Exodus 35: Israel Brings Offerings for the Tabernacle

Exodus 35: Israel Brings Offerings for the Tabernacle

Chapter With Audio

Sabbath Regulations

35 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.”

Contributions for the Tabernacle

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 blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen; goats' hair, 7 tanned rams' skins, and goatskins; acacia wood, 8 oil for the light, spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense, 9 and onyx stones and stones for setting, for the ephod and for the breastpiece.

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 ark with its poles, the mercy seat, and the veil of the screen; 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 the altar of burnt offering, with its grating of bronze, its poles, and all its utensils, the basin and its stand; 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 And every one who possessed blue or purple or scarlet yarns or fine linen or goats' hair or tanned rams' skins or goatskins brought them. 24 Everyone who could make a contribution of silver or bronze brought it as the Lord's contribution. And every one who possessed acacia wood of any use in the work brought it. 25 And every skillful woman spun with her hands, and they all brought what they had spun in blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen. 26 All the women whose hearts stirred them to use their skill spun the goats' hair. 27 And the leaders brought onyx stones and stones to be set, for the ephod and for the breastpiece, 28 and spices and oil for the light, and for the anointing oil, and for the fragrant incense. 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.

Construction of the Tabernacle

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 and silver and bronze, 33 in cutting stones for setting, and in carving 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.

Chapter Analysis

Exodus 35: Israel Began Building the Tabernacle

Overview

Exodus 35 marks the beginning of Israel's obedience to God's instructions for constructing the tabernacle. After the covenant was renewed, Moses gathered the people, reminded them to observe the Sabbath, and invited everyone with a willing heart to contribute materials and skills for the work.

The people responded with remarkable generosity, bringing offerings of gold, silver, fabrics, wood, precious stones, spices, and oil. God also filled Bezalel, Oholiab, and other skilled craftsmen with wisdom to carry out every aspect of the construction.

The chapter demonstrates that true worship includes both willing giving and faithful service. God's work was accomplished through hearts that were surrendered to Him and abilities that He Himself had given.

I. Verses 1–3: Moses Reaffirmed the Sabbath

Moses assembled the entire congregation of Israel.

Before speaking about the tabernacle, he reminded the people of God's command concerning the Sabbath.

They were to work for six days.

The seventh day was to be a holy Sabbath of complete rest dedicated to the Lord.

No work was to be done, and no fires were to be kindled for ordinary work on that day.

The Sabbath reminded Israel that obedience to God remained more important than even the important work of building the tabernacle.

II. Verses 4–19: The People Were Invited to Give Willingly

Moses invited everyone whose heart was willing to bring offerings for the construction of the tabernacle.

The offerings included:

  • Gold.
  • Silver.
  • Bronze.
  • Blue, purple, and scarlet thread.
  • Fine linen.
  • Goat's hair.
  • Ram skins dyed red.
  • Durable leather.
  • Acacia wood.
  • Olive oil.
  • Spices.
  • Precious stones.

The people were also invited to use their skills to make:

  • The tabernacle.
  • The Ark.
  • The table.
  • The lampstand.
  • The altars.
  • The laver.
  • The priestly garments.
  • Every other item God had commanded.

God desired willing hearts rather than forced contributions.

III. Versues 20–29: Israel Gave Generously

The congregation departed and returned with willing offerings.

Men and women alike brought their gifts joyfully.

They contributed:

  • Jewelry.
  • Precious metals.
  • Fabrics.
  • Animal skins.
  • Wood.
  • Oil.
  • Spices.
  • Precious stones.

Skilled women spun fine yarn and cloth.

The leaders brought onyx stones and other precious gems.

Again and again the chapter emphasizes that the people gave because their hearts were stirred and their spirits were willing.

Their generosity reflected gratitude for God's mercy and covenant faithfulness.

IV. Verses 30–35: God Equipped the Craftsmen

Moses announced that the Lord had chosen Bezalel of the tribe of Judah.

God filled him with:

  • Wisdom.
  • Understanding.
  • Knowledge.
  • Skill in every kind of craftsmanship.

God also appointed Oholiab of the tribe of Dan.

Together they possessed the ability not only to perform the work but also to teach others.

Their craftsmanship included:

  • Engraving.
  • Designing.
  • Embroidery.
  • Weaving.

Their talents came from God and were to be used for His glory.

Major Lessons in Exodus 35

God Desires Willing Hearts

The tabernacle was built through voluntary offerings. God delights in cheerful and willing service rather than reluctant obedience.

Every Ability Comes from God

The wisdom and skill of Bezalel, Oholiab, and the other craftsmen were gifts from the Lord to accomplish His work.

Worship Includes Giving and Serving

The people's generosity and faithful labor were acts of worship offered to God.

Obedience Remains Essential

Even while constructing the tabernacle, Israel was reminded to honor the Sabbath. God's commands are never set aside for human activity.

God's Work Requires the Whole Community

Leaders, craftsmen, men, women, and families all participated together. Every willing person had a role in accomplishing God's purposes.

Overall Summary

Exodus 35 records Israel's joyful response to God's renewed covenant as they began preparing to build the tabernacle. Moses reminded the people to honor the Sabbath and invited everyone with a willing heart to contribute materials and skills for the work. The Israelites responded with remarkable generosity, and God equipped Bezalel, Oholiab, and many others with the wisdom needed to complete the project. The chapter demonstrates that God's work is accomplished through willing hearts, faithful obedience, generous giving, and the wise use of the gifts He provides.