Exodus 35:20 - All the congregation of the children of Israel departed from the presence of Moses.

Generated Verse: Exodus 35:20

What does "Exodus 35:20" mean?


Exodus 35:20, "All the congregation of the children of Israel departed from the presence of Moses," means that the entire group of Israelites left Moses' immediate vicinity. To understand the full context, consider the verses leading up to this one:

Moses' Instructions: Moses had just finished relaying God's instructions regarding the construction of the Tabernacle (the portable sanctuary) and the making of its furnishings. He had detailed what needed to be built and the materials required.

Leaving to Respond: After hearing these instructions, the people left. This was not a departure in the sense of abandoning Moses or rejecting the project. Instead, they left to contemplate what they had heard and to prepare themselves to respond to the call for contributions and skilled labor.

Preparation for Action: The departure was a temporary adjournment, a recess. The Israelites needed to go back to their tents, discuss the matter with their families, gather their resources, and consider whether they possessed the skills needed to contribute to the construction.

In essence, this verse signals a moment of pause and preparation. The people leave Moses' presence to consider the task ahead and how they can participate in it. The following verses (Exodus 35:21-29) demonstrate the immediate and enthusiastic response that followed their departure, showing their willingness to contribute both materials and skills.

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