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Exodus 35:4 - Moshe commands Sabbath observance

Exodus 35:4 - שמות 35:4

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר מֹשֶׁה אֶל־כָּל־עֲדַת בְּנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל לֵאמֹר זֶה הַדָּבָר אֲשֶׁר־צִוָּה יְהוָה לֵאמֹר׃

English Translation

And Moshe spoke to all the congregation of the children of Yisra᾽el, saying, This is the thing which the Lord commanded, saying,

Transliteration

Va'yomer Moshe el-kol-adat bnei-Yisrael lemor zeh hadavar asher-tziva Adonai lemor.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר מֹשֶׁ֔ה אֶל־כׇּל־עֲדַ֥ת בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לֵאמֹ֑ר זֶ֣ה הַדָּבָ֔ר אֲשֶׁר־צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה לֵאמֹֽר׃
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר מֹשֶׁ֔ה אֶל־כׇּל־עֲדַ֥ת בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לֵאמֹ֑ר זֶ֣ה הַדָּבָ֔ר אֲשֶׁר־צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה לֵאמֹֽר׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse appears in Shemot (Exodus) 35:4, introducing Moshe's transmission of Hashem's commandments regarding the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Rashi notes that this gathering took place on the day after Yom Kippur, following the atonement for the sin of the Golden Calf, emphasizing the renewed covenant between Hashem and Bnei Yisrael.

Phrasing: "Zeh HaDavar" (This is the thing)

The term "Zeh HaDavar" is interpreted by the Midrash Tanchuma (Vayakhel 1) as indicating precision in fulfilling mitzvot—Moshe conveyed the exact details of Hashem's command without adding or omitting anything. Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 9:1) derives from this phrase the principle that a prophet must relay divine commandments verbatim.

Addressing "Kol Adat Bnei Yisrael"

The inclusion of the entire congregation ("Kol Adat Bnei Yisrael") teaches, as the Or HaChayim explains, that Moshe ensured every individual—men, women, and leaders—understood their role in the Mishkan's construction. The Sforno adds that this collective address reinforced unity, rectifying the discord caused by the Golden Calf.

Connection to Shabbat

This verse precedes the mitzvah of Shabbat (Exodus 35:2), which the Mechilta links to the Mishkan to teach that even sacred work must cease for Shabbat. The Kli Yakar highlights that Shabbat's mention first underscores its supremacy over the Mishkan, as divine service does not override Shabbat.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the context of Exodus 35:4?
A: Exodus 35:4 marks the beginning of Moshe's instructions to Bnei Yisrael regarding the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). This follows the sin of the Golden Calf and the giving of the second set of tablets. Rashi explains that Moshe gathered all of Israel to emphasize the importance of communal participation in this holy project.
Q: Why does the verse say 'This is the thing' (זֶה הַדָּבָר)?
A: The phrase 'This is the thing' (זֶה הַדָּבָר) indicates precision in the commandments. Ramban explains that Moshe was specifying exactly what Hashem commanded, without adding or omitting anything. This teaches us the importance of transmitting Torah instructions accurately.
Q: Why did Moshe speak to the entire congregation?
A: Moshe addressed the entire congregation to include every Jew in the mitzvah of building the Mishkan. The Midrash teaches that this demonstrates how all Jews - men, women, and children - have a share in serving Hashem and contributing to holy endeavors.
Q: What lesson can we learn from this verse today?
A: This verse teaches us about the power of unity in fulfilling mitzvot. Just as all of Israel participated in building the Mishkan, today we must work together as a community in Torah study and good deeds. The Sforno notes that communal mitzvot create special Divine favor.
Q: How does this verse connect to Shabbat?
A: Immediately after this verse (in Exodus 35:5), Moshe introduces the laws of Shabbat before discussing the Mishkan. The Talmud (Shabbat 49b) learns from this that even the important work of building the Mishkan doesn't override Shabbat, teaching us the supreme sanctity of Shabbat.