Exodus 39:42

KJV

According to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so the children of Israel made all the work.

KJV (with Strong's)

According to all that the LORD {H3068} commanded {H6680} Moses {H4872}, so the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} made {H6213} all the work {H5656}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The people of Isra'el did all the work just as ADONAI had ordered Moshe.

Berean Standard Bible

The Israelites had done all the work just as the LORD had commanded Moses.

American Standard Version

According to all that Jehovah commanded Moses, so the children of Israel did all the work.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 39:42 serves as a pivotal summary statement, marking the triumphant conclusion of the Tabernacle's construction. This verse emphatically declares that the children of Israel meticulously and completely executed every single detail of the sacred work precisely "according to all that the LORD commanded Moses." It underscores their unwavering obedience and faithfulness in bringing God's divine blueprint to fruition, thereby preparing the dwelling place for His presence among His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 39:42 stands as the culminating declaration within the lengthy narrative detailing the construction of the Tabernacle and its associated elements, spanning from [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle") through [Exodus 39](/exodus/39 "Exodus 39 - The Priestly Garments and Completion of the Tabernacle"). This verse specifically follows the detailed description of the crafting of the priestly garments and the final assembly of all the components of the sanctuary. It acts as a powerful capstone to the "doing" section (chapters 35-39), mirroring the "telling" section (chapters 25-31) where God's instructions were first given. The repeated phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses" (or similar variations) throughout these chapters builds anticipation for this final, comprehensive statement of completion, setting the immediate stage for the erection of the Tabernacle and the descent of God's glory in [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - The Tabernacle Erected and Filled with God's Glory").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Tabernacle occurred in the harsh wilderness environment, shortly after Israel's exodus from Egypt and the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. In the ancient Near East, temples and sacred spaces were often seen as earthly reflections of divine abodes, requiring precise adherence to divine specifications to ensure their efficacy and the deity's presence. For Israel, the Tabernacle was not merely a building but the tangible symbol of God's covenant presence among His people, a portable sanctuary for their journey. The meticulous obedience highlighted in this verse was critical, demonstrating Israel's commitment to the covenant and their reverence for Yahweh. The work involved the collective effort of the entire community, contributing materials and labor, guided by divinely gifted artisans like Bezalel and Oholiab, as detailed in [Exodus 35:30-35](/exodus/35-30-35 "Exodus 35:30-35 - Bezalel and Oholiab Gifted by God"). This communal, precise execution of God's commands was essential for the Tabernacle to be a holy and fit dwelling place for the Holy God.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several key themes central to the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Command and Human Obedience**, emphasizing that God's will, once revealed, demands precise and complete adherence. The meticulous execution of the Tabernacle's design underscores the **Holiness of God** and the sacredness of His dwelling place, requiring a perfect response from His people. It also highlights the theme of **God's Presence (Shekinah)**, as the Tabernacle was designed to be the physical manifestation of Yahweh's dwelling among Israel, contingent upon their faithfulness. Finally, the collective effort of "the children of Israel" points to the theme of **Community and Corporate Responsibility** in fulfilling God's purposes, where every individual's contribution, guided by divinely appointed leaders and artisans (e.g., [Bezalel and Oholiab](/exodus/35-30-35 "Exodus 35:30-35 - Bezalel and Oholiab Gifted by God")), contributes to the sacred whole. This verse serves as a powerful affirmation of Israel's journey from slavery to a covenant people dedicated to serving their Holy God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Commanded (Hebrew, _tsâvâh'_):** From H6680, this primitive root means "(intensively) to constitute, enjoin." It signifies a divine injunction, a direct and authoritative order from God. The use of _tsâvâh_ throughout the Tabernacle narrative underscores the absolute authority of God's word and the expectation of precise, non-negotiable adherence from His people. It highlights the divine origin and sacred nature of the entire project, emphasizing that the Tabernacle's design was not a human invention but a revelation of God's specific will.
* **Made (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** From H6213, this primitive root means "to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application." In this context, it signifies the tangible execution of the divine commands. It moves beyond mere hearing or intention to concrete action and successful completion. The Israelites didn't just understand or agree; they actively "made" or "did" everything required, transforming the divine blueprint into a physical reality.
* **Work (Hebrew, _ʻăbôdâh'_):** From H5656, this noun denotes "work of any kind." Here, it refers to the entire sacred enterprise of constructing the Tabernacle and its furnishings. The phrase "all the work" (KJV) emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the task, encompassing every detail, material, and construction method. This word powerfully conveys the thoroughness and exactitude of Israel's obedience, extending to every single component of the sanctuary.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"According to all that the LORD commanded Moses":** This opening clause establishes the ultimate authority and source of the Tabernacle's design and construction. It was not a human initiative but a divine mandate, communicated through God's chosen mediator, Moses. The phrase "all that the LORD commanded" stresses the comprehensive nature of the instructions, implying a detailed and exhaustive set of directives that left no room for human improvisation or interpretation. This highlights God's meticulous care for His dwelling place and the precise standards He sets for worship.
* **"so the children of Israel made all the work":** This second clause describes the obedient response of the people. "So" indicates a direct correlation and faithful execution of the preceding divine command. "The children of Israel" signifies the collective effort and responsibility of the entire community. "Made all the work" confirms that every single aspect of the Tabernacle, from the grand structure to the smallest loops and clasps, was brought into being exactly as specified. This demonstrates their faithfulness, diligence, and reverence for God's revealed will, culminating in the successful completion of the sacred project.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Repetition** of the phrase "according to all that the LORD commanded" (or similar variations) throughout the Tabernacle narrative, particularly in Exodus 39, builds a strong sense of **Emphasis** on divine authority and human obedience. This cumulative repetition culminates in verse 42, serving as a final, definitive statement of perfect adherence. The structure of the Tabernacle narrative itself, moving from detailed instructions ("telling" in [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle")-[31](/exodus/31 "Exodus 31 - Sabbath and Artisans")) to detailed execution ("doing" in [Exodus 35](/exodus/35 "Exodus 35 - Call for Contributions and Skilled Workers")-[39](/exodus/39 "Exodus 39 - The Priestly Garments and Completion of the Tabernacle")), forms a literary **Inclusio** or **Chiasm**, with Exodus 39:42 acting as the powerful concluding affirmation that the "doing" perfectly matched the "telling." This creates a sense of divine order and human faithfulness in fulfilling a sacred task. The verse also functions as a statement of **Fulfillment**, declaring that God's specific will has been perfectly accomplished by His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 39:42 profoundly illustrates the theological principle that true worship and service to God are predicated upon complete and precise obedience to His revealed will. The meticulous construction of the Tabernacle, down to the smallest detail, signifies that God's holiness demands an exact response, not a casual or approximate one. This obedience was not merely a legalistic adherence to rules but an act of profound faith and reverence, demonstrating Israel's commitment to their covenant relationship with Yahweh and their readiness for His indwelling presence. It underscores that God's dwelling among His people is contingent upon their faithful response to His commands, establishing a pattern for all future interactions between God and humanity.

* [Deuteronomy 28:1-2](/deuteronomy/28-1-2 "Deuteronomy 28:1-2 - Blessings for Obedience")
* [1 Samuel 15:22](/1-samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience Better Than Sacrifice")
* [John 14:15](/john/14-15 "John 14:15 - Jesus on Love and Obedience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 39:42 offers timeless lessons for believers today, challenging us to consider the depth and breadth of our own obedience to God. Just as the Israelites meticulously followed a divine blueprint for a physical dwelling, we are called to build our lives and our communities "according to all that the LORD commanded" in His Word. This means not only adhering to the major tenets of faith but also paying attention to the "small" details of integrity, love, justice, and humility in our daily walk. Our service, our worship, and our relationships should reflect a careful and diligent adherence to God's principles, rather than human wisdom or convenience. This verse reminds us that true spiritual fruitfulness and the experience of God's presence often follow a posture of humble, complete, and active obedience, trusting that God's plans for us are always perfect, even when we don't fully grasp their intricate design. It encourages a communal commitment to God's will, where every member contributes to building up the spiritual house of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you most challenged to obey God's commands "according to all" He has revealed, rather than picking and choosing?**
* **How does the meticulous detail required for the Tabernacle inform your understanding of God's care for even the "small" things in your spiritual life and service?**
* **What does "making all the work" look like in your personal and communal walk of faith today, and what steps can you take to more fully align with God's blueprint for your life?**

### FAQ
**Why is the phrase "according to all that the LORD commanded Moses" repeated so often in Exodus?**

Answer: The frequent repetition of this phrase throughout the Tabernacle narrative (e.g., [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - God's Command for the Tabernacle"), [Exodus 35:10](/exodus/35-10 "Exodus 35:10 - Call for Skilled Workers"), [Exodus 39:1](/exodus/39-1 "Exodus 39:1 - Making the Garments")) serves several crucial purposes. First, it powerfully emphasizes the divine origin and absolute authority of the instructions, underscoring that the Tabernacle was God's design, not human invention. Second, it highlights the faithfulness and obedience of the Israelites, validating that they meticulously followed every detail. Third, it reinforces the sacredness of the task, impressing upon the reader that the construction of God's dwelling place required perfect conformity to His will. This repetition ensures that the reader grasps the critical importance of exact adherence to God's blueprint for His holy presence.

**What was the significance of "all the work" being completed precisely as commanded?**

Answer: The precise completion of "all the work" as commanded was profoundly significant. It demonstrated Israel's covenant faithfulness and their readiness to host God's presence among them. This meticulous obedience was a prerequisite for God to fulfill His promise to dwell with His people. When the Tabernacle was finally erected and all its components were in place, exactly as God had specified, the glory of the LORD filled it ([Exodus 40:34-35](/exodus/40-34-35 "Exodus 40:34-35 - The Glory of the LORD Fills the Tabernacle")). This act of perfect obedience ensured the Tabernacle's purity, its fitness for divine indwelling, and its efficacy as the central place of worship, atonement, and communion between God and His chosen people. It set the stage for the entire Levitical system and Israel's ongoing relationship with God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 39:42, with its resounding declaration of perfect obedience to God's commands in the construction of His dwelling place, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Israelites' obedience, though commendable, was still imperfect and temporary, Christ's obedience was absolute and eternal. Jesus Himself declared, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work" ([John 4:34](/john/4-34 "John 4:34 - Jesus' Food is to Do God's Will")). He perfectly accomplished "all the work" of God's redemptive plan, not through human hands building a physical sanctuary, but through His incarnate life, His sinless obedience, His atoning death, and His glorious resurrection. He is the true Tabernacle, the very dwelling place of God among humanity, for in Him "all the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily" ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of God in Christ")). The meticulous care God commanded for the earthly Tabernacle foreshadowed the perfect, unblemished nature of Christ, who is the Lamb of God without spot or blemish ([1 Peter 1:19](/1-peter/1-19 "1 Peter 1:19 - Christ's Precious Blood")). Through His perfect obedience, Jesus "made all the work" necessary for us to be reconciled to God, establishing a new covenant where God's Spirit now indwells believers, making them living temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1-corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")) and building the church into a holy temple in the Lord ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Believers as God's Dwelling")). His fulfillment of God's will is the foundation of our salvation and our ability to truly dwell with God.

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 35:10

And every wise hearted among you shall come, and make all that the LORD hath commanded;

2 Timothy 2:15

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Deuteronomy 12:32

What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.

Exodus 39:32

¶ Thus was all the work of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation finished: and the children of Israel did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so did they.

Matthew 28:20

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.

2 Timothy 4:7

I have fought a good fight, I have finished [my] course, I have kept the faith:

Exodus 23:21

Beware of him, and obey his voice, provoke him not; for he will not pardon your transgressions: for my name [is] in him.