What is the context?
The work is complete, and the people bring the dwelling, its coverings, furnishings, courtyard equipment, and priestly clothing to Moses. The list gathers the many parts into one finished task. Instructions given across several chapters have become something the people can present together.
Moses inspects it and sees that they have done what the LORD commanded. He blesses them. This is an important change from the earlier scene when he came down to find the calf: here the people’s work follows God’s word. The dwelling still needs to be set up and its service established, which happens in the next chapter.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Wesley understands Moses’ blessing as more than praise: he prays for the people after their faithful work. Calvin likewise reads the inspection and blessing as approval of work done according to God’s directions.
Where does this fit in God's plan?
The language of finished work, inspection, and blessing recalls creation. God looks at what He has made, and the creation account moves into completion and the blessing of the seventh day (Genesis 1:31; 2:1–3). Here Moses sees the completed work and blesses the people. This is a literary parallel, with a dwelling being prepared for life in God’s presence.
The New Testament takes faithful service further. Hebrews 3:1–6 honors Moses as a faithful servant and directs attention to Christ as the Son over God’s house. Jesus speaks of accomplishing the Father’s work (John 17:1–5), and at the cross declares that His work is finished (John 19:28–30). The comparison points beyond completing a structure toward the greater work by which Christ brings His people to God.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.