Exodus 35:4, "Moses spoke to all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying, “This is the thing which Yahweh commanded, saying," is a pivotal verse marking the beginning of the instructions for building the Tabernacle (also sometimes referred to as the Tent of Meeting) after the incident with the Golden Calf. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"Moses spoke to all the congregation of the children of Israel": This emphasizes that Moses, as the divinely appointed leader, is addressing the entire community of Israelites. It's a formal and important announcement meant for everyone.
"This is the thing which Yahweh commanded, saying,": This is the core of the verse.
"This is the thing...": This directs the Israelites' attention to a specific command or set of instructions.
"which Yahweh commanded": This is crucial. It establishes that the instructions Moses is about to deliver are not his own ideas or preferences but come directly from God (Yahweh is the Hebrew name for God, often translated as LORD). This highlights the divine authority behind the upcoming instructions, stressing their importance and the need for obedience.
"saying,": This is a transition, indicating that what follows is the direct commandment from God that Moses is about to convey.
In summary, the verse serves as an introduction and underscores the following key points:
1. Divine Authority: The commands that follow are not human-made but come directly from God. This carries immense weight and demands obedience.
2. Importance: The instructions are essential and should be heeded by all the people.
3. Unity: The entire community is being addressed, implying that everyone has a role to play.
4. Continuity: It serves to remind the people, especially after the Golden Calf debacle, that God has not abandoned them and is still guiding them.
Following this verse, the specific commands regarding the Tabernacle and its construction are provided. This includes the materials needed, the skills and craftsmanship required, and the overall purpose of the Tabernacle as a dwelling place for God in the midst of the people.
Exodus 35:4, "Moses spoke to all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying, “This is the thing which Yahweh commanded, saying," is a pivotal verse marking the beginning of the instructions for building the Tabernacle (also sometimes referred to as the Tent of Meeting) after the incident with the Golden Calf. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"Moses spoke to all the congregation of the children of Israel": This emphasizes that Moses, as the divinely appointed leader, is addressing the entire community of Israelites. It's a formal and important announcement meant for everyone.
"This is the thing which Yahweh commanded, saying,": This is the core of the verse.
"This is the thing...": This directs the Israelites' attention to a specific command or set of instructions.
"which Yahweh commanded": This is crucial. It establishes that the instructions Moses is about to deliver are not his own ideas or preferences but come directly from God (Yahweh is the Hebrew name for God, often translated as LORD). This highlights the divine authority behind the upcoming instructions, stressing their importance and the need for obedience.
"saying,": This is a transition, indicating that what follows is the direct commandment from God that Moses is about to convey.
In summary, the verse serves as an introduction and underscores the following key points:
1. Divine Authority: The commands that follow are not human-made but come directly from God. This carries immense weight and demands obedience.
2. Importance: The instructions are essential and should be heeded by all the people.
3. Unity: The entire community is being addressed, implying that everyone has a role to play.
4. Continuity: It serves to remind the people, especially after the Golden Calf debacle, that God has not abandoned them and is still guiding them.
Following this verse, the specific commands regarding the Tabernacle and its construction are provided. This includes the materials needed, the skills and craftsmanship required, and the overall purpose of the Tabernacle as a dwelling place for God in the midst of the people.