1 Moses assembled all the congregation of the people of Israel and said to them, “These are the things that the Lord has commanded you to do.
2 Six days work shall be done, but on the seventh day you shall have a Sabbath of solemn rest, holy to the Lord. Whoever does any work on it shall be put to death.
3 You shall kindle no fire in all your dwelling places on the Sabbath day.”
4 Moses said to all the congregation of the people of Israel, “This is the thing that the Lord has commanded.
5 Take from among you a contribution to the Lord. Whoever is of a generous heart, let him bring the Lord’s contribution: gold, silver, and bronze;
6 And blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen, goats’ hair,
7 And they brought to the Lord their offerings of gold, and silver, and bronze,
8 And oil for the light, and spices for the anointing oil, and for the fragrant incense.
9 skilled women spun with their hands, and brought what they had spun in blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen.
10 “Let every skillful craftsman among you come and make all that the Lord has commanded:
11 the tabernacle, its tent and its covering, its hooks and its frames, its bars, its pillars, and its bases;
12 the finely worked garments, the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, for their service as priests,
13 the table with its poles and all its utensils, and the bread of the Presence;
14 The lampstand also for the light, with its utensils and its lamps, and the oil for the light,
15 And the altar of incense, with its poles, and the anointing oil and the fragrant incense, and the screen for the door, at the door of the tabernacle;
16 This is the contribution that the people of Israel shall bring for the service of the tent of meeting: gold, silver, and bronze,
17 the hangings of the court, its pillars, and its bases, and the screen for the gate of the court,
18 the pegs of the tabernacle and the pegs of the court, and their cords;
19 the finely worked garments for ministering in the Holy Place, the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, for their service as priests.”
20 Then all the congregation of the people of Israel departed from the presence of Moses.
21 And they came, everyone whose heart stirred him, and everyone whose spirit moved him, and brought the Lord’s contribution to be used for the tent of meeting, and for all its service, and for the holy garments.
22 So they came, both men and women. All who were of a willing heart brought brooches and earrings and signet rings and armlets, all sorts of gold objects, every man dedicating an offering of gold to the Lord.
23 Everyone who could make a contribution of silver or bronze brought the Lord’s contribution. And every one who possessed acacia wood of any use in the work brought it.
24 Everyone who could make a contribution of silver or bronze brought the Lord’s offering. And every one who possessed acacia wood of any use in the work brought it.
25 All the women whose hearts stirred them to use their skill spun the goats’ hair.
26 And all the women whose hearts stirred them up in wisdom spun goats’ hair.
27 And the leaders brought onyx stones and stones to be set, for the ephod and for the breastpiece,
28 And they brought the offerings before the Lord, six wagons and twelve oxen, a wagon for every two of the chiefs, and for each one an ox. They brought them before the tabernacle.
29 All the men and women, the people of Israel, whose heart moved them to bring anything for the work that the Lord had commanded by Moses to be done brought it as a freewill offering to the Lord.
30 Then Moses said to the people of Israel, “See, the Lord has called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah;
31 and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge, and with all craftsmanship,
32 to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze,
33 And in the cutting of stones for settings, and in the carving of wood, for work in every skilled craft.
34 And he has inspired him to teach, both him and Oholiab the son of Ahisamach of the tribe of Dan.
35 He has filled them with skill to do every sort of work done by an engraver or by a designer or by an embroiderer in blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen, or by a weaver—by any sort of workman or skilled designer.
The True Meaning of Exodus 35
The Book of Exodus, the second book of the Bible, is believed to have been written by Moses, the great prophet and leader of the Israelites. The Israelites prepare to build the Tabernacle, a sacred dwelling place for God’s presence, as commanded by the Lord in this chapter.
This chapter sets the stage for the construction of the Tabernacle, a pivotal event in the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness. We will see the people’s willingness to contribute their time, resources, and skills to this holy endeavor, as well as the specific instructions given by God for the design and craftsmanship of the Tabernacle. This chapter also highlights the importance of Sabbath observance, as the Lord reminds the people to rest on the seventh day, in accordance with the commandments given earlier in Exodus (Exodus 20:8-11). As we delve into this chapter, we will be reminded of the Israelites’ deep reverence for God and their desire to honor Him through their obedience and dedication. This chapter serves as a testament to the Israelites’ faith and their commitment to following the Lord’s guidance, even in the midst of their wilderness wanderings.
Exodus 35:1-3
Moses assembled all the congregation of the people of Israel and said to them, “These are the things that the Lord has commanded you to do.” Six days work shall be done, but on the seventh day you shall have a Sabbath of solemn rest, holy to the Lord. Whoever does any work on it shall be put to death. You shall kindle no fire in all your dwelling places on the Sabbath day.’”
This passage from Exodus is a reminder to the Israelites of the importance of keeping the Sabbath day holy. The Sabbath was a day of rest, sanctified by God as a time for spiritual reflection and worship. Through Moses, God commanded that all work should cease on the Sabbath, and anyone who violated this commandment by working would face severe consequences, even death.
The observance of the Sabbath was a way for the Israelites to show their faith and obedience to God. They were acknowledging God as the ultimate provider and sustainer of their lives by setting aside one day of the week for rest and worship. This commandment highlighted the principle of trusting in God’s provision, rather than relying solely on their own efforts.
The prohibition against kindling fire on the Sabbath was significant because in ancient times, fire was essential for cooking and heating. The Israelites were demonstrating their willingness to adhere to God’s laws, even if it meant sacrificing comfort or convenience, by refraining from lighting fires on the Sabbath.
This commandment to keep the Sabbath holy has timeless relevance for Christians today. Jesus affirmed the importance of the Sabbath as a day of rest and worship in the New Testament. Jesus said in Mark 2:27, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.”” This statement reminds believers that the Sabbath is a gift from God, designed for our well-being and spiritual nourishment. The Sabbath serves as a counter-cultural practice that invites believers to pause, reflect, and reorient their hearts towards God in a world that often prioritizes busyness and productivity. Just as the Israelites were called to set aside time for rest and worship, Christians are encouraged to embrace the Sabbath as a sacred time to draw near to God and find renewal for their souls. Exodus 35:1-3 underscores the importance of honoring God’s commandments, including the observance of the Sabbath, as a way to cultivate a deeper relationship with Him and live according to His purposes.
Exodus 35:4-9
God commands the Israelites to bring offerings for the construction of the tabernacle in Exodus 35:4-9. The first section of this verse emphasizes the need for the people to participate willingly in this act of giving. The phrase “from his heart” indicates that the offerings should be given with sincerity and a spirit of generosity, rather than out of compulsion or duty. This concept of giving from the heart is a theme that resonates throughout the Bible, reflecting the importance of having a pure and willing attitude when offering gifts to God or serving others.
Another notable aspect of these verses is the variety of materials that were requested for the construction of the tabernacle. These included gold, silver, bronze, colored fabrics, fine linen, goat hair, ram skins dyed red, and other valuable items. Each type of material had a specific purpose in the construction of the tabernacle, highlighting the importance of diverse contributions and skills in the service of God. This diversity of offerings underscores the idea that God values the unique gifts and abilities that each individual brings to the community of believers, and how these different contributions can work together to create something beautiful and meaningful for the worship of God. Bezalel and Oholiab, two skilled artisans chosen by God, lead the construction project introduced in Exodus 35:30-35, in addition to the materials needed for the tabernacle. These individuals were filled with the Spirit of God, wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in all kinds of crafts, such as working with gold, silver, and bronze, cutting stones, and carving wood. This highlights the importance of using the talents and abilities that God has given us for His glory and for the benefit of the community. It serves as a reminder that God equips His people with the skills and knowledge necessary to accomplish His purposes, and that He values creativity and craftsmanship in the service of His kingdom. Exodus 35:4-9 emphasizes the importance of giving generously and willingly from the heart, the diversity of contributions within the community of believers, and the value of using one’s God-given talents and skills for the service of God. This passage serves as a reminder of the significance of offering our best to God in all aspects of our lives, whether it be our resources, our creativity, or our skills, and how each person has a unique role to play in furthering the work of God’s kingdom.
Exodus 35:10-19
The passage in Exodus 35:10-19 describes the items that the Israelites brought to contribute to the construction of the Tabernacle, the central place of worship for the Israelites during their time in the wilderness. Let’s break down this section of the verse for a deeper understanding.
Starting with verse 10, it mentions the skilled women who came forward and spun yarn with their hands to offer as materials for the Tabernacle. This inclusion of women is significant as it emphasizes their role in the community and their contribution to the sacred space. It also highlights the importance of diverse skills and talents in serving God.
Moving on to verse 11, it introduces the leaders who brought onyx stones and stones for setting. These leaders were instrumental in organizing and overseeing the construction efforts. Their willingness to contribute valuable materials set an example for the rest of the community to follow and demonstrated their commitment to the project.
Verse 12 mentions the people bringing gold, silver, and bronze for the construction. These precious metals were used for crafting various items within the Tabernacle, symbolizing the Israelites’ offering of their best possessions to honor God. It exemplifies the principle of giving generously and sacrificially in service to God. A detailed list of materials that were contributed, including fabrics, animal skins, wood, oil, spices, and gemstones, is seen in verses 13-19. Each of these items had a specific purpose in the construction and adornment of the Tabernacle. The diversity of materials reflects the richness and variety of gifts that the Israelites brought, underscoring the communal effort required to build a place of worship.
This passage from Exodus 35 serves as a reminder of the importance of giving back to God with a willing heart and a spirit of generosity. It shows that everyone has a role to play in the work of the Lord, regardless of their position or background. The act of giving was not just about providing materials for the Tabernacle but also about cultivating a spirit of unity and devotion among the community. The theme of giving and offering is a recurring motif throughout the Old and New Testaments in the larger biblical context. Jesus himself commends the widow who gave all she had in the New Testament, emphasizing the value of heartfelt giving (Mark 12:41-44). The apostle Paul also encourages the early Christian communities to give cheerfully and generously, highlighting the spiritual blessings that come from supporting God’s work (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). Exodus 35:10-19 ultimately teaches us about the significance of sacrificial giving, unity in community service, and the diverse gifts and talents that each individual can bring to the work of God. It underscores the principle that God values not only the offerings themselves but also the heart behind the offering.
Exodus 35:20-29
The Israelites bring offerings for the construction of the Tabernacle in Exodus 35:20-29. Let’s break down this passage into key sections for a detailed commentary:
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“Then all the congregation of the children of Israel departed from the presence of Moses” – This marks the beginning of the Israelites’ response to God’s command to build the Tabernacle, which was to serve as a sacred place where God would dwell among His people. The fact that they departed from the presence of Moses symbolizes their readiness to take action and contribute to the construction of this sacred space.
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“Everyone whose heart was stirred, and everyone whose spirit was willing” – This highlights the voluntary nature of the offerings brought by the Israelites. Their contributions were not forced or compulsory but came from a place of willing obedience and devotion to God. This emphasizes the importance of giving with a joyful and willing heart, as reflected in 2 Corinthians 9:7 – “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
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“And they came, both men and women, as many as had a willing heart” – This demonstrates that both men and women played a significant role in the construction of the Tabernacle. This inclusivity underscores the value and importance of every individual in God’s kingdom, regardless of gender. It also echoes Galatians 3:28 – “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
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“The children of Israel brought a freewill offering to the Lord” – The freewill offering was a voluntary gift brought by the Israelites out of their own initiative and generosity. This act of giving reflected their gratitude towards God and their desire to participate in His work. This concept of freewill offering is further emphasized in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to give generously and willingly (2 Corinthians 9:6-8).
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“All the women who were gifted artisans spun yarn with their hands” – This verse highlights the important role that women played in the construction of the Tabernacle. They were not only willing contributors but also skilled artisans who used their talents and abilities for God’s purposes. This serves as a reminder that God has uniquely gifted each individual, and all talents can be used for His glory (1 Peter 4:10). Exodus 35:20-29 teaches us about the significance of willing and joyful giving, the inclusion of both men and women in God’s work, the value of using our unique gifts for His purposes, and the importance of voluntary contributions to the Kingdom of God. It encourages us to approach our service to God with a willing heart, using our gifts and talents for His glory and the building up of His kingdom.
Exodus 35:30-35
Bezalel and Oholiab become the focus in Exodus 35:30-35. These two men are selected by God to be in charge of the construction of the Tabernacle, the Ark of the Covenant, and all the sacred furnishings and structures required for worship. Bezalel is identified as a skilled craftsman, an engraver, and a designer in gold, silver, and bronze. Oholiab is mentioned as a skilled weaver and embroiderer in blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and fine linen. It is noteworthy that these men were not only talented in their respective crafts but were filled with the Spirit of God, wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. This highlights an important biblical principle that God equips and empowers those He calls to do His work.
The selection of Bezalel and Oholiab underscores the importance of using our God-given talents and skills in service to the Lord. This serves as a reminder to believers today that whatever abilities or gifts they possess can be used for the glory of God. This passage also emphasizes the value of teamwork in carrying out God’s purposes. Bezalel and Oholiab worked together, utilizing their different skills to achieve a common goal. This collaboration mirrors the Body of Christ, where each member has a unique role to play in furthering God’s kingdom.
Furthermore, the fact that these craftsmen were filled with the Spirit of God highlights the biblical truth that God empowers His people for the task to which He calls them. This theme is woven throughout the Bible, with numerous examples of ordinary individuals being empowered by God to accomplish extraordinary feats. For instance, we see God empowering Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Joshua to lead them into the Promised Land, and Gideon to defeat the Midianites with a small army. Paul reminds believers in the New Testament of the importance of utilizing their gifts for the common good in passages such as 1 Corinthians 12, where he compares the church to a body with different members, each playing a vital role. This echoes the teamwork exhibited by Bezalel and Oholiab in Exodus 35. Their story serves as a reminder that God has uniquely gifted each believer and calls them to use those gifts in harmony with others for the building up of the church and the proclamation of the gospel.
After Exodus 35
The people of Israel had responded with great generosity, bringing their offerings to the Lord for the construction of the tabernacle. Their hearts were filled with a desire to honor God and contribute to His dwelling place. The reverend knew that the next step would be the actual building of the tabernacle, a task that would require skilled craftsmen and the careful execution of God’s instructions as the chapter drew to a close. The reverend could already sense the anticipation and excitement building among the people, as they eagerly awaited the opportunity to see the tabernacle take shape and become a tangible symbol of God’s presence in their midst.
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.