FocusObedient work and God's glory
Exodus 35:2
KJVSix days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be to you an holy day, a sabbath of rest to the LORD: whosoever doeth work therein shall be put to death.
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The people supply and construct the sanctuary according to the commands, and the book ends with the glory of the LORD filling it.
- 35:1 And Moses gathered all the congregation of the children of Israel together, and said unto them, These are the words which the LORD hath commanded, that ye should do them.
- 35:2 Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be to you an holy day, a sabbath of rest to the LORD: whosoever doeth work therein shall be put to death.
- 35:3 Ye shall kindle no fire throughout your habitations upon the sabbath day.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Moses is the traditional author. Exodus explicitly records him writing covenant words and other material; that supports his central role without identifying every stage in the book's final compilation. Biblical references: Exodus 17:14; Exodus 24:4; Exodus 34:27. Historical source: Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 14b–15a (record of Jewish attribution, not contemporary proof). traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Exodus 35:1–40:38): Moses instructs the Israelite congregation, and willing contributors and skilled workers prepare the sanctuary. Bezalel, Aholiab, Aaron, and Aaron's sons have named roles in its construction and service. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The Israelites delivered from Egypt, and succeeding generations of Israel who were to remember the deliverance and keep the covenant. Biblical references: Exodus 12:24; Exodus 12:26; Exodus 24:7. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? The Sabbath. Read Exodus 35:1 through Exodus 35:3 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The people supply and construct the sanctuary according to the commands, and the book ends with the glory of the LORD filling it. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? Events follow Israel's growth in Egypt and continue through the exodus, arrival at Sinai, and erection of the tabernacle. Exodus 40:17 dates the erection within that journey. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The book moves from Egypt, through the sea and wilderness, to Sinai. Do not confuse the place of a narrated event with the place where the final book was written. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The Sabbath (Exodus 35:1 to Exodus 35:3). Start reading at Exodus 35:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Paul explicitly calls Christ our Passover. Hebrews compares sanctuary worship with Christ's work. These later connections should be cited rather than treating every tabernacle detail as a self-explanatory symbol. See 1 Corinthians 5:7, Hebrews 9:11, Hebrews 9:12. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Respond to deliverance with worship and obedience. When applying a covenant command, identify whom it addresses and its purpose before deciding how it relates to life under the new covenant. interpretation
Cited: Exodus 35:1, Exodus 35:3, 1 Corinthians 5:7, Hebrews 9:11, Hebrews 9:12
Who wrote it, and how we know
Related passages
- Six days Exod 20:9-10 Exod 23:12 Exod 31:13-16 Exod 34:21 Lev 23:3 Deut 5:12-15 Luke 13:14
- whosoever Num 15:32-36 Deut 5:12-14 Luke 13:14-15 John 5:16 Heb 2:2-3 Heb 10:28-29
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Exodus 35
Exodus 1:1 Exodus 19:3 Exodus 24:4
Offerings for the Tabernacle
Exodus 35:4–9FocusObedient work and God's glory
The Skilled Craftsmen
Exodus 35:10–19FocusObedient work and God's glory
The People Offer Gifts
Exodus 35:20–29FocusObedient work and God's glory
Bezalel and Oholiab
Exodus 35:30–35FocusObedient work and God's glory
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Exodus
Exodus 1:1 Exodus 19:3 Exodus 24:4
Oppression and the call of Moses
Exodus 1:1–6:30FocusDeliverance announced
Deliverance from Egypt
Exodus 7:1–15:21FocusJudgment, Passover, and the sea
The journey to Sinai
Exodus 15:22–18:27FocusProvision and ordering the people
Covenant at Sinai
Exodus 19:1–24:18FocusGod's words and Israel's response
Instructions for the tabernacle
Exodus 25:1–31:18FocusDwelling among the people
The golden calf and covenant renewal
Exodus 32:1–34:35FocusRebellion, intercession, and mercy
FocusObedient work and God's glory
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.