Exodus 35:20
New International Version
Then the whole Israelite community withdrew from Moses’ presence,

New Living Translation
So the whole community of Israel left Moses and returned to their tents.

English Standard Version
Then all the congregation of the people of Israel departed from the presence of Moses.

Berean Standard Bible
Then the whole congregation of Israel withdrew from the presence of Moses.

King James Bible
And all the congregation of the children of Israel departed from the presence of Moses.

New King James Version
And all the congregation of the children of Israel departed from the presence of Moses.

New American Standard Bible
Then all the congregation of the sons of Israel departed from Moses’ presence.

NASB 1995
Then all the congregation of the sons of Israel departed from Moses’ presence.

NASB 1977
Then all the congregation of the sons of Israel departed from Moses’ presence.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then all the congregation of the sons of Israel went out from Moses’ presence.

Amplified Bible
Then all the congregation of the Israelites left Moses’ presence.

Christian Standard Bible
Then the entire Israelite community left Moses’s presence.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then the entire Israelite community left Moses’ presence.

American Standard Version
And all the congregation of the children of Israel departed from the presence of Moses.

Contemporary English Version
Moses finished speaking, and everyone left.

English Revised Version
And all the congregation of the children of Israel departed from the presence of Moses.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then the whole Israelite community left Moses.

Good News Translation
All the people of Israel left,

International Standard Version
Then the entire congregation of the Israelis withdrew from Moses' presence,

NET Bible
So the whole community of the Israelites went out from the presence of Moses.

New Heart English Bible
All the congregation of the children of Israel departed from the presence of Moses.

Webster's Bible Translation
And all the congregation of the children of Israel departed from the presence of Moses.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Then the whole congregation of Israel withdrew from the presence of Moses.

World English Bible
All the congregation of the children of Israel departed from the presence of Moses.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And all the congregation of the sons of Israel go out from the presence of Moses,

Young's Literal Translation
And all the company of the sons of Israel go out from the presence of Moses,

Smith's Literal Translation
And all the assembly of the sons of Israel will go forth from before Moses.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And all the multitude of the children of Israel going out from the presence of Moses,

Catholic Public Domain Version
And all the multitude of the sons of Israel, departing from the sight of Moses,

New American Bible
When the whole Israelite community left Moses’ presence,

New Revised Standard Version
Then all the congregation of the Israelites withdrew from the presence of Moses.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the whole congregation of the children of Israel departed from the presence of Moses.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And all of the assembly of the children of Israel went out from before Moshe.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And all the congregation of the children of Israel departed from the presence of Moses.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And all the congregation of the children of Israel went out from Moses. And they brought, they whose heart prompted them, and they to whomsoever it seemed good in their mind, each and offering:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The People Offer Gifts
20Then the whole congregation of Israel withdrew from the presence of Moses. 21And everyone whose heart stirred him and whose spirit prompted him came and brought an offering to the LORD for the work on the Tent of Meeting, for all its services, and for the holy garments.…

Cross References
Exodus 25:1-9
Then the LORD said to Moses, / “Tell the Israelites to bring Me an offering. You are to receive My offering from every man whose heart compels him. / This is the offering you are to accept from them: gold, silver, and bronze; ...

Exodus 31:1-11
Then the LORD said to Moses, / “See, I have called by name Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. / And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship, ...

1 Chronicles 29:6-9
Then the leaders of the families, the officers of the tribes of Israel, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and the officials in charge of the king’s work gave willingly. / Toward the service of God’s house they gave 5,000 talents and 10,000 darics of gold, 10,000 talents of silver, 18,000 talents of bronze, and 100,000 talents of iron. / Whoever had precious stones gave them to the treasury of the house of the LORD, under the care of Jehiel the Gershonite. ...

2 Corinthians 9:7
Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.

Exodus 36:2-7
Then Moses summoned Bezalel, Oholiab, and every skilled person whom the LORD had gifted—everyone whose heart stirred him to come and do the work. / They received from Moses all the contributions that the Israelites had brought to carry out the service of constructing the sanctuary. Meanwhile, the people continued to bring freewill offerings morning after morning, / so that all the skilled craftsmen who were doing all the work on the sanctuary left their work ...

1 Chronicles 28:9-10
As for you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve Him wholeheartedly and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands the intent of every thought. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever. / Consider now that the LORD has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary. Be strong and do it.”

2 Corinthians 8:1-5
Now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the churches of Macedonia. / In the terrible ordeal they suffered, their abundant joy and deep poverty overflowed into rich generosity. / For I testify that they gave according to their ability and even beyond it. Of their own accord, ...

Exodus 32:1-6
Now when the people saw that Moses was delayed in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said, “Come, make us gods who will go before us. As for this Moses who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has happened to him!” / So Aaron told them, “Take off the gold earrings that are on your wives and sons and daughters, and bring them to me.” / Then all the people took off their gold earrings and brought them to Aaron. ...

Romans 12:1
Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.

1 Peter 4:10
As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another.

Exodus 19:8
And all the people answered together, “We will do everything that the LORD has spoken.” So Moses brought their words back to the LORD.

Acts 4:32-35
The multitude of believers was one in heart and soul. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they owned. / With great power the apostles continued to give their testimony about the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And abundant grace was upon them all. / There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, ...

Deuteronomy 16:17
Everyone must appear with a gift as he is able, according to the blessing the LORD your God has given you.

Matthew 6:19-21
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Exodus 24:3
When Moses came and told the people all the words and ordinances of the LORD, they all responded with one voice: “All the words that the LORD has spoken, we will do.”


Treasury of Scripture

And all the congregation of the children of Israel departed from the presence of Moses.

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Exodus 35
1. The Sabbath
4. The free gifts for the tabernacle
20. The readiness of the people to offer
30. Bezaleel and Aholiab are called to the work














Then the whole congregation of Israel
This phrase refers to the entire assembly of the Israelites, who were the descendants of the twelve tribes of Jacob. The term "congregation" emphasizes the unity and collective identity of the people as God's chosen nation. Historically, this gathering would have included men, women, and possibly children, all of whom were part of the covenant community. The Israelites were camped at the base of Mount Sinai during this period, having been delivered from Egypt and receiving the Law from God. This collective action underscores the communal nature of their faith and obedience.

withdrew from the presence of Moses.
Moses served as the mediator between God and the Israelites, often conveying God's commands and instructions to the people. The act of withdrawing indicates that the people had received a message or command from Moses and were now leaving to act upon it. This moment follows Moses' instructions regarding the construction of the Tabernacle, a central place of worship for the Israelites. The withdrawal signifies their readiness to contribute materials and skills for the Tabernacle's construction, demonstrating their obedience and willingness to participate in God's plan. This action can be seen as a precursor to the New Testament concept of the church as the body of Christ, where each member contributes to the whole.

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 context, Moses is relaying God's instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle.

2. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They are gathered as a congregation to hear Moses' instructions regarding the Tabernacle.

3. The Tabernacle
A portable sanctuary that God instructed the Israelites to build as a place of worship and His dwelling among them during their journey through the wilderness.

4. The Wilderness
The setting for the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, a place of testing, learning, and divine provision.

5. The Presence of Moses
Represents the authority and leadership of Moses as God's appointed mediator between Himself and the Israelites.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God's Instructions
The Israelites' response to Moses' instructions demonstrates the importance of obedience to God's commands. As believers, we are called to listen and act upon God's Word with a willing heart.

Community Participation in Worship
The construction of the Tabernacle required the collective effort of the entire community. This teaches us the value of communal involvement in the work of the church and the importance of each member's contribution.

Generosity in Giving
The Israelites were asked to give materials for the Tabernacle. This act of giving was to be done willingly and from the heart, setting an example for us to give generously and cheerfully to God's work.

Leadership and Mediation
Moses' role as a mediator between God and the Israelites points to the importance of godly leadership. It also foreshadows Christ's ultimate role as our mediator.

The Presence of God
The Tabernacle was a symbol of God's presence among His people. Today, we are reminded that God dwells within us through the Holy Spirit, and we are called to live as His holy temple.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Exodus 35:20?

2. How does Exodus 35:20 inspire us to contribute to God's work today?

3. What can we learn from the Israelites' response in Exodus 35:20?

4. How does Exodus 35:20 connect to New Testament teachings on giving?

5. In what ways can we apply Exodus 35:20 in our church community?

6. How does Exodus 35:20 encourage a willing heart in serving God?

7. What does Exodus 35:20 reveal about the Israelites' willingness to contribute to the Tabernacle?

8. How does Exodus 35:20 reflect the communal nature of worship in ancient Israel?

9. What historical evidence supports the events described in Exodus 35:20?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 35?

11. Is fasting necessary for Christians?

12. Exodus 28:2–5: Where did nomadic Israelites supposedly in the desert acquire the costly fabrics, precious stones, and gold for such elaborate garments?

13. Who were Bezalel and Oholiab in the Bible?

14. What events occur in the biblical book of Exodus?
What Does Exodus 35:20 Mean
Then

“Then the whole congregation of Israel withdrew from the presence of Moses.” (Exodus 35:20)

• “Then” links directly to Moses’ call for offerings to build the tabernacle (Exodus 35:4–19).

• The sequence shows immediate obedience, echoing the order-and-response pattern seen at Sinai (Exodus 24:3).

• The word signals a decisive moment, like the people’s swift action after Passover instructions (Exodus 12:28).


The whole congregation of Israel

• Every tribe and family was involved—men and women alike (Exodus 35:22).

• Scripture consistently emphasizes corporate responsibility: see Joshua 8:35 and Acts 15:22.

• No partial obedience is expected; the call is universal, mirroring the whole nation’s pledge in Exodus 19:8.


Withdrew

• The people physically step back so they can step forward in obedience.

• This mirrors earlier withdrawals to act on divine instructions (Exodus 32:26–28).

• Withdrawal here is not rejection but preparation—like Israel standing at a distance while committing themselves to covenant terms (Exodus 20:18–21).


From the presence of Moses

• Moses represents God’s voice; leaving him means moving toward practical faithfulness (James 2:17).

• The pattern repeats in Nehemiah 8:12, where the people disperse to celebrate obedience after hearing the Law.

• The departure underlines orderly worship: God speaks, the people respond (1 Corinthians 14:40).


Purpose behind the withdrawal

• They left to gather the materials and talents Moses specified—gold, silver, yarn, skills (Exodus 35:21).

• Voluntary generosity is stressed; “everyone whose heart moved him” (Exodus 35:21) anticipates cheerful giving in 2 Corinthians 9:7.

• The gathering phase culminates in “more than enough” resources (Exodus 36:5-7), demonstrating God-prompted abundance as seen earlier with manna (Exodus 16:18).


Application

• Hearing God’s Word must flow into tangible action (Luke 11:28).

• Obedience involves every believer, not a select few (1 Peter 2:9).

• Stepping away from the speaker to serve models the rhythm of worship and work (Mark 3:14; 6:30).


summary

Exodus 35:20 captures a collective, eager response: after Moses relays God’s instructions, the entire nation immediately departs to put those words into practice. Their united withdrawal signals wholehearted obedience, voluntary generosity, and orderly devotion. The verse reminds believers today that authentic worship listens, rises, and moves out to obey—together.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then the entire
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

congregation
עֲדַ֥ת (‘ă·ḏaṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 5712: A stated assemblage

of the Israelites
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

withdrew
וַיֵּֽצְא֛וּ (way·yê·ṣə·’ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

from the presence
מִלִּפְנֵ֥י (mil·lip̄·nê)
Preposition-m, Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440: The face

of Moses.
מֹשֶֽׁה׃ (mō·šeh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872: Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver


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OT Law: Exodus 35:20 All the congregation of the children (Exo. Ex)
Exodus 35:19
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