Exodus 39:42

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

Exodus 39:42 marks a significant point in the narrative of the Tabernacle's construction, emphasizing the absolute faithfulness of the Israelites in executing God's commands. This verse serves as a crucial summary statement, highlighting their meticulous adherence to the divine blueprint given through Moses.

Context

This verse comes at the conclusion of a lengthy section detailing the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, as well as the priestly garments (Exodus 25-31, 35-39). Chapters 35-39 describe the actual building process, mirroring the instructions given in earlier chapters. Exodus 39 specifically focuses on the completion of the holy garments for the priests and the final assembly of all the components. Verse 42 acts as a powerful capstone, confirming that every single item and every aspect of the work was performed exactly as commanded by the LORD to Moses. This sets the stage for the dedication and God's indwelling presence in Exodus chapter 40.

Key Themes

  • Unwavering Obedience: The central theme is the complete and precise obedience of the children of Israel. The phrase "According to all that the LORD commanded Moses" underscores their dedication to God's will, leaving no room for deviation or personal interpretation in the sacred work. This principle of obedience is foundational throughout the Law (see Deuteronomy 28:1).
  • Divine Blueprint and Authority: The verse reaffirms that the Tabernacle was not a human invention but a divine revelation. God provided detailed divine instructions for the Tabernacle, from the grand design to the smallest loops and clasps. The Israelites' task was to follow, not to innovate.
  • Faithfulness in Service: The meticulous execution of the work demonstrates the Israelites' faithfulness and reverence for God. Their collective effort, guided by skilled craftsmen like Bezalel and Aholiab (Exodus 35:30-35), ensured that God's dwelling place was prepared exactly as He desired.
  • Preparation for God's Presence: The successful completion of the Tabernacle according to God's specifications was essential for God to dwell among His people, symbolizing His covenant relationship with Israel.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "According to all that the LORD commanded" (Hebrew: ื›ึผึฐื›ึนืœ ืึฒืฉืึถืจ ืฆึดื•ึผึธื” ื™ึฐื”ื•ึธื”, k'khol asher tzivvah YHVH) is a recurring motif in the Pentateuch, especially in the Tabernacle accounts. It emphasizes the absolute authority of God's word and the expectation of exact adherence. This repetition reinforces the idea that the Tabernacle's construction was not merely a human endeavor but a sacred act of worship and obedience, ensuring its purity and fitness for divine presence.

Practical Application

Exodus 39:42 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • The Importance of Obedience: Just as the Israelites meticulously followed God's commands for the Tabernacle, believers are called to obey God's will as revealed in His Word. True spiritual service and worship stem from obedience, not from human wisdom or preference (John 14:15).
  • Attention to Detail: God cares about the details. This verse reminds us that even in what might seem like small matters, faithfulness and diligence in serving God are significant. Our worship, our service, and our daily lives should reflect a careful adherence to His principles.
  • Trusting God's Plan: The Israelites didn't question the intricate designs; they simply built. Similarly, we are to trust God's perfect plan and instructions for our lives, even when we don't fully understand them. The blessing of God often follows such active and faithful obedience.
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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 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

    ยถ 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.
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