Exodus 39:42
According to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so the children of Israel made all the work.
Original Language Analysis
כְּכֹ֛ל
H3605
כְּכֹ֛ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
1 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
2 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְהוָ֖ה
According to all that the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
According to all that the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כֵּ֤ן
H3651
כֵּ֤ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
7 of 13
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
עָשׂוּ֙
made
H6213
עָשׂוּ֙
made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
8 of 13
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
בְּנֵ֣י
so the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
so the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
9 of 13
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
10 of 13
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
אֵ֖ת
H853
אֵ֖ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
This verse concludes the inventory presented to Moses for inspection. The comprehensive obedience, involving hundreds of workers over months, demonstrated a remarkable transformation from the golden calf rebellion to faithful service—evidence of genuine repentance and covenant renewal.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Israel's complete obedience after the golden calf apostasy demonstrate the transforming power of grace?
- What does corporate obedience ('children of Israel,' plural) teach about the church's collective responsibility?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
'According to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so the children of Israel made all the work'—this summary emphasizes radical obedience. The repetition (matching 39:32, 43; 40:16) underscores that acceptable worship requires divine prescription followed exactly. After the golden calf apostasy (ch 32), where Israel did 'according to' their desires, this renewed obedience vindicates God's grace restoring covenant relationship. The plural 'children of Israel' teaches corporate responsibility—all participated in obedience, not just leaders. This prefigures the church's collective submission to Christ.