Exodus 35:1

Then Moses assembled the whole congregation of Israel and said to them, "These are the things that the LORD has commanded you to do:

Study Bible

Then Moses assembled
The Hebrew root for "assembled" is "קהל" (qahal), which means to gather or convene. This action signifies Moses' role as a leader and mediator between God and His people. Historically, the act of assembling the congregation underscores the importance of community in the Israelite tradition. It reflects the unity and collective responsibility of the people to adhere to God's commandments. Moses, as a prophet and leader, exemplifies obedience and dedication to God's instructions, setting a precedent for spiritual leadership.

the whole congregation of the Israelites
The term "congregation" comes from the Hebrew "עדה" (edah), indicating a formal assembly. This phrase emphasizes inclusivity, as it involves every member of the Israelite community. The Israelites, descendants of Jacob, are reminded of their identity as God's chosen people. This gathering is not just a physical assembly but a spiritual one, where the community is called to align with God's will. It highlights the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where the entire nation is accountable to divine law.

and said to them
The act of speaking, "אמר" (amar) in Hebrew, is significant in biblical narratives. It denotes the transmission of divine revelation through human agency. Moses' role as a spokesperson for God is crucial, as he conveys God's commandments with authority and clarity. This phrase underscores the importance of communication in the divine-human relationship, where God's will is made known through His chosen servants.

These are the things
The phrase "These are the things" introduces specific instructions or commandments. It indicates a transition from general guidance to particular directives. In the context of Exodus, it prepares the Israelites to receive detailed laws and instructions for worship and community life. This phrase serves as a reminder that God's commandments are not abstract but practical, meant to be implemented in daily life.

that the LORD has commanded you to do
The word "LORD" is translated from "יהוה" (YHWH), the sacred name of God, emphasizing His eternal and covenantal nature. The use of "commanded" (צוה, tzavah) highlights the authoritative nature of God's instructions. This phrase underscores the concept of divine authority and obedience. The Israelites are reminded that their actions are not merely ritualistic but are acts of obedience to the sovereign will of God. The emphasis on "to do" reflects the practical application of faith, where belief is demonstrated through action. This aligns with the conservative Christian perspective that faith without works is dead, as articulated in the New Testament.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His people from Egypt and to guide them through the wilderness. In this verse, Moses acts as the mediator between God and the Israelites, conveying God's commandments.

2. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They are gathered as a community to receive instructions from God through Moses.

3. The Assembly
This event marks a significant gathering of the entire Israelite community, emphasizing the communal aspect of receiving and obeying God's commandments.

4. The Commandments
Refers to the specific instructions given by God, which Moses is about to relay to the people. These commandments are part of the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

5. The Wilderness
The setting for this event, representing both a physical and spiritual journey for the Israelites as they learn to trust and obey God.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Community
The gathering of the Israelites underscores the importance of community in worship and obedience. As believers, we are called to assemble together to hear God's Word and encourage one another.

Obedience to God's Commandments
Moses' role in conveying God's commandments highlights the importance of obedience. We are reminded to prioritize God's instructions in our lives.

Leadership and Mediation
Moses serves as a mediator between God and the people, pointing to the ultimate mediation of Christ. Leaders in the church are called to faithfully communicate God's Word.

The Role of the Law
The commandments given to the Israelites are foundational to their identity and relationship with God. For Christians, the law points us to Christ and our need for His grace.

Preparation for Worship
The assembly of the Israelites prepares them for worship and service. We are encouraged to prepare our hearts and minds for worship, recognizing it as a communal and sacred act.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the assembly of the Israelites in Exodus 35:1 reflect the importance of community in our own faith journey?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are obedient to God's commandments in our daily lives?

3. How does Moses' role as a mediator in this passage point us to the work of Christ as our ultimate mediator?

4. What can we learn from the Israelites' preparation for worship that can be applied to our own worship practices today?

5. How do the commandments given to the Israelites relate to the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament, and how can we apply these teachings to our lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 19
This chapter describes the initial covenant at Mount Sinai, where God first gives the commandments to Moses. It sets the stage for the ongoing relationship between God and Israel.

Deuteronomy 5
This passage reiterates the Ten Commandments, highlighting their continued importance and relevance for the Israelites.

Hebrews 10
This New Testament passage speaks to the assembly of believers, drawing a parallel between the gathering of the Israelites and the gathering of the church.