35:5-21God did not require these special offerings, but he appealed to people with generous hearts. Only those who were willing to give were invited to participate. God loves people who Give cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7). Our giving should be from love and generosity, not from a guilty conscience. Review what God has done for you. Has he blessed you with enough to meet your daily needs? Thank him, and then cheerfully give so others’ Needs can be met. Learn the joy of giving wholeheartedly to God.
Life Application Study BibleExodusChapter 35
Exodus 35
New Living Translation · Life Application Study Bible · Original pages: 149, 150
A few verse numbers on this page were hard to read in the scan and are marked with a dotted underline — compare with the original page image if in doubt.
35Exodus 35
4. Tabernacle construction
Instructions for the Sabbath
13 Then Moses called together the whole community of Israel and told them, “These are the instructions the LORD has commanded you to follow. 2You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day must be a Sabbath day of complete rest,a holy day dedicated to the LORD. Anyone who works on that day must be put to death. You must not even light a fire in any of your homes on the Sabbath.”
Offerings for the Tabernacle
44Then Moses said to the whole community of Israel, “This is what the LORD has commanded:
5Take a sacred offering for the LORD. Let those with generous hearts present thefollowing gifts to the LORD:gold, silver, and bronze;Sblue, purple, and scarlet thread;fine linen and goat hair for cloth;7 tanned ram skins and fine goatskin leather;acacia wood;8 olive oil for the lamps;spices for the anointing oil and the fragrant incense;9 onyx stones, and other gemstones to be set in the ephod and the priest's chestpiece.10"Come, all of you who are gifted craftsmen. Construct everything that the LORD hascommanded:1 the Tabernacle and its sacred tent, its covering, clasps, frames, crossbars, posts, andbases;'2 the Ark and its carrying poles;the Ark’s cover—the place of atonement;the inner curtain to shield the Ark;13 the table, its carrying poles, and all its utensils;the Bread of the Presence;14 for light, the lampstand, its accessories, the lamp cups, and the olive oil for lighting;1S the incense altar and its carrying poles;the anointing oil and fragrant incense;the curtain for the entrance of the Tabernacle;'6 the altar of burnt offering;the bronze grating of the altar and its carrying poles and utensils;the washbasin with its stand;17 the curtains for the walls of the courtyard;the posts and their bases;the curtain for the entrance to the courtyard;
18 the tent pegs of the Tabernacle and courtyard and their ropes; 19 the beautifully stitched garments for the priests to wear while ministering in the Holy Place—the sacred garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments for his sons to wear as they minister as priests.” 20So the whole community of Israel left Moses and returned to their tents. All whose hearts were stirred and whose spirits were moved came and brought their sacred offerings to the LORD. They brought all the materials needed for the Tabernacle,* for the performance of its rituals, and for the sacred garments. 22Both men and women came, all whose hearts were willing. They brought to the LORD their offerings of gold—brooches, earrings, rings from their fingers, and necklaces. They presented gold objects of every kind as a special offering to the LORD. 23All those who owned the following items willingly brought them: blue, purple, and scarlet thread; fine linen and goat hair for cloth; and tanned ram skins and fine goatskin leather. 24And all who had silver and bronze objects gave them as a sacred offering to the LORD. And those who had acacia wood brought it for use in the project. 25All the women who were skilled in sewing and spinning prepared blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine linen cloth. 26All the women who were willing used their skills to spin the goat hair into yarn. 27The leaders brought onyx stones and the special gemstones to be set in the ephod and the priest’s chestpiece. 8They also brought spices and olive oil for the light, the anointing oil, and the fragrant incense. 29So the people of Israel—every man and woman who was eager to help in the work the LORD had given them through Moses— brought their gifts and gave them freely to the LORD. 30Then Moses told the people of Israel, “The Lor has specifically chosen Bezalel son of Uri, grandson of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. 31The LORD has filled Bezalel with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts. 34He is a master craftsman, expert in working with gold, silver, and bronze. 23He is skilled in engraving and mounting gemstones and in carving wood. He is a master at every craft. $4And the LORD has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach their skills to others. 25The LORD has given them special skills as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple, and scarlet thread on fine linen cloth, and weavers. They excel as craftsmen and as designers. 36
Textual footnotes
- 35:21 Hebrew Tent of Meeting.
Life Application Notes 5 notes
35:10-19Moses asked people with various abilities to help with the Tabernacle. Every one of God’s people has been given special abilities. We are responsible to develop these abilities—even the ones not considered religious—and to use them for God’s glory. We can become skilled through study, by watching others, and through practice. Work on your skills or abilities that could help your church or community.
35:20-24Where did the Israelites, who were once Egyptian slaves, get all this gold and jewelry? When the Hebrews left Egypt, they took with them items they requested from the Egyptians. The Egyptians had been so glad for them to go that they readily gave these valuables to the Hebrews (3:22; 12:35, 36). This included gold, silver, jewels, linen, skins, and other valuables.
35:21,22Those whose hearts were stirred gave willingly to the Tent of Meeting (also called the Tabernacle). With great enthusiasm they gave because they knew how important their giving was to the completion of God’s house. Moses had carefully explained the need and the plans for the Tabernacle, and s0 many people responded generously. For God to stir our hearts, we must be informed. If your church has a stewardship campaign, get involved and learn all you can. Find out about evangelistic missions and ministries to the poor. God will use this knowledge to stir your heart.
35:26Those who spun cloth made a beautiful contribution to the Tabernacle. Good workers take pride in the quality and beauty of their work. God is concerned with the quality and beauty of what you do. Whether you are a corporate executive or a drugstore cashier, your work should reflect the creative abilities God has given you.