Exodus 35

Exodus 35 marks a significant shift from the detailed instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai to the communal effort of constructing the Tabernacle. Here, Moses conveys God's commands regarding the Sabbath and solicits voluntary contributions from the Israelites for the building of the Tabernacle. The chapter highlights the spirit of generosity among the people and the beginning of the actual construction work, showcasing the community's unified commitment to establishing a holy place for God's presence among them.

Exodus 35:1-3 (NKJV)
1 Then Moses gathered all the congregation of the children of Israel together, and said to them, “These are the words which the Lord has commanded you to do:
2 ‘Work shall be done for six days, but the seventh day shall be a holy day for you, a Sabbath of rest to the Lord. Whoever does any work on it shall be put to death.
3 You shall kindle no fire throughout your dwellings on the Sabbath day.’”

These verses reiterate the importance of the Sabbath as a day of rest, emphasizing its sanctity by prescribing the death penalty for those who engage in work on this day. This command underscores the idea that communal holiness and obedience to God's laws are paramount, especially in the context of the sacred project they are about to undertake. The specific prohibition against kindling a fire on the Sabbath highlights the need for complete cessation from all forms of labor, ensuring that the day is kept holy.

Exodus 35:4-5 (NKJV)
4 And Moses spoke to all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying, “This is the thing which the Lord commanded, saying:
5 ‘Take from among you an offering to the Lord. Whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it as an offering to the Lord: gold, silver, and bronze;

These verses transition from the reaffirmation of the Sabbath to the preparation for constructing the Tabernacle. Moses calls for voluntary offerings from those with a "willing heart." This appeal highlights the importance of heartfelt participation in the communal worship of God. The specific request for precious materials like gold, silver, and bronze reflects the desire to create a Tabernacle that is both beautiful and worthy of the divine presence it is meant to house.

Exodus 35:6-7 (NKJV)
6 blue, purple, and scarlet thread, fine linen, and goats’ hair;
7 ram skins dyed red, badger skins, and acacia wood;

Continuing the list of materials needed for the Tabernacle, these verses specify the types of textiles and other materials that the Israelites are to bring. The variety and quality of these materials indicate the elaborate craftsmanship and aesthetic detail that will go into the construction of the Tabernacle. The inclusion of colorful threads and fine linens signifies the artistic and ceremonial aspects of the structure, while the use of durable materials like skins and wood highlights its functional and enduring nature.

Exodus 35:8-9 (NKJV)
8 oil for the light, and spices for the anointing oil and for the sweet incense;
9 onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod and in the breastplate.

These verses detail the materials for the lighting and ceremonial uses within the Tabernacle, such as the anointing oil and incense, which were essential for the priestly rituals. The mention of onyx stones and other gemstones for the priestly garments underscores their sacred purposes, not only serving as adornments but also as integral elements of the high priest's ceremonial attire, facilitating his role as the intermediary between God and the people.

Exodus 35:10-19 (NKJV)
10 ‘All who are gifted artisans among you shall come and make all that the Lord has commanded:
11 the tabernacle, its tent, its covering, its clasps, its boards, its bars, its pillars, and its sockets;
12 the ark and its poles, the mercy seat, and the veil of the covering;
13 the table and its poles, all its utensils, and the showbread;
14 the lampstand also for the light, its utensils, and its lamps, with the oil for the light;
15 the incense altar, its poles, and the anointing oil and the sweet incense; the screen for the door at the entrance of the tabernacle;
16 the altar of burnt offering, with its bronze grating, its poles, and all its utensils; the laver and its base;
17 the hangings of the court, its pillars, and their sockets, and the screen for the gate of the court;
18 the pegs of the tabernacle, the pegs of the court, and their cords;
19 the garments of ministry, for ministering in the holy place—the holy garments for Aaron the priest and the garments of his sons, to minister as priests.’”

This passage outlines a comprehensive list of items that the skilled artisans are to construct, covering every aspect of the Tabernacle from its structure to the sacred objects within. It emphasizes the community’s role in bringing the divine vision into reality, with each crafted piece serving a specific function in the broader context of Israelite worship. The detailed inventory underscores the complexity and sacredness of the worship space they are creating, involving a wide range of crafts and skills, all dedicated to the glory of God.

Exodus 35:20-22 (NKJV)
20 And all the congregation of the children of Israel departed from the presence of Moses.
21 Then everyone came whose heart was stirred, and everyone whose spirit was willing, and they brought the Lord’s offering for the work of the tabernacle of meeting, for all its service, and for the holy garments.
22 They came, both men and women, all who were willing-hearted, and brought brooches, earrings, rings, and necklaces, all jewelry of gold; that is, every man who made an offering of gold to the Lord.

These verses capture the enthusiastic response of the Israelites to Moses' call for contributions. The collective participation, marked by a stirring of the heart and a willing spirit, underscores a profound communal commitment to the construction of the Tabernacle. This moment of giving not only supplies the necessary materials but also symbolizes the people's devotion and unity in their worship of God. The detailed list of personal items like jewelry indicates the depth of their sacrifices.

Exodus 35:23-24 (NKJV)
23 Everyone who had blue, purple, and scarlet thread, fine linen, goats’ hair, red skins of rams, and badger skins, brought them.
24 Everyone who offered an offering of silver or bronze brought the Lord’s offering; and everyone with whom was found acacia wood for any work of the service, brought it.

These verses continue to detail the types of contributions made by the people, highlighting the diversity of resources gathered from the community. The inclusion of both costly items like dyed fabrics and metals, and more common materials like acacia wood, reflects the broad base of participation among the Israelites. Each contribution, regardless of its material value, is seen as vital to the service of the sanctuary, reinforcing the theme of collective effort and sacred purpose.

Exodus 35:25-26 (NKJV)
25 All the women who were gifted artisans spun yarn with their hands, and brought what they had spun, of blue, purple, and scarlet, and fine linen.
26 And all the women whose hearts stirred with wisdom spun yarn of goats’ hair.

The participation of women in the construction of the Tabernacle is specifically highlighted here, noting their skill and dedication in spinning fine yarns used in the sanctuary's fabrics. This emphasis on the women's contributions not only illustrates the inclusivity of the project but also elevates their crucial role in crafting materials essential for the worship and service of the Tabernacle.

Exodus 35:27-29 (NKJV)
27 The rulers brought onyx stones, and the stones to be set in the ephod and in the breastplate;
28 and spices and oil for the light, for the anointing oil, and for the sweet incense.
29 The children of Israel brought a freewill offering to the Lord, all the men and women whose hearts were willing to bring material for all kinds of work which the Lord, by the hand of Moses, had commanded to be done.

Leaders of the Israelites also contribute, providing precious stones for the priestly garments and essential items for the rituals such as spices and oil. This leadership involvement exemplifies the unity between the governing bodies and the general populace, ensuring that all layers of the community are engaged in this sacred endeavor. The freewill nature of these offerings highlights the voluntary spirit that pervades the entire project, signifying a collective act of worship and obedience.

Exodus 35:30-35 (NKJV)
30 And Moses said to the children of Israel, “See, the Lord has called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah;
31 and He has filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,
32 to design artistic works, to work in gold, in silver, in bronze,
33 in cutting jewels for setting, in carving wood, and to work in all manner of artistic workmanship.
34 And He has put in his heart the ability to teach, in him and in Aholiab, son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan.
35 He has filled them with skill to do all manner of work of the engraver, the designer, the tapestry maker, in blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine linen, and of the weaver—those who do every work and those who design artistic works.

The chapter concludes by focusing on Bezalel and Aholiab, whom God has endowed with exceptional skills and the Holy Spirit's inspiration to lead the construction of the Tabernacle. Their roles as chief artisans and teachers underscore the importance of skilled leadership in executing God's instructions. This divine appointment also illustrates that the construction of the Tabernacle is not just a physical undertaking but a spiritually guided mission, involving wisdom and craftsmanship endowed by God Himself, ensuring that the sanctuary would be a fitting dwelling place for His presence among His people.