Exodus 35:1
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 35:1
1 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.
Chapter Context
Exodus 35 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of hope, faith, sacrifice. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-35: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 35:1
1 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.
Analysis
Moses assembles the entire congregation before beginning tabernacle construction, emphasizing that sacred work requires communal participation. The phrase 'these are the words which the LORD hath commanded' (אֵלֶּה הַדְּבָרִים, eleh ha-devarim) mirrors the introduction to the Ten Commandments (20:1), signaling the gravity of what follows. This gathering precedes construction to ensure all Israel understands the divine blueprint and participates with willing hearts.
Historical Context
Spoken after Moses' second forty-day meeting with God (34:28-35), this assembly marks the transition from receiving instructions (chs 25-31) to implementing them. The entire camp gathers at the base of Sinai to hear God's commands communally.
Reflection
- How does gathering the entire community before beginning sacred work demonstrate the importance of shared understanding and commitment?
- In what ways does Moses' role as mediator of God's commands prefigure Christ's role as the ultimate mediator?
Word Studies
- Word: דָּבָר (Davar) H1697 - Word, thing, matter
Cross-References
- Word: Exodus 34:32