Exodus Chapter 35 — The Offering for the Tabernacle
Moses instructs the Israelites on Sabbath observance and calls for a voluntary offering of materials and skills to build the Tabernacle.
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Notable Verses
Exodus 35:5
“Take from among you an offering to the LORD. Whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it as the LORD’s offering: gold, silver, bronze,”
This verse emphasizes that the construction of the sanctuary was to be supported by voluntary, cheerful giving rather than compulsion.
Exodus 35:31
“He has filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all kinds of workmanship;”
It shows that artistic and technical skills are considered spiritual gifts intended for the service of the community and God.
Chapter Summary
Moses assembles the congregation of Israel to communicate the LORD's instructions. He begins by reinforcing the commandment of the Sabbath, a day of solemn rest where no work is to be done. Moses then invites the people to bring a free-will offering of materials for the Tabernacle, including precious metals, colored yarns, fine linen, and wood. The community responds with generosity; both men and women bring jewelry, fabrics, and other resources as their hearts are moved. Moses also introduces Bezalel and Oholiab, two craftsmen specifically chosen and filled with the Spirit of God. These men are gifted with wisdom and skill in engraving, embroidery, weaving, and various other crafts to lead the construction and teach others the necessary skills for the sanctuary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moses explicitly states that the Israelites were to kindle no fire in their homes on the Sabbath day, highlighting the strict nature of the day of rest.
They were the primary craftsmen appointed by God to build the Tabernacle. Bezalel was from the tribe of Judah and Oholiab was from the tribe of Dan; both were filled with divine wisdom and the ability to teach others.
The Israelites brought gold, silver, bronze, blue, purple, and scarlet yarns, fine linen, goats' hair, rams' skins dyed red, sea cow hides, acacia wood, oil, spices, and various gemstones.
Both men and women participated. While many brought physical materials like jewelry and wood, others contributed their skills, such as women who spun the blue, purple, and scarlet yarns.
Study Note
The repetition of the Sabbath commandment at the beginning of the construction process indicates that the sacred work of building the Tabernacle did not exempt the people from the duty of rest.
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