as "spake." Here, _dabar_ functions as a noun, meaning "word," "matter," "affair," or "command." In this specific context, it carries the full weight of a divine decree or specific instruction. It is not a suggestion or a request, but a binding directive from the sovereign LORD, demanding obedience and action.
* **"LORD" (Hebrew, יְהוָה, _Yahweh'_):** The covenant name of God, _Yahweh_, is used here. This emphasizes God's personal, relational, and faithful character. It signifies that the commands are not from a distant, generic deity, but from the God who has entered into a covenant relationship with Israel, who delivered them from Egypt, and who desires to dwell in their midst. It underscores His sovereign authority and active involvement in the details of their worship and community life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses spake unto all the congregation of the children of Israel":** This clause establishes Moses' authoritative role as God's messenger and the universal audience for the divine commands. It indicates a formal, public address to the entire gathered community, ensuring that no one could claim ignorance of the instructions to follow. This was a direct communication from God, through His chosen mediator, to His entire covenant people.
* **"saying, This [is] the thing which the LORD commanded, saying":** Moses explicitly states that the forthcoming instructions originate directly from Yahweh. The repetition of "saying" (or a similar construction in the Hebrew) serves to emphasize the verbatim and authoritative nature of the message. It underscores that Moses is not presenting his own ideas or interpretations, but faithfully relaying the precise "word" or "command" that God Himself had given him. This declaration establishes the divine authority and binding nature of all subsequent instructions regarding the Tabernacle.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 35:4 functions as a crucial **Framing Device**, signaling a transition from the narrative of covenant renewal to the detailed execution of God's commands for the Tabernacle. It serves as an introductory statement that sets the stage for the extensive instructions and the subsequent account of their fulfillment in the chapters that follow. The verse employs **Repetition** through the use of "saying" (or its Hebrew equivalent) twice in close succession, which powerfully emphasizes the direct and authoritative nature of God's communication through Moses. This repetition highlights that Moses is faithfully relaying a divine mandate, not his own initiative. Furthermore, the phrase "the LORD commanded" is a direct statement of **Divine Authority**, underscoring that the detailed instructions for the Tabernacle are not human designs but rather divine blueprints, demanding the Israelites' complete obedience and reverence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 35:4 profoundly highlights the themes of divine authority, faithful mediation, and communal responsibility in the context of worship. God, in His sovereign grace, initiates the command for a dwelling place among His people, even after their grievous sin, demonstrating His enduring desire for fellowship and His commitment to the covenant. Moses, as God's chosen mediator, faithfully transmits these precise commands to the entire congregation, underscoring the importance of clear, authoritative divine revelation. The collective assembly's role in hearing and obeying these commands emphasizes that the work of God's kingdom is a communal endeavor, requiring the willing participation and resources of every member. This verse sets the stage for the practical outworking of God's presence among His people, establishing the means by which they could approach Him and offer acceptable worship.

* [Deuteronomy 4:1-2](/deuteronomy/4-1 "Deuteronomy 4:1-2 - Obeying God's Commands")
* [Hebrews 3:5](/hebrews/3-5 "Hebrews 3:5 - Moses' Faithfulness as a Servant")
* [1 Corinthians 14:37](/1_corinthians/14-37 "1 Corinthians 14:37 - Apostolic Authority and Divine Origin of Commands")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 35:4 serves as a powerful reminder that true worship and service begin with a clear understanding and obedient response to God's commands. Just as the ancient Israelites were called to listen attentively to Moses, who faithfully conveyed the Lord's instructions for a physical dwelling, so too are believers today called to listen to and obey God's Word, which reveals His will for our lives and for His spiritual dwelling—the Church. This verse challenges us to consider our posture towards divine authority: do we recognize God's commands as binding directives for our lives, or do we treat them as mere suggestions? Furthermore, the emphasis on "all the congregation" calls us to communal responsibility. The building of the Tabernacle required the collective effort, skills, and freewill offerings of every Israelite. Similarly, the work of building up the body of Christ and advancing His kingdom in the world today requires the active, willing participation of every believer, contributing their time, talents, and resources as God has commanded. Our response to God's "thing" is not just individual piety, but also robust, communal engagement in His mission.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing God's direct command, rather than human suggestion, influence our motivation for obedience to His Word today?**
* **In what specific ways are we, as the "congregation" of believers, called to participate communally in God's work, mirroring the Israelites' collective effort in building the Tabernacle?**
* **What "thing" (command or instruction) is the Lord speaking to me or our community about through His Word or the Holy Spirit today, and how am I responding with obedience and willingness?**

### FAQ
**Why does Moses address "all the congregation" instead of just the leaders or skilled craftsmen?**

Answer: Moses addresses "all the congregation" to emphasize the communal responsibility and universal participation required for the Tabernacle project. While skilled craftsmen would perform the specialized labor, the materials for the Tabernacle were to come from the freewill offerings of every Israelite ([Exodus 35:5](/exodus/35-5 "Exodus 35:5 - Call for Offerings")). This public declaration ensured that every member of the community understood the divine mandate and their personal role in contributing to God's dwelling place among them. It underscored that God's covenant relationship was with the entire nation, and all were accountable to His commands, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose in worship.

**What is the significance of Moses reiterating commands already given on Mount Sinai?**

Answer: This reiteration signals a crucial shift from divine revelation to practical implementation. The initial detailed commands for the Tabernacle in [Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Initial Tabernacle Instructions") were given to Moses alone on Mount Sinai. Now, after the traumatic golden calf incident and the subsequent renewal of the covenant, Moses is formally presenting these instructions to the entire people. This public declaration transforms theoretical knowledge into a call for immediate, communal action. It ensures that the people are fully aware of God's specific will for their worship and provides the necessary impetus for them to begin the work of construction and offering.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 35:4, with Moses acting as the faithful mediator delivering God's precise commands to "all the congregation," powerfully foreshadows the ultimate mediator, Jesus Christ. Just as Moses conveyed the "thing which the LORD commanded" for a physical dwelling, Christ embodies and perfectly fulfills the ultimate "thing" God commanded for humanity's salvation and restoration. He is the Word made flesh, the very embodiment of God's will and command ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). The Tabernacle, a temporary dwelling place for God's presence, points forward to Christ as Emmanuel, "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Emmanuel, God With Us")), who tabernacled among us. Furthermore, the communal responsibility of building the Tabernacle finds its spiritual fulfillment in the Church, which is the spiritual temple of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ the Cornerstone, Church the Temple")). Our response to God's command is now to believe in the One He has sent ([John 6:29](/john/6-29 "John 6:29 - The Work of God is to Believe in Him")), and through Him, to become living stones in the spiritual house where God dwells by His Spirit ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House")). Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of God's desire to dwell with His people, culminating in the New Jerusalem where God's dwelling is finally and eternally with humanity ([Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God's Dwelling Among His People")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 25:1

¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Exodus 25:2

Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering.