Verse 42 is almost identical with the second part of verse 32 above. Only the word order is changed. All the work is literally “all the service [or, labor],” as in the first part of verse 32. So verse 42 concludes the section in the same words as it begins (verse 32).

And Moses saw all the work is quite literal. The word for work may mean “task,” or “labor,” or “mission.” It is not the same word used in verse 42. The word for saw may also mean “examined” (Good News Translation) or “inspected” (Revised English Bible and others). So this means that Moses probably gave “everything” that had been made a thorough examination. And behold is the frequently used marker for calling attention to what follows—in this case, they had done it. Most translations omit behold, but some bring out the emphasis in different ways: “and in fact” (Durham), “and here” (Fox), “indeed” (New Jerusalem Bible), “exactly” (Translator’s Old Testament).

As the LORD had commanded, so had they done it repeats the same idea for emphasis. The addition of the word had, the English pluperfect, helps to show that the work had already been done. And Moses blessed them means that Moses spoke some words of good fortune for them. His blessing was probably in the form of a pronouncement, calling on Yahweh to grant them all the good things in life, such as health, happiness, and long life.

Quoted with permission from Osborn, Noel D. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Exodus. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1999. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .