Meaning of Exodus 35:1

Exodus 35:1 marks a pivotal moment in the Israelite journey after their liberation from Egypt, specifically following the divine encounter at Mount Sinai where the Ten Commandments and detailed instructions for the Tabernacle were given. Moses, acting as God's mediator, convenes the entire community to reiterate and solidify the divine mandate for constructing the sanctuary and its furnishings. This is not a new revelation, but rather a call to action based on the covenant established and the detailed blueprint provided by God. The emphasis is on obedience and participation in a communal project that is central to their identity as God's chosen people, underscoring the importance of practical faith demonstrated through diligent work and willing contribution.

Context and Background

This verse immediately follows the account of the Ten Commandments and the subsequent detailed instructions for the Tabernacle and its associated priesthood in Exodus chapters 20-31. The Israelites had just experienced the awe-inspiring presence of God at Sinai, receiving the foundational laws for their relationship with Him and with one another. However, the period between receiving the law and the actual construction of the Tabernacle required a clear, communal directive. Moses' assembly of the entire community serves as the official commencement of the Tabernacle's construction phase, transitioning from receiving divine instruction to implementing it. This also occurs after the grievous sin of the golden calf (Exodus 32-34), making this a renewed commitment to God's presence and a testament to His grace in allowing them to proceed with the sacred project.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Commandment: The verse begins by stating, "These are the things the Lord has commanded you to do." This highlights that the subsequent instructions for the Tabernacle are not suggestions but divine imperatives. Obedience to God's commands is paramount.
• Communal Responsibility: Moses addresses the "whole Israelite community," emphasizing that the construction of the Tabernacle is a collective endeavor. Every member of the community has a role to play in establishing God's dwelling place among them.
• Purposeful Action: The verse signifies a transition from hearing God's word to doing it. It underscores the importance of translating faith into tangible action and participation.
• Reaffirmation of Covenant: Following the sin of the golden calf, this call to build the Tabernacle represents a reaffirmation of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, and a commitment to living in His presence.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, this verse calls believers today to recognize that faith is active. God's commands, whether ancient or modern, call for a response. The construction of the Tabernacle was a physical manifestation of God's desire to dwell with His people. Today, believers are the "temple of the Holy Spirit" (1 Corinthians 6:19), and our lives are to be lived in a way that honors God and reflects His presence. This involves actively participating in the life of the church, contributing our talents and resources, and living in obedience to God's will. It's about building up the spiritual community.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Exodus 35:1 is a foundational event that sets the stage for the entire sanctuary system in the Old Testament. The Tabernacle, and later the Temple, were tangible symbols of God's presence and the means by which His people could approach Him. This narrative thread continues through the New Testament, where Jesus Christ is presented as the ultimate fulfillment of the Tabernacle's purpose – "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us" (John 1:14), and He is the High Priest who offers a perfect sacrifice. The concept of God dwelling with His people culminates in the New Jerusalem described in Revelation, where God's presence is fully realized without a physical temple.

Analogies

One analogy for this verse is a homeowner receiving detailed plans and instructions from an architect for building a new room in their house. The architect's instructions are not optional; they are essential for the room to be functional and beautiful. Similarly, God provides the blueprint for His dwelling, and the Israelites are called to be the builders, contributing their labor and materials. Another analogy is a sports team receiving a playbook from their coach before a big game. The playbook contains the strategies and plays that must be executed for success, and each player has a specific role to fulfill.

Relation to Other Verses

• Deuteronomy 6:17: "Be sure to diligently keep the commandments of the Lord your God, and his testimonies, and his statutes, which he hath commanded thee." This verse echoes the imperative nature of God's commands, reinforcing the idea that obedience is a primary response.
• Hebrews 8:5: Speaking of the Levitical priesthood and the Tabernacle, it states, "who serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things." This highlights that the Tabernacle was a physical representation pointing to a greater spiritual reality.
• 1 Corinthians 3:16: "Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?" This New Testament passage draws a direct parallel between the ancient Tabernacle and the individual believer and the collective church as the dwelling place of God.
• Romans 12:1: "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." This verse calls for a similar active, devoted response of our lives to God's will, mirroring the dedication of resources and labor for the Tabernacle.