The verb translated “he made” is one of the most common verbs in the Bible. “Asah” means “he made” or “he did” or “he worked.”
It has a very wide usage – and is found in all the central actions of the book of Exodus. For instance, in Exodus 1 the midwives “did not do” as Pharaoh commanded them. That’s asah – they did not do – they did not do the work that Pharaoh commanded. And so the LORD made for them houses – he did for them (asah) he worked on their behalf.
All through the plagues, there are lots of uses of asah –coming to its climax in the LORD’s declaration that he will do judgment on Egypt in the death of the firstborn (Ex 12:12).
When you talk about ‘keeping’ the Passover – the verb is asah – to “do” or to “make” the Passover.
And then from chapter 25 through chapter 39, it goes crazy! There are over a hundred uses of asah in the description of the tabernacle – (generally “you shall make”) in chapters 25-31. And of course, in chapters 32-34 – the rebellion at Sinai with the golden calf – the whole focus is on how they made (asah) the golden calf.
And having decided to show mercy to his people, the LORD gives his Spirit to Bezalel the craftsman, so that he might make (asah) the tabernacle – a sanctuary for God’s name. Our passage today has over 70 uses of the verb.
So let’s put it all together: The LORD made the heavens and the earth. The LORD did mighty deeds in saving his people from Egypt.
Now his people are called to do as the LORD commands, and make a holy dwelling place where the LORD might dwell in their midst.
That’s pretty much the story of the book of Exodus – all told with one verb!
Featuring a sermon puts it on the front page of the site and is the most effective way to bring this sermon to the attention of thousands including all mobile platforms + newsletter.
Text-Featuring a sermon is a less expensive way to bring this sermon to the attention of thousands on the right bar with optional newsletter inclusion. As low as $30/day.
