Parashat Vayakhel: Shabbat vs. Idolatry

The Erection of the Tabernacle and the Sacred Vessels illustration from the 1728 Figures de la Bible

Shabbat vs. Idolatry Shabbat is the last commandment given to the Israelites before they make the Golden Calf, and it is mentioned twice immediately afterwards (Ex. 31:12-18; 34:21; 35:1-3). In the first occurrence Shabbat is called a covenant, and in the last it is introduced with the words VaYakhel Moshe – Moshe gathered the congregation. […]