What role does Moses play in conveying God's commands in Exodus 35:1? Setting the Scene Exodus 35 opens after the golden-calf episode (Exodus 32–34). Covenant fellowship has been renewed, and Israel now stands ready to implement God’s instructions for the tabernacle. Gathering the People “Then Moses assembled the whole congregation of Israel…” (Exodus 35:1) • Moses summons everyone—men, women, craftsmen, elders, ordinary laborers. • The verb “assembled” stresses order and unity; not a casual crowd but a covenant community. • This act models that God’s word is never private revelation; it is meant for the entire people of God. Moses as Mediator “…and said to them, ‘These are the things that the LORD has commanded you to do.’” • Moses functions as the divinely appointed mediator (Exodus 19:3–8; 24:3–8). • He hears directly from God (Exodus 33:11; Numbers 12:6-8) and relays that word without alteration. • The phrase “the LORD has commanded” underscores that the authority originates with God, not Moses. Messenger of Divine Authority • Moses speaks with God-given authority, binding on every Israelite. Compare Deuteronomy 34:10: “No prophet has arisen in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face.” • His words carry the same weight as if God Himself were speaking—a foreshadowing of how prophets later preface messages with “Thus says the LORD” (Jeremiah 1:4-9). Clarity and Completeness • Moses doesn’t merely summarize; he delivers “these things” in detail—Sabbath instructions (vv. 2-3) and directions for tabernacle construction (vv. 4-35). • He ensures accurate transmission so Israel can obey precisely (Exodus 40:16, “Moses did everything just as the LORD had commanded him”). Sabbath Emphasis as Example • Before tabernacle work begins, Moses reiterates the Sabbath (Exodus 35:2-3). • This shows that even sacred service must submit to God’s prior command, emphasizing Moses’ role in keeping priorities straight. Continuity with Previous Revelation • Moses links the commands of Exodus 25–31 (given on Sinai) with the renewed covenant of Exodus 34, tying the whole law together. • New Testament writers affirm this mediatorial role: “The law was given through Moses” (John 1:17); “Moses received living words to pass on to us” (Acts 7:38). Lessons for Today • God still speaks authoritatively through the Scripture Moses transmitted; it is trustworthy and literal. • Leadership in God’s people is responsible first to hear God accurately and then to communicate clearly. • Obedience flows from recognizing that God’s commands, not human opinion, are ultimate. |
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