Exodus 35 Study Notes
General
True or False: According to 35:29, the offering for the tabernacle was a required payment from every Israelite man.
Answer: False
This is false. Verse 29 sums up the whole collection: all the Israelite men and women whose hearts moved them gave a freewill offering, meaning a voluntary gift, for everything God had ordered through Moses (35:29). It was not a required payment, and it was not limited to men. The Bible repeatedly commends offerings given freely and joyfully (Psalm 54:6; 1 Chronicles 29:17), and the New Testament says God delights in the one who gives gladly (2 Corinthians 9:7).
- Exodus 35:29 (BSB)“So all the men and women of the Israelites whose hearts prompted them brought a freewill offering to the LORD for all the work that the LORD through Moses had commanded them to do.”All the Israelite men and women whose hearts moved them bring a freewill offering for the commanded work.
- 2 Corinthians 9:7 (BSB)“Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.”Confirms that God is pleased with giving that is freely decided in the heart.
- Psalm 54:6 (BSB)“Freely I will sacrifice to You; I will praise Your name, O LORD, for it is good.”Shows the psalmist offering freely to God in praise, the same voluntary spirit.
- 1 Chronicles 29:17 (BSB)“I know, my God, that You test the heart and delight in uprightness. All these things I have given willingly and with an upright heart, and now I have seen Your people who are present here giving joyfully and willingly to You.”David rejoices that the people gave joyfully and willingly, as God delights in upright hearts.
Theological
True or False: According to 35:29, the offering for the tabernacle was a required payment from every Israelite man.
Answer: False
This is false. 35:29 characterizes the entire collection as a freewill offering (nedabah) brought by men and women alike whose hearts moved them, not an assessed levy on males. The voluntary character of the gift is the point the narrative keeps repeating (35:5, 21-22, 29). Scripture consistently commends freely given offerings (Psalm 54:6; 1 Chronicles 29:17), a principle Paul applies to Christian giving (2 Corinthians 9:7).
- Exodus 35:29 (BSB)“So all the men and women of the Israelites whose hearts prompted them brought a freewill offering to the LORD for all the work that the LORD through Moses had commanded them to do.”All the Israelite men and women whose hearts moved them bring a freewill offering for the commanded work.
- 2 Corinthians 9:7 (BSB)“Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.”Confirms that God is pleased with giving that is freely decided in the heart.
- Psalm 54:6 (BSB)“Freely I will sacrifice to You; I will praise Your name, O LORD, for it is good.”Shows the psalmist offering freely to God in praise, the same voluntary spirit.
- 1 Chronicles 29:17 (BSB)“I know, my God, that You test the heart and delight in uprightness. All these things I have given willingly and with an upright heart, and now I have seen Your people who are present here giving joyfully and willingly to You.”David rejoices that the people gave joyfully and willingly, as God delights in upright hearts.
General
What additional gift does 35:34 say the LORD gave to Bezalel and Oholiab?
Answer: The ability to instruct others
Besides their own skill, the LORD gave both Bezalel and Oholiab, Ahisamach's son and a Danite, the gift of teaching others (35:34). They were filled with skill for engraving, design, embroidery, and weaving (35:35). Oholiab had been named earlier as Bezalel's assistant (31:6). Because they could teach, the work did not depend on two men alone; many others could be trained to share in it. Paul describes the same pattern when he tells Timothy to entrust what he has learned to faithful people who can teach others too (2 Timothy 2:2), and Peter calls believers to use their gifts in serving each other (1 Peter 4:10).
- Exodus 35:34-35 (BSB)“And the LORD has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others. He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and as weavers—as artistic designers of every kind of craft.”The LORD gives Bezalel and Oholiab the ability to teach and fills them with skill for every kind of craft.
- Exodus 31:6 (BSB)“Moreover, I have selected Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, as his assistant. I have also given skill to all the craftsmen, that they may fashion all that I have commanded you:”Identifies Oholiab of Dan as Bezalel's assistant and says God gave skill to all the craftsmen.
- 2 Timothy 2:2 (BSB)“And the things that you have heard me say among many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be qualified to teach others as well.”Shows the pattern of passing on what one has received to others who can teach in turn.
- 1 Peter 4:10 (BSB)“As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another.”Calls those who receive gifts to use them in serving others.
Theological
What further endowment does 35:34 ascribe to Bezalel and Oholiab?
Answer: The ability to instruct others
35:34 adds a detail not stated in chapter 31: the LORD gave Bezalel and Oholiab (of Dan, named as assistant in 31:6) the capacity to teach. Their gifting was thus not only for personal execution but for multiplying skilled labor across the community; 35:35 lists the crafts in which they were filled with skill. The principle of gifts given for others, transmitted through instruction, reappears in Paul's charge to Timothy (2 Timothy 2:2) and Peter's call to steward gifts in service (1 Peter 4:10).
- Exodus 35:34-35 (BSB)“And the LORD has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others. He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and as weavers—as artistic designers of every kind of craft.”The LORD gives Bezalel and Oholiab the ability to teach and fills them with skill for every kind of craft.
- Exodus 31:6 (BSB)“Moreover, I have selected Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, as his assistant. I have also given skill to all the craftsmen, that they may fashion all that I have commanded you:”Identifies Oholiab of Dan as Bezalel's assistant and says God gave skill to all the craftsmen.
- 2 Timothy 2:2 (BSB)“And the things that you have heard me say among many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be qualified to teach others as well.”Shows the pattern of passing on what one has received to others who can teach in turn.
- 1 Peter 4:10 (BSB)“As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another.”Calls those who receive gifts to use them in serving others.
General
What does Moses tell the people about Bezalel in 35:30-33?
Answer: The LORD had personally chosen him and filled him with God's Spirit for skilled craftsmanship of every kind
Moses announces that God has called Bezalel by name. Bezalel was Uri's son and Hur's grandson, a Judahite. God filled him with His Spirit and gave him skill, understanding, and knowledge for all sorts of craftwork: designing with precious metals, cutting stones, and carving wood (35:30-33). This repeats what the LORD had told Moses earlier (31:2-3). It shows that the Holy Spirit gives practical abilities as well as spiritual ones, and He gives them to whomever He chooses (1 Corinthians 12:11). Every good gift comes from God (James 1:17).
- Exodus 35:30-33 (BSB)“Then Moses said to the Israelites, “See, the LORD has called by name Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. And He has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship, to design artistic works in gold, silver, and bronze, to cut gemstones for settings, and to carve wood, so that he may be a master of every artistic craft.”Moses announces that the LORD has chosen Bezalel and filled him with the Spirit of God for every craft.
- Exodus 31:2-3 (BSB)““See, I have called by name Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship,”The LORD had earlier told Moses that He called Bezalel by name and filled him with His Spirit.
- 1 Corinthians 12:11 (BSB)“All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, who apportions them to each one as He determines.”Teaches that the Spirit distributes gifts to each person as He determines.
- James 1:17 (BSB)“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow.”Affirms that every good gift, including practical skill, comes down from the Father.
Theological
What does Moses announce concerning Bezalel in 35:30-33?
Answer: The LORD had called him by name and filled him with God's Spirit for artistic workmanship of every kind
35:30-33 repeats the divine appointment of 31:2-3: God has called Bezalel, of Judah, by name and filled him with God's Spirit, granting skill, insight, and knowledge in every craft. The call by name and the Spirit's endowment for a specific task show God's sovereignty in the distribution of gifts, a principle Paul states when he says the Spirit apportions to each as He wills (1 Corinthians 12:11). Artistic and technical skill is thus a gift from above (James 1:17), consecrated here to the building of God's dwelling.
- Exodus 35:30-33 (BSB)“Then Moses said to the Israelites, “See, the LORD has called by name Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. And He has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship, to design artistic works in gold, silver, and bronze, to cut gemstones for settings, and to carve wood, so that he may be a master of every artistic craft.”Moses announces that the LORD has chosen Bezalel and filled him with the Spirit of God for every craft.
- Exodus 31:2-3 (BSB)““See, I have called by name Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship,”The LORD had earlier told Moses that He called Bezalel by name and filled him with His Spirit.
- 1 Corinthians 12:11 (BSB)“All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, who apportions them to each one as He determines.”Teaches that the Spirit distributes gifts to each person as He determines.
- James 1:17 (BSB)“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow.”Affirms that every good gift, including practical skill, comes down from the Father.
General
What did Israelite men and women bring in 35:22?
Answer: Pins, earrings, rings, necklaces, and other gold ornaments, presented to the LORD
Men and women alike came with gold jewelry of all kinds and presented their gold to the LORD as an elevation offering, a gift lifted up or presented before Him (35:22). Israel had left Egypt carrying silver and gold objects the Egyptians had given them (12:35-36). Not long before, the people had handed their gold earrings to Aaron to make the golden calf (32:2-3). Now gold is given willingly for the worship of the true God. Paul calls believers to the same kind of turnaround: no longer offering themselves to sin, but presenting themselves to God for what is right (Romans 6:13).
- Exodus 35:22 (BSB)“So all who had willing hearts, both men and women, came and brought brooches and earrings, rings and necklaces, and all kinds of gold jewelry. And they all presented their gold as a wave offering to the LORD.”Men and women bring gold jewelry of every kind, presented as a wave offering to the LORD.
- Exodus 12:35-36 (BSB)“Furthermore, the Israelites acted on Moses’ word and asked the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold, and for clothing. And the LORD gave the people such favor in the sight of the Egyptians that they granted their request. In this way they plundered the Egyptians.”Shows that the Israelites left Egypt with articles of silver and gold given by the Egyptians.
- Exodus 32:2-3 (BSB)“So Aaron told them, “Take off the gold earrings that are on your wives and sons and daughters, and bring them to me.” Then all the people took off their gold earrings and brought them to Aaron.”Records the people handing over gold earrings to Aaron to make the calf.
- Romans 6:13 (BSB)“Do not present the parts of your body to sin as instruments of wickedness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and present the parts of your body to Him as instruments of righteousness.”Calls believers to present themselves to God as instruments of righteousness rather than of sin.
Theological
What did Israelite men and women present in 35:22?
Answer: Pins, earrings, rings, necklaces, and other gold ornaments, presented to the LORD
In 35:22 men and women present gold ornaments of every kind as a tenuphah, an elevation offering. Israel had left Egypt with silver and gold granted by the Egyptians (12:35-36), and only recently the people had surrendered their earrings to Aaron for the calf (32:2-3). Gold of the kind once devoted to idolatry is now consecrated to the LORD's dwelling, a concrete picture of the reorientation Paul describes when he urges believers to offer themselves to God as tools for righteousness rather than for sin (Romans 6:13).
- Exodus 35:22 (BSB)“So all who had willing hearts, both men and women, came and brought brooches and earrings, rings and necklaces, and all kinds of gold jewelry. And they all presented their gold as a wave offering to the LORD.”Men and women bring gold jewelry of every kind, presented as a wave offering to the LORD.
- Exodus 12:35-36 (BSB)“Furthermore, the Israelites acted on Moses’ word and asked the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold, and for clothing. And the LORD gave the people such favor in the sight of the Egyptians that they granted their request. In this way they plundered the Egyptians.”Shows that the Israelites left Egypt with articles of silver and gold given by the Egyptians.
- Exodus 32:2-3 (BSB)“So Aaron told them, “Take off the gold earrings that are on your wives and sons and daughters, and bring them to me.” Then all the people took off their gold earrings and brought them to Aaron.”Records the people handing over gold earrings to Aaron to make the calf.
- Romans 6:13 (BSB)“Do not present the parts of your body to sin as instruments of wickedness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and present the parts of your body to Him as instruments of righteousness.”Calls believers to present themselves to God as instruments of righteousness rather than of sin.
General
According to 35:20-21, what moved the people to come back and bring their offerings?
Answer: Their hearts and spirits moved them to give
After hearing Moses, the whole congregation left, and then everyone whose heart moved him and whose inner spirit made him willing came back with offerings for the sanctuary tent, its services, and the priests' holy clothing (35:20-21). The text stresses what was happening inside the people, not outward pressure. Scripture shows that such willingness is itself God's work: He is the one who works in His people both to want and to do what pleases Him (Philippians 2:13). David later confessed that everything given for God's house had first come from God's hand (1 Chronicles 29:14), and that God, who tests the heart and delights in uprightness, had let him see the people give joyfully and freely (1 Chronicles 29:17).
- Exodus 35:21 (BSB)“And everyone whose heart stirred him and whose spirit prompted him came and brought an offering to the LORD for the work on the Tent of Meeting, for all its services, and for the holy garments.”Those whose hearts and spirits moved them came bringing offerings for the Tent of Meeting.
- Philippians 2:13 (BSB)“For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.”Shows that God is the one who works in His people both the desire and the doing of what pleases Him.
- 1 Chronicles 29:14 (BSB)“But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? For everything comes from You, and from Your own hand we have given to You.”David confesses that everything the people gave for God's house came from God's own hand first.
- 1 Chronicles 29:17 (BSB)“I know, my God, that You test the heart and delight in uprightness. All these things I have given willingly and with an upright heart, and now I have seen Your people who are present here giving joyfully and willingly to You.”David says God tests the heart and delights in uprightness, and rejoices to see the people giving willingly.
Theological
What does 35:20-21 identify as the source of the people's giving?
Answer: Hearts and spirits moved to give
The narrative locates the motive for the offering entirely within: the heart that moved, the spirit that made willing (35:21). Scripture presents such willingness not as autonomous human initiative but as the fruit of God's gracious working, who works in His people both the willing and the doing of His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13). David's prayer at the temple offering makes the same point: all that is given back to God first came from His hand (1 Chronicles 29:14), and He tests the heart and delights in uprightness, as David rejoiced to see the people give willingly (1 Chronicles 29:17). The offering, therefore, is gratitude, not a purchase of pardon.
- Exodus 35:21 (BSB)“And everyone whose heart stirred him and whose spirit prompted him came and brought an offering to the LORD for the work on the Tent of Meeting, for all its services, and for the holy garments.”Those whose hearts and spirits moved them came bringing offerings for the Tent of Meeting.
- Philippians 2:13 (BSB)“For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.”Shows that God is the one who works in His people both the desire and the doing of what pleases Him.
- 1 Chronicles 29:14 (BSB)“But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? For everything comes from You, and from Your own hand we have given to You.”David confesses that everything the people gave for God's house came from God's own hand first.
- 1 Chronicles 29:17 (BSB)“I know, my God, that You test the heart and delight in uprightness. All these things I have given willingly and with an upright heart, and now I have seen Your people who are present here giving joyfully and willingly to You.”David says God tests the heart and delights in uprightness, and rejoices to see the people giving willingly.
General
According to 35:27-28, what did the leaders contribute?
Answer: Onyx and other gems for the high priest's garments, along with spices and oil
The leaders supplied onyx and other precious stones to be set into the high priest's ephod and breastpiece, plus spices and oil to fuel the lamps, blend the holy anointing oil, and make the sweet incense (35:27-28). The onyx stones on the ephod were to be engraved with the names of Israel's sons (28:9-12), so the leaders' gift went into the very garments by which the high priest represented the tribes before God. Centuries later, Israel's leaders gave willingly for the temple, and the whole nation was glad to see it (1 Chronicles 29:6, 9).
- Exodus 35:27-28 (BSB)“The leaders brought onyx stones and gemstones to mount on the ephod and breastpiece, as well as spices and olive oil for the light, for the anointing oil, and for the fragrant incense.”The leaders contribute the gemstones for the priestly garments and the spices and oil.
- Exodus 28:9-12 (BSB)“Take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel: six of their names on one stone and the remaining six on the other, in the order of their birth. Engrave the names of the sons of Israel on the two stones the way a gem cutter engraves a seal. Then mount the stones in gold filigree settings. Fasten both stones on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel. Aaron is to bear their names on his two shoulders as a memorial before the LORD.”Shows the onyx stones on the ephod's shoulder pieces engraved with the names of Israel's sons, which Aaron bore as a memorial before the LORD.
- 1 Chronicles 29:6 (BSB)“Then the leaders of the families, the officers of the tribes of Israel, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and the officials in charge of the king’s work gave willingly.”Shows Israel's leaders later giving willingly for the temple in the same spirit.
- 1 Chronicles 29:9 (BSB)“And the people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given to the LORD freely and wholeheartedly. And King David also rejoiced greatly.”Records the people rejoicing at their leaders' willing and wholehearted giving.
Theological
What was the leaders' distinctive contribution in 35:27-28?
Answer: Onyx and other gems for the high priest's garments, along with spices and oil
The leaders supplied the precious stones for the high priest's ephod and chest piece and the spices and oil for lamp, anointing oil, and incense (35:27-28). The onyx stones bore the names of Jacob's twelve sons on the high priest's shoulders (28:9-12), so the leaders furnished the means by which the tribes were represented before the LORD. Their example of willing leadership in giving recurs at the temple offering under David, where it elicited the people's joy (1 Chronicles 29:6, 9).
- Exodus 35:27-28 (BSB)“The leaders brought onyx stones and gemstones to mount on the ephod and breastpiece, as well as spices and olive oil for the light, for the anointing oil, and for the fragrant incense.”The leaders contribute the gemstones for the priestly garments and the spices and oil.
- Exodus 28:9-12 (BSB)“Take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel: six of their names on one stone and the remaining six on the other, in the order of their birth. Engrave the names of the sons of Israel on the two stones the way a gem cutter engraves a seal. Then mount the stones in gold filigree settings. Fasten both stones on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel. Aaron is to bear their names on his two shoulders as a memorial before the LORD.”Shows the onyx stones on the ephod's shoulder pieces engraved with the names of Israel's sons, which Aaron bore as a memorial before the LORD.
- 1 Chronicles 29:6 (BSB)“Then the leaders of the families, the officers of the tribes of Israel, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and the officials in charge of the king’s work gave willingly.”Shows Israel's leaders later giving willingly for the temple in the same spirit.
- 1 Chronicles 29:9 (BSB)“And the people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given to the LORD freely and wholeheartedly. And King David also rejoiced greatly.”Records the people rejoicing at their leaders' willing and wholehearted giving.
General
True or False: In 35:3 Moses forbids kindling fire in any Israelite home on the weekly day of rest.
Answer: True
This is true. Along with repeating the Sabbath command, Moses adds a specific detail: the Israelites must not kindle any fire in their homes on the Sabbath (35:3). This fits the earlier instruction with the manna, when Israel was told to do their baking and boiling the day before the Sabbath (16:23). The Sabbath law was taken very seriously in Israel's covenant life; Numbers 15 records a man put to death for collecting sticks on the Sabbath (Numbers 15:32-36).
- Exodus 35:3 (BSB)“Do not light a fire in any of your dwellings on the Sabbath day.””Moses adds that no fire is to be kindled in Israel's homes on the Sabbath.
- Exodus 16:23 (BSB)“He told them, “This is what the LORD has said: ‘Tomorrow is to be a day of complete rest, a holy Sabbath to the LORD. So bake what you want to bake, and boil what you want to boil. Then set aside whatever remains and keep it until morning.’””Shows that baking and boiling were to be done the day before the Sabbath, so the seventh day could be kept free of that work.
- Numbers 15:32-36 (BSB)“While the Israelites were in the wilderness, a man was found gathering wood on the Sabbath day. Those who found the man gathering wood brought him to Moses, Aaron, and the whole congregation, and because it had not been declared what should be done to him, they placed him in custody. And the LORD said to Moses, “The man must surely be put to death. The whole congregation is to stone him outside the camp.” So the whole congregation took the man outside the camp and stoned him to death, as the LORD had commanded Moses.”Records a man executed for gathering wood on the Sabbath, showing how seriously the command was enforced in Israel.
Theological
True or False: In 35:3 Moses forbids kindling fire in any Israelite home on the weekly day of rest.
Answer: True
This is true. 35:3 adds a specific application of Sabbath rest not stated in the earlier Sabbath laws of Exodus: no fire kindled in their dwellings. It coheres with the manna instruction that baking and boiling be done beforehand (16:23). The gravity of the Sabbath within the Sinai covenant is illustrated in Numbers 15:32-36, where a man collecting sticks on the Sabbath is executed at the LORD's command.
- Exodus 35:3 (BSB)“Do not light a fire in any of your dwellings on the Sabbath day.””Moses adds that no fire is to be kindled in Israel's homes on the Sabbath.
- Exodus 16:23 (BSB)“He told them, “This is what the LORD has said: ‘Tomorrow is to be a day of complete rest, a holy Sabbath to the LORD. So bake what you want to bake, and boil what you want to boil. Then set aside whatever remains and keep it until morning.’””Shows that baking and boiling were to be done the day before the Sabbath, so the seventh day could be kept free of that work.
- Numbers 15:32-36 (BSB)“While the Israelites were in the wilderness, a man was found gathering wood on the Sabbath day. Those who found the man gathering wood brought him to Moses, Aaron, and the whole congregation, and because it had not been declared what should be done to him, they placed him in custody. And the LORD said to Moses, “The man must surely be put to death. The whole congregation is to stone him outside the camp.” So the whole congregation took the man outside the camp and stoned him to death, as the LORD had commanded Moses.”Records a man executed for gathering wood on the Sabbath, showing how seriously the command was enforced in Israel.
General
In 35:5, who was invited to bring an offering for the tabernacle?
Answer: Anyone who was willing in heart
Moses tells the people that the LORD wants an offering, but only from those whose hearts are willing (35:5). This matches God's original instruction, which asked for gifts from everyone whose heart moved him (25:2). This offering was not a fixed charge but a gift freely given. The list of materials that follows, from precious metals to spices and gemstones, repeats the list God gave in 25:3-7. The New Testament teaches the same spirit of giving: each person ought to give as he has resolved inwardly, not reluctantly or under pressure, because God delights in one who gives gladly (2 Corinthians 9:7; 8:12).
- Exodus 35:4-5 (BSB)“Moses also told the whole congregation of Israel, “This is what the LORD has commanded: Take from among you an offering to the LORD. Let everyone whose heart is willing bring an offering to the LORD: gold, silver, and bronze;”Moses calls for an offering to the LORD from everyone who is willing.
- Exodus 25:2 (BSB)““Tell the Israelites to bring Me an offering. You are to receive My offering from every man whose heart compels him.”The LORD's original instruction likewise limited the offering to those whose hearts moved them.
- 2 Corinthians 9:7 (BSB)“Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.”Teaches that giving should come from the heart, not reluctance or pressure, because God loves a cheerful giver.
- 2 Corinthians 8:12 (BSB)“For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.”Shows that God accepts a gift according to the eagerness behind it and what the giver has.
Theological
What qualification does 35:5 set for those who bring the offering for the tabernacle?
Answer: A willing heart
The contribution of 35:4-5 is explicitly voluntary: it is to come from whoever is of a willing heart, exactly as God had stipulated in 25:2. The materials listed reproduce 25:3-7. This contribution was thus a freewill gift rather than a compulsory levy, anticipating the apostolic principle that giving should proceed from the heart's own resolve, not from reluctance or compulsion (2 Corinthians 9:7), and is accepted according to the eagerness of the giver (2 Corinthians 8:12).
- Exodus 35:4-5 (BSB)“Moses also told the whole congregation of Israel, “This is what the LORD has commanded: Take from among you an offering to the LORD. Let everyone whose heart is willing bring an offering to the LORD: gold, silver, and bronze;”Moses calls for an offering to the LORD from everyone who is willing.
- Exodus 25:2 (BSB)““Tell the Israelites to bring Me an offering. You are to receive My offering from every man whose heart compels him.”The LORD's original instruction likewise limited the offering to those whose hearts moved them.
- 2 Corinthians 9:7 (BSB)“Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.”Teaches that giving should come from the heart, not reluctance or pressure, because God loves a cheerful giver.
- 2 Corinthians 8:12 (BSB)“For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.”Shows that God accepts a gift according to the eagerness behind it and what the giver has.
General
When Moses gathers the whole congregation in 35:1-3, what command does he give first, before any instructions about building the tabernacle?
Answer: To work six days and keep the seventh as a holy day of total rest devoted to the LORD
Before a single board or curtain is made, Moses assembles all Israel and repeats the Sabbath law: six days are for work, while the seventh is holy, a day of total rest devoted to the LORD, and anyone who works on it faces death (35:1-2). The LORD's instructions for the tabernacle had ended the same way, with the Sabbath command right after the naming of the craftsmen (31:12-17; 31:15). Placing it first here means that even the holy work of building God's dwelling had to stop on the Sabbath. The Sabbath was a sign of the covenant between the LORD and Israel (31:13), rooted in God's rest after creation (20:11).
- Exodus 35:1-2 (BSB)“Then Moses assembled the whole congregation of Israel and said to them, “These are the things that the LORD has commanded you to do: For six days work may be done, but the seventh day shall be your holy day, a Sabbath of complete rest to the LORD. Whoever does any work on that day must be put to death.”Moses gathers all Israel and begins by repeating the Sabbath command.
- Exodus 31:15 (BSB)“For six days work may be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of complete rest, holy to the LORD. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day must surely be put to death.”The LORD's tabernacle instructions had closed with this same Sabbath law and penalty.
- Exodus 31:13 (BSB)““Tell the Israelites, ‘Surely you must keep My Sabbaths, for this will be a sign between Me and you for the generations to come, so that you may know that I am the LORD who sanctifies you.”Identifies the Sabbath as a covenant sign between the LORD and Israel.
- Exodus 20:11 (BSB)“For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth and the sea and all that is in them, but on the seventh day He rested. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy.”Grounds the Sabbath in God's own rest after the six days of creation.
Theological
What does Moses place first when he convenes the congregation in 35:1-3, ahead of the tabernacle instructions?
Answer: The six-day work pattern and the seventh day as a holy day of total rest devoted to the LORD
The execution narrative (35-40) opens by reiterating the Sabbath (35:1-2), just as the instructions for the sanctuary closed with it (31:12-17), including the same capital sanction (31:15). The framing makes clear that the construction of the tabernacle, however sacred, did not override the seventh-day rest. Within the Sinai covenant the Sabbath served as the sign that the LORD sanctifies Israel (31:13), grounded in the creation pattern (20:11).
- Exodus 35:1-2 (BSB)“Then Moses assembled the whole congregation of Israel and said to them, “These are the things that the LORD has commanded you to do: For six days work may be done, but the seventh day shall be your holy day, a Sabbath of complete rest to the LORD. Whoever does any work on that day must be put to death.”Moses gathers all Israel and begins by repeating the Sabbath command.
- Exodus 31:15 (BSB)“For six days work may be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of complete rest, holy to the LORD. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day must surely be put to death.”The LORD's tabernacle instructions had closed with this same Sabbath law and penalty.
- Exodus 31:13 (BSB)““Tell the Israelites, ‘Surely you must keep My Sabbaths, for this will be a sign between Me and you for the generations to come, so that you may know that I am the LORD who sanctifies you.”Identifies the Sabbath as a covenant sign between the LORD and Israel.
- Exodus 20:11 (BSB)“For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth and the sea and all that is in them, but on the seventh day He rested. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy.”Grounds the Sabbath in God's own rest after the six days of creation.
General
True or False: According to 35:25-26, skilled women spun colored yarn, linen thread, and goat-hair thread for the tabernacle work.
Answer: True
This is true. Every skillful woman worked her spindle and delivered the results, colored yarns and linen thread, and women whose hearts moved them made thread from goat hair (35:25-26). The women gave not only jewelry (35:22) but also their skilled labor. Spinning was valued, careful work in Israel (Proverbs 31:19). The New Testament likewise calls every believer to put their own gifts to work for others (1 Peter 4:10).
- Exodus 35:25-26 (BSB)“Every skilled woman spun with her hands and brought what she had spun: blue, purple, or scarlet yarn, or fine linen. And all the skilled women whose hearts were stirred spun the goat hair.”Skilled women spin yarn, linen, and goat hair for the tabernacle.
- Proverbs 31:19 (BSB)“She stretches out her hands to the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.”Pictures a capable woman at the distaff and spindle, the same skilled work described here.
- 1 Peter 4:10 (BSB)“As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another.”Teaches that each person should use whatever gift he has received to serve others as a steward of God's grace.
Theological
True or False: According to 35:25-26, skilled women spun colored yarn, linen thread, and goat-hair thread for the tabernacle work.
Answer: True
This is true. 35:25-26 records that skilled women produced the colored yarns and linen thread, and that women moved in heart turned goat hair into thread, contributing labor as well as material (cf. 35:22). Their work exemplifies the craftsmanship praised in Proverbs 31:19 and anticipates the New Testament call for each believer to steward the particular gift received for the service of others (1 Peter 4:10).
- Exodus 35:25-26 (BSB)“Every skilled woman spun with her hands and brought what she had spun: blue, purple, or scarlet yarn, or fine linen. And all the skilled women whose hearts were stirred spun the goat hair.”Skilled women spin yarn, linen, and goat hair for the tabernacle.
- Proverbs 31:19 (BSB)“She stretches out her hands to the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.”Pictures a capable woman at the distaff and spindle, the same skilled work described here.
- 1 Peter 4:10 (BSB)“As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another.”Teaches that each person should use whatever gift he has received to serve others as a steward of God's grace.
General
Whom does Moses call in 35:10 to make everything the LORD commanded for the tabernacle?
Answer: All the skilled workers among the Israelites
Moses invites every skilled person among the people to come and make all that the LORD commanded (35:10). He then lists the whole project: the tabernacle and its coverings, the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the basin, the courtyard, and the priests' garments (35:11-19), a summary of what God had commanded in chapters 25-31. The skill itself came from God, who said He had given ability to every craftsman (31:6). The purpose of it all was a sanctuary where God would live among His people (25:8). In the same way, the New Testament teaches that God's people have different gifts, given by grace, to be used in His service (Romans 12:6).
- Exodus 35:10 (BSB)“Let every skilled craftsman among you come and make everything that the LORD has commanded:”Moses calls every skilled person to come and make all that the LORD has commanded.
- Exodus 31:6 (BSB)“Moreover, I have selected Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, as his assistant. I have also given skill to all the craftsmen, that they may fashion all that I have commanded you:”The LORD had said He Himself gave skill to all the craftsmen for this work.
- Exodus 25:8 (BSB)“And they are to make a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them.”States the purpose of the whole project: a sanctuary so that God may dwell among His people.
- Romans 12:6 (BSB)“We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith;”Teaches that believers have differing gifts given by grace, to be used accordingly.
Theological
Whom does Moses summon in 35:10 to fabricate all that the LORD commanded for the sanctuary?
Answer: The skilled workers among Israel
In 35:10 Moses summons all the skilled among Israel to make everything commanded, then recapitulates the inventory of chapters 25-31: tabernacle, ark, table, lampstand, altars, basin, court, and priestly vestments (35:11-19). The competence of these workers is itself a divine endowment (31:6), and the whole project serves the purpose of God dwelling among His people (25:8). The pattern of grace-given, differing gifts employed in God's service is carried into the New Testament church (Romans 12:6).
- Exodus 35:10 (BSB)“Let every skilled craftsman among you come and make everything that the LORD has commanded:”Moses calls every skilled person to come and make all that the LORD has commanded.
- Exodus 31:6 (BSB)“Moreover, I have selected Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, as his assistant. I have also given skill to all the craftsmen, that they may fashion all that I have commanded you:”The LORD had said He Himself gave skill to all the craftsmen for this work.
- Exodus 25:8 (BSB)“And they are to make a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them.”States the purpose of the whole project: a sanctuary so that God may dwell among His people.
- Romans 12:6 (BSB)“We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith;”Teaches that believers have differing gifts given by grace, to be used accordingly.