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 whole congregation of Israel
Moses, as the leader appointed by God, gathers the entire community of Israelites. This assembly signifies the importance of the message he is about to deliver. In the context of the Exodus narrative, the Israelites are in the wilderness after their deliverance from Egypt, highlighting their dependence on divine guidance. The act of assembling underscores the communal nature of their covenant relationship with God, as seen in previous gatherings at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:17). This gathering also prefigures the New Testament church, where believers are called to assemble for worship and instruction (Hebrews 10:25).

and said to them,
Moses acts as the mediator between God and the people, a role that foreshadows Christ as the ultimate mediator (1 Timothy 2:5). His speaking to the congregation emphasizes the importance of communication in leadership and the transmission of divine commandments. This moment is a continuation of the covenantal dialogue initiated at Sinai, where God spoke directly to Moses (Exodus 19:9).

“These are the things that the LORD has commanded you to do:
The phrase introduces a divine mandate, underscoring the authority of the commandments. The use of "the LORD" (YHWH) emphasizes the covenantal name of God, reminding the Israelites of His eternal and unchanging nature. The commandments that follow are not mere suggestions but divine imperatives, reflecting God's holiness and the call for His people to be set apart (Leviticus 19:2). This directive also connects to the broader biblical theme of obedience to God's word, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:1-3, and anticipates the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized the fulfillment of the law (Matthew 5:17).

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.