35:1
Chapters 35 to 39 are a near repeat of chapters 25 to 31. However, they are not an exact repeat and there are some key differences. Even so, we are led to ask why is there a virtual repetition of earlier material? Repetition can be used as a means of emphasis, seeking to make sure people get the message and appreciate its importance. It also stresses Moses’ faithfulness in carrying out God’s instructions. It is perhaps significant that the first telling was before the golden calf incident, so maybe this is stressing that the “rules” remain the same. Just as the ten commandments have not changed, neither have the rest of the commands.
35:2,3
The first instruction regards the Sabbath. The Sabbath receives a lot of attention in both the Law and the Prophets, and while I don’t think going all legalistic about it is fruitful (see Jesus and the Pharisees in the gospels, where so many disputes centred around the Sabbath), we do need to have a greater appreciation of the Sabbath principle. They were about to receive commands on building the tent, even during this building period the Sabbath was to be observed. The prohibition on lighting a fire could be related to cooking, or possibly (but less likely) to metalwork.
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