Exodus 35:1-3·~1 min
The Sabbath
Moses gathers Israel and restates the Sabbath command in firm terms. The holy work ahead must remain bounded by a day of complete rest to the LORD.
T1hen Moses assembled the whole congregation of Israel and said to them, “These are the things that the LORD has commanded you to do: 2For six days work may be done, but the seventh day shall be your holy day, a Sabbath of complete rest to the LORD. Whoever does any work on that day must be put to death. 3Do not light a fire in any of your dwellings on the Sabbath day.”
Section summaryMoses opens the assembly by repeating the Sabbath command before any tabernacle work begins. Israel is to labor six days, keep the seventh as holy rest to the LORD, and treat even ordinary household fire as forbidden on that day.
Role in the chapterThis section sets the terms for all that follows. Before sacred work begins, it places Israel's obedience under God's rhythm of rest, showing that zeal for the tabernacle does not suspend the Sabbath.