Exodus 35 meaning explained in AI Summary

Moses gathers the Israelites and relays God's instructions for building the Tabernacle. He emphasizes the importance of observing the Sabbath and the need for skilled craftsmen and materials. The people respond generously, offering gold, silver, bronze, and other materials.

Exodus Chapter 35 details the instructions for and the beginning of the construction of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary where God's presence would reside among the Israelites.

Here's a breakdown:

1. Sabbath Observance (Verses 1-3): Moses gathers the Israelites and reiterates the importance of observing the Sabbath as a holy day of rest, even halting work on the Tabernacle.

2. Call for Offerings (Verses 4-9): God instructs Moses to ask the Israelites for voluntary offerings of materials and skills needed for the Tabernacle's construction. These include precious metals, fabrics, oil, spices, and skilled artisans.

3. Detailed Construction Plans (Verses 10-19): Moses relays God's specific instructions for building the Tabernacle and its furnishings, including the Ark of the Covenant, the table for the bread of the Presence, the lampstand, the altar of incense, the bronze altar, the courtyard, and the priestly garments.

4. The People's Generous Response (Verses 20-29): The Israelites, filled with the Spirit of God, generously donate their possessions and skills. Men and women alike contribute, showcasing their eagerness to participate in this sacred project.

5. Skilled Craftsmen Appointed (Verses 30-36): Bezalel and Oholiab are specifically appointed and filled with the Spirit of God to lead the construction. They are gifted with artistic skill, craftsmanship, and the ability to teach others.

Summary: Chapter 35 emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, the significance of the Sabbath, the power of willing generosity, and the role of divinely appointed leadership and skill in fulfilling God's plan. It sets the stage for the Israelites' dedicated work in building a dwelling place for their God.

Exodus 35 bible study ai commentary

This chapter marks a turning point from receiving commands to actively fulfilling them. Following the covenant renewal in Exodus 34, Moses gathers the people to inaugurate the construction of the Tabernacle. The central theme is the community's willing and generous response. It highlights that true worship involves both rest (Sabbath) and work (building), all driven by a heart freely devoted to God. The spirit of the people, characterized by generosity and skill empowered by God's Spirit, stands in stark contrast to their recent rebellion with the Golden Calf.

Exodus 35 Context

After the devastating sin of the Golden Calf (Exo 32) and the subsequent intercession by Moses and renewal of the covenant (Exo 33-34), the nation of Israel is in a state of renewed fellowship with God. This chapter is the practical outworking of that restoration. The instructions for the Tabernacle, given in Exodus 25-31, are now presented to the people for execution. The atmosphere is no longer one of fear and judgment but of grace and willing participation. This is Israel’s opportunity to demonstrate their renewed commitment not through empty words but through joyful action, transforming the wealth they brought from Egypt into a dwelling place for God's glory.

Exodus 35:1-3

Then Moses assembled all the congregation of the sons of Israel, and said to them, “These are the things that the LORD has commanded you to do. For six days work shall be done, but on the seventh day you shall have a holy day, a Sabbath of solemn rest to the LORD; whoever does any work on it shall be put to death. You shall not kindle a fire in any of your dwellings on the Sabbath day.”

In-depth-analysis

• Assembled all the congregation: The command is for everyone. Unity is emphasized from the start. This gathering (qahal) is the foundation for the later concept of the church (ekklesia).
• Sabbath of solemn rest (shabbat shabbaton): This Hebrew phrasing indicates the ultimate or highest form of rest. Placing this command before the call to build is crucial. It establishes a non-negotiable priority: communion with God (rest) precedes service for God (work). The building project, however holy, must not violate the sanctity of God's appointed rest.
• You shall not kindle a fire: This is a unique addition not found in the initial Ten Commandments (Exo 20). It specifies that even basic preparatory work (like cooking or smithing) is forbidden. It ensures a complete cessation from labor.
• Polemic: This directly counters pagan worship practices that often involved frenzied, non-stop activity, festivals, and rituals. Yahweh’s worship is defined by His own rhythm of work and rest, not by human effort or ecstatic fervor.

Bible references

• Exodus 16:23: '...This is what the LORD has commanded: “Tomorrow is a day of solemn rest, a holy Sabbath to the LORD..."' (Introduces Sabbath rest before the Law).
• Exodus 31:13: '"...you shall keep my Sabbaths, for this is a sign between me and you throughout your generations..."' (The command given before the Golden Calf incident).
• Hebrews 4:9-10: 'So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from his.' (The Sabbath points to a greater spiritual rest in Christ).
• Isaiah 58:13: '“If you turn back your foot from the Sabbath, from doing your pleasure on my holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight..."' (Sabbath as a joy, not just a restriction).

Cross references

Lev 23:3 (A holy convocation); Num 15:32-36 (Consequence for violation); Neh 13:15-22 (Post-exilic enforcement); Mk 2:27 (Sabbath made for man).

Exodus 35:4-9

Moses spoke to all the congregation of the sons of Israel, saying, “This is the thing which the LORD has commanded, saying, ‘Take from among you a contribution to the LORD; whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it as the LORD’S contribution: gold, silver, and bronze, and blue, purple and scarlet material, and fine linen, and goats’ hair, and rams’ skins dyed red, and porpoise skins, and acacia wood, and oil for lighting, and spices for the anointing oil, and for the fragrant incense, and onyx stones and setting stones for the ephod and for the breastpiece.

In-depth-analysis

• Contribution (terumah): Literally means 'something lifted up' or 'an offering.' It signifies a portion set aside and elevated for a holy purpose.
• Willing heart (nadiv lev): This is the key qualification for giving. It’s not a tax or a levy but a voluntary, joyful gift. The heart's attitude is more important than the gift's value. This is a radical concept, especially after the recent idolatry where they gave willingly to a false god (Exo 32:3).
• The Materials: The list is a near-exact repetition of the instructions in Exodus 25:3-7. This demonstrates precise obedience. The materials are valuable and varied, allowing everyone to contribute something, whether precious metals, fine fabrics, or basic necessities like wood and oil. These materials largely came from the "plundering" of the Egyptians (Exo 12:35-36), now repurposed for God's glory.

Bible references

• Exodus 25:2: '“...from every man whose heart moves him you shall receive my contribution.”' (The original command emphasizing the heart).
• 2 Corinthians 9:7: 'Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.' (NT principle echoing the "willing heart").
• 1 Chronicles 29:9: 'Then the people rejoiced because they had given willingly, for with a whole heart they had offered freely to the LORD...' (The same spirit of giving for the construction of Solomon's Temple).
• Ezra 2:68-69: '...heads of fathers' houses, when they came to the house of the LORD... gave freewill offerings for the house of God...' (Willing giving to rebuild the second temple).

Cross references

Exo 36:3-7 (Offering was excessive); 2 Cor 8:12 (Gift accepted according to what one has); Lk 21:1-4 (The widow's mite).

Exodus 35:10-19

‘Let every skillful man among you come, and make all that the LORD has commanded: the tabernacle, its tent and its covering, its clasps and its boards, its bars, its pillars, and its sockets; the ark and its poles, the mercy seat, and the curtain of the screen; the table and its poles, and all its utensils, and the bread of the Presence; the lampstand for the light and its utensils and its lamps, and the oil for the light; and the altar of incense and its poles, and the anointing oil and the fragrant incense, and the screen for the doorway at the entrance of the tabernacle; the altar of burnt offering with its bronze grating, its poles, and all its utensils, the laver and its stand; the hangings of the court, its pillars and its sockets, and the screen for the gate of the court; the pegs of the tabernacle and the pegs of the court, and their cords; the woven garments for ministering in the holy place, the holy garments for Aaron the priest and the garments of his sons, to minister as priests.’”

In-depth-analysis

• Skillful man (chakam lev lit. wise of heart): This parallels the "willing heart" (nadiv lev). True contribution to God's work requires both willingness (the offering) and wisdom (the skill). The Bible consistently presents skill and craft as gifts from God, to be used for His glory.
• Comprehensive List: This detailed list serves two purposes:
  1. It demonstrates the scope and complexity of the project.
  2. It shows that Moses is faithfully transmitting God's exact commands from Exodus 25-31.
• The inventory moves from the most holy items (Tabernacle proper, Ark) outward to the courtyard items, showing a theological organization of sacred space.

Bible references

• Exodus 31:6: '"And behold, I have appointed with him Oholiab... and in the hearts of all who are skillful I have put skill..."' (God is the source of the skill).
• 1 Corinthians 12:4-7: 'Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit... to each is given the manifesta­tion of the Spirit for the common good.' (Spiritual gifts for building up the church, the NT temple).
• Ephesians 2:10: 'For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.' (Believers as God's "workmanship" created for His purpose).
• Proverbs 22:29: 'Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings...' (The value of skill).

Cross references

Exo 26-28 (The original blueprints); 1 Kgs 6-7 (Similar list for Solomon's Temple); Col 3:23 (Work as for the Lord).

Exodus 35:20-29

Then all the congregation of the sons of Israel departed from Moses’ presence. And everyone whose heart stirred him and everyone whose spirit moved him came and brought the LORD’S contribution... The men came with the women... all whose hearts were willing brought... all the women who were skillful spun with their hands... The rulers brought the onyx stones... So all the men and women whose hearts were willing to bring for all the work which the LORD had commanded... the sons of Israel brought it as a freewill offering to the LORD.

In-depth-analysis

• Heart stirred... spirit moved: These phrases emphasize the internal, spiritual motivation of the givers. This is a work of the Holy Spirit in the community. It's a spontaneous and joyful response, the opposite of coerced labor in Egypt.
• Men with the women: The text explicitly highlights the equal and enthusiastic participation of both men and women. Women contribute personal jewelry and also their specific skills like spinning thread. This shows a community-wide unity and devotion.
• The rulers brought: Even the leaders participated, giving the most precious and specialized items. This shows leadership by example.
• Freewill offering (nedavah): Reinforces the voluntary nature of the contribution. This section is a beautiful portrait of a restored people joyfully responding to God's grace. It's the practical evidence of their repentance.

Polemics

The communal and gender-inclusive giving for the Tabernacle contrasts sharply with many ancient cults where contributions were often coerced taxes, temple access was restricted, and participation was highly stratified by class and gender.

Bible references

• Exodus 32:2-4: 'Aaron said to them, “Take off the rings of gold... So all the people took off the rings... and he made it into a molten calf."' (A stark contrast where the same people gave their gold for an idol).
• 1 Chronicles 29:14: '“But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you.”' (David's prayer reflecting the same theology of giving).
• Acts 2:44-45: 'And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.' (A similar spirit of sacrificial giving in the early church).
• Philippians 2:13: '...for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.' (God is the source of the willing heart).

Cross references

Exo 36:5-7 (Giving so much they were told to stop); 2 Chr 24:10 (Giving for temple repairs); Lk 8:2-3 (Women supporting Jesus' ministry).

Exodus 35:30-35

Then Moses said to the sons of Israel, “See, the LORD has called by name Bezalel... And He has filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding and in knowledge and in all craftsmanship... He also has put in his heart to teach, both he and Oholiab... He has filled them with skill to perform every work of an engraver and of a designer and of an embroiderer... and of a weaver, as performers of every work and makers of designs.”

In-depth-analysis

• Called by name Bezalel: Being called by name signifies a specific, personal divine appointment. Bezalel's name means "in the shadow (or protection) of God."
• Filled him with the Spirit of God (ruach Elohim): This is a key theological statement. The Holy Spirit's empowerment is not limited to prophecy but extends to artistry and technical skill. God is the ultimate source of human creativity, wisdom, and craftsmanship. This endowment is a form of "creational grace."
• Wisdom (chokmah), understanding (tevunah), knowledge (da'at): This triad of terms often describes divine wisdom (Prov 2:6). It implies a comprehensive intellectual and practical ability, from theoretical design to flawless execution.
• Put in his heart to teach: The gift was not just for them to do the work, but to train others. This ensures the skills are passed on and broadens the participation.
• Bezalel and Oholiab: Bezalel was from the prominent tribe of Judah (the future royal line). Oholiab was from the less prominent tribe of Dan. Their partnership symbolizes the unity of all Israel—great and small, north and south—in God's work.

Bible references

• Exodus 31:2-3: '“See, I have called by name Bezalel... and I have filled him with the Spirit of God..."' (The original call, now announced to the people).
• Isaiah 11:2: 'And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.' (Messianic prophecy using similar terms for the Spirit's endowment).
• Acts 6:3: '“...pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.”' (Early church seeks Spirit-filled men for practical service).
• 1 Corinthians 2:12-13: 'Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God.' (The Spirit illuminates God's truths).

Cross references

1 Kgs 7:13-14 (Hiram of Tyre, skilled craftsman for the Temple); Prov 8:12, 22-31 (Wisdom as God's master workman in creation); Eph 4:11-12 (Gifts for equipping the saints).

Exodus chapter 35 analysis

• From Blueprint to Reality: This chapter acts as the bridge between the divine instructions (Exo 25-31) and the construction narrative (Exo 36-39). The repetition is intentional, showing faithful adherence to the pattern shown to Moses.
• Theology of Work and Worship: The chapter frames the entire construction project within a worship context, beginning with the Sabbath command. It demonstrates that our work, when done with skill ("wise heart") and for God's purposes ("willing heart"), is a form of worship. God cares not only that we work for him but how we work and with what attitude.
• Grace and Redemption in Action: The contrast with the Golden Calf is the unspoken backdrop for the entire chapter.| Golden Calf (Exo 32) | Tabernacle (Exo 35) || :--- | :--- || People gave their gold for idolatry. | People gave their gold for Yahweh's dwelling. || Motivated by fear, impatience, and revelry. | Motivated by a "willing heart" and "stirred spirit". || A man-made image, a perversion of worship. | A divinely-designed space for true worship. || Led to judgment and disunity. | Led to unity and the manifestation of God's presence. |
• The Holy Spirit's Diverse Work: Exodus 35 presents a broad view of the Spirit's activity. He moves the hearts of the givers (v. 21) and fills the craftsmen with skill and the ability to teach (v. 31, 34). This prefigures the New Testament understanding of the Spirit's role in empowering every member of the body of Christ for service.

Exodus 35 summary

Moses gathers Israel, reiterating the vital importance of Sabbath rest before calling for contributions for the Tabernacle. The people, in stark contrast to their recent idolatry, respond with overwhelming generosity, bringing materials with a "willing heart." Moses then presents Bezalel and Oholiab, men specifically called by God and filled with His Spirit to lead the work with wisdom, skill, and the ability to teach others, uniting the nation in the joyful task of building a dwelling place for God.