Exodus Chapter 35 Bible Study: A Call to Generosity, Gifted Hands, and Willing Hearts for the Tabernacle

The Reiteration of the Sabbath Command

Exodus chapter 35 opens with Moses assembling the entire congregation of the children of Israel, delivering to them the commands of the Lord concerning the building of the tabernacle, but beginning with a crucial reiteration of the Sabbath. “And 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: 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. You shall kindle no fire throughout your dwellings on the Sabbath day.'”

This immediate emphasis on the Sabbath, even before discussing the tabernacle construction, is highly significant. It serves as a powerful reminder that even the most sacred and divinely commanded work must not supersede God’s command for rest and holiness. Coming directly after the golden calf incident (Exodus 32), where the people’s rebellion included a disregard for God’s laws, this reiteration underscores the Sabbath’s foundational importance to their covenant relationship. It was a sign between God and Israel, signifying His sanctifying power and their unique identity as His people (Exodus 31:13).

The command for “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” reinforces the divine rhythm of labor and rest established at creation (Genesis 2:2-3) and codified in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:8-11). The Sabbath was to be “holy” – set apart for God, distinct from the other days. The severe penalty for its violation, “Whoever does any work on it shall be put to death,” highlights the gravity of Sabbath desecration. In the context of a theocratic nation, violating this command was an act of rebellion against God’s direct authority and a rejection of the covenant sign.

The specific prohibition, “You shall kindle no fire throughout your dwellings on the Sabbath day,” is a practical application of the Sabbath law. It prevented activities like cooking, metalworking, or any other labor that required fire, ensuring a complete cessation from typical work. This detail emphasizes the thoroughness required in observing the Sabbath, ensuring that the day was truly set apart for rest, worship, and communion with God, free from the distractions of daily toil. This opening serves as a critical theological anchor: God’s work is important, but obedience to His fundamental commands, especially regarding holiness and rest, is paramount.

The Call for Freewill Offerings

Having established the sanctity of the Sabbath, Moses then presents the core instruction for the tabernacle’s construction: a call for freewill offerings from the people. “And Moses spoke to all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying, ‘This is the thing which the Lord commanded, saying: “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; blue, purple, and scarlet thread, fine linen, and goats’ hair; ram skins dyed red, badger skins, and acacia wood; oil for the light, and spices for the anointing oil and for the sweet incense; onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod and in the breastplate.”‘”

This call for offerings is significant for several reasons. First, it is a “freewill offering,” meaning it was to be given voluntarily, not under compulsion or taxation. The phrase “Whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it” emphasizes the importance of the giver’s motivation. God desires offerings that come from a heart truly devoted to Him, not from obligation or grudging compliance. This principle of willing giving is a recurring theme in Scripture (2 Corinthians 9:7). It implies that the value of the offering is not solely in its material worth but in the spirit with which it is given.

Second, the list of materials is extensive and specific, mirroring the detailed instructions God had given Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 25-27). The materials include precious metals (gold, silver, bronze), fine fabrics and threads (blue, purple, scarlet, fine linen, goats’ hair), various skins (ram skins dyed red, badger skins), specific wood (acacia wood), essential oils and spices (for anointing oil and incense), and precious stones (onyx, and stones for the priestly garments). These were not common materials; many were valuable, some likely spoils from Egypt, others acquired through trade or skilled craftsmanship. The sheer variety and preciousness of the materials highlight the grandeur and sacredness of the tabernacle. It was to be a dwelling place worthy of the Almighty, reflecting His glory and majesty.

This call for offerings demonstrates God’s method of providing for His work: through the generosity of His people. He could have miraculously provided all the materials, but He chose to involve His people, allowing them to participate actively in the creation of His dwelling place. This participation was not just about providing resources; it was an act of worship, a tangible expression of their love and devotion to the Lord. It taught them stewardship and the joy of contributing to God’s purposes.

The Call for Skilled Workers

Beyond material contributions, Moses also issues a vital call for skilled labor, emphasizing that the work required divine enablement. “All who are gifted artisans among you shall come and make all that the Lord has commanded: the tabernacle, its tent, its covering, its clasps, its boards, its bars, its pillars, and its sockets; the ark and its poles, with the mercy seat, and the veil of the covering; the table and its poles, all its utensils, and the showbread; also the lampstand of the light, its utensils, its lamps, and the oil for the light; the incense altar, its poles, the anointing oil, the sweet incense, and the screen for the door 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 base; the hangings of the court, its pillars and their sockets, the screen for the gate of the court; the curtains of the court, its ropes, and its pegs; 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 comprehensive list reiterates every major component of the tabernacle and its furnishings, ensuring that the people understood the full scope of the task. The call is directed to “All who are gifted artisans among you.” The Hebrew phrase here, kol-chakham lev, literally means “all who are wise of heart” or “skillful of heart.” This is a crucial distinction. It’s not just about natural talent or learned skill, but about a divinely imparted wisdom and understanding that enables them to perform intricate and sacred craftsmanship. This directly connects to God’s earlier declaration in Exodus 31:3, where He stated He had “filled him [Bezalel] with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship.”

The invitation extends beyond the specially appointed Bezalel and Oholiab to all who possessed such “wise hearts.” This signifies that God empowers many individuals within the community with diverse skills necessary for His work. Whether it was carpentry, metalworking, weaving, embroidery, or stone setting, every skilled individual was invited to contribute their divinely enabled talent. This highlights the principle that spiritual gifts are given for the building up of God’s kingdom (1 Corinthians 12:4-11; Ephesians 4:11-12). Every contribution, no matter how seemingly small or specialized, was vital for the construction of God’s dwelling place.

This call emphasizes that God not only provides the materials but also the human resources and the divine enablement necessary to accomplish His purposes. It taught the Israelites about collective responsibility and the joy of using their God-given abilities in service to Him. The meticulous detail in the list also underscores the sacredness and precision required for every aspect of the tabernacle, as it was to be a physical representation of spiritual truths and a place worthy of God’s holy presence.

The People’s Willing Response and Generosity

The response of the Israelites to Moses’ call for offerings and skilled labor is truly remarkable and stands in stark contrast to their recent rebellion with the golden calf. “So all the congregation of the children of Israel departed from the presence of Moses. And everyone came whose heart was stirred, and everyone whom his spirit made 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. They came, both men and women, as many as had a willing heart, and brought earrings and nose rings, rings and necklaces, all articles of gold, every man who offered an offering of gold to the Lord. And every man with whom was found blue, purple, and scarlet thread, fine linen, goats’ hair, red ram skins, and badger skins, brought them. Everyone who offered an offering of silver and bronze brought the Lord’s offering. And every man with whom was found acacia wood for any work of the service, brought it. All the women who were gifted artisans spun with their hands, and brought what they had spun, of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen. And all the women whose hearts stirred with wisdom spun goats’ hair. The rulers brought onyx stones and the stones to be set in the ephod and in the breastplate, and spices and oil for the light, for the anointing oil, and for the sweet incense. 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 had commanded to be done by the hand of Moses.”

This passage paints a vivid picture of overwhelming generosity and enthusiasm. The key phrases are “everyone whose heart was stirred” and “everyone whom his spirit made willing.” This reiterates the principle that God desires offerings from a willing heart, not out of compulsion. Their response demonstrates a genuine turning from their previous sin and a renewed desire to honor God.

The participation was widespread: “They came, both men and women.” This highlights the inclusive nature of the contribution; everyone had something to offer. Women, in particular, are noted for their contributions, bringing jewelry (earrings, nose rings, rings, necklaces – perhaps some of the very items used for the golden calf, now redeemed for God’s purposes) and their skill in spinning and weaving. The rulers, or leaders, also contributed valuable items like precious stones, spices, and oil, demonstrating leadership by example.

The sheer volume and variety of materials brought reflect the abundance of their possessions and the depth of their generosity. They brought gold, silver, bronze, various fabrics, skins, wood, and other essential items. This spontaneous and overflowing generosity was so great that, as we will see in the next chapter, Moses would eventually have to tell them to stop bringing offerings because they had more than enough (Exodus 36:5-7).

This collective act of willing giving and service stands as a powerful testimony to the transforming power of God’s grace and the effectiveness of Moses’ leadership. It shows that true repentance leads to a desire to serve and give back to God. It also illustrates the principle that when God’s people are united in purpose and motivated by willing hearts, they can accomplish extraordinary things for His kingdom. The people’s generosity was a tangible expression of their renewed covenant relationship with God, demonstrating their love, trust, and devotion.

Reaffirmation of Bezalel and Oholiab’s Divine Appointment

After describing the people’s generous response, the chapter concludes by specifically reaffirming God’s divine appointment and empowerment of Bezalel and Oholiab, emphasizing that the execution of the tabernacle project was not left to human ingenuity alone. “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; and He has filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom and understanding, in knowledge and all manner of workmanship, to design artistic works, to work in gold and silver and bronze, in cutting jewels for setting, in carving wood, and to work in all manner of artistic workmanship. And He has put in his heart the ability to teach, in him and Oholiab the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. He has filled them with skill to do all manner of work of the engraver and the designer and the embroiderer in blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine linen, and of the weaver, those who do every work and those who design artistic works.'”

This reiteration from Exodus 31 is crucial. It reminds the people that while their freewill offerings and willing hands were essential, the ultimate source of skill and the guiding force behind the tabernacle’s construction was God Himself. Bezalel is again highlighted as divinely chosen (“called by name”) and “filled with the Spirit of God.” The specific attributes of this divine filling are repeated: “wisdom and understanding, in knowledge and all manner of workmanship.” This comprehensive gifting enabled him to excel in various crafts, from metalwork and jewel cutting to wood carving and artistic design.

The mention of Oholiab, his co-worker, also emphasizes the principle of teamwork and complementary gifts. Significantly, the text states that God “has put in his heart the ability to teach, in him and Oholiab.” This is a vital addition. It means that Bezalel and Oholiab were not only gifted to do the work but also to impart their skills and knowledge to others. They were master craftsmen who could train and supervise the numerous other “gifted artisans” (Exodus 35:10) who had come forward. This ensured that the complex and intricate work could be accomplished efficiently and to God’s precise specifications. It also points to the importance of mentorship and the passing on of spiritual and practical knowledge within God’s community.

The detailed list of crafts they were empowered to do – engraving, designing, embroidering, weaving – underscores the intricate and diverse nature of the tabernacle’s construction. This final section reinforces the theological truth that God not only commands the work but also supernaturally equips His people with the necessary talents and abilities to accomplish His purposes. It assures the Israelites that the tabernacle would be built not merely by human effort, but by divine inspiration and enablement, ensuring its sacredness and its reflection of God’s glory.

Theological Themes in Exodus 35

Exodus 35 is rich with theological themes that transcend its immediate historical context and offer timeless insights into God’s character and His relationship with His people.

1. Divine Initiative and Human Response: God initiates the command for the tabernacle, providing the blueprint and even specifying the materials and the gifted individuals. However, He calls for a human response: willing offerings and skilled labor. This dynamic highlights that God’s work is accomplished through a partnership between divine enablement and human obedience and generosity. It’s not solely God’s doing, nor solely human effort, but a beautiful synergy.

2. The Importance of a Willing Heart: The repeated emphasis on “willing heart” (nadav lev) is central to the chapter. God desires offerings and service that flow from genuine love and devotion, not from compulsion, guilt, or a desire for recognition. This principle applies to all areas of Christian living: true worship, giving, and service must originate from a heart made willing by the Holy Spirit. This contrasts sharply with the grudging obedience or self-serving motives often seen in human endeavors.

3. God’s Provision Through His People: God, who owns everything, chooses to provide for the construction of His dwelling place through the freewill offerings of His people. This teaches them stewardship and the joy of participating in His work. It demonstrates that God often uses human means, empowered by Him, to accomplish His divine purposes. It also shows that when His people respond generously, there is always more than enough.

4. The Sanctity of the Sabbath: The prominent reiteration of the Sabbath commandment at the very beginning of the chapter underscores its foundational importance. Even the urgent and sacred work of building God’s dwelling place must not violate the principle of rest and holiness. It reminds us that true devotion to God involves obedience to His commands, including setting aside time for worship and spiritual refreshment, prioritizing Him above all labor.

5. Spiritual Gifts for Service: The call for “gifted artisans” and the reaffirmation of Bezalel and Oholiab being “filled with the Spirit of God” highlight the concept of spiritual gifts. God supernaturally equips individuals with specific abilities (wisdom, understanding, knowledge, various craftsmanship skills, and even the ability to teach) for the building up of His kingdom. Every believer has a role to play, and every gift is valuable when consecrated to God.

6. God’s Desire to Dwell Among His People: The entire purpose of the tabernacle was for God to “dwell among” His people (Exodus 25:8). This chapter shows the practical steps taken by the people to make that dwelling place a reality. It speaks to God’s profound desire for intimacy and fellowship with humanity, a desire that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ (John 1:14) and in the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:3).

7. Redemption and Transformation: The people’s willing and abundant giving, especially of valuable gold and ornaments (some of which were likely used for the golden calf), signifies a powerful act of redemption and transformation. What was once used for idolatry is now consecrated for God’s holy purposes. This illustrates God’s ability to redeem even our past failures and transform our hearts, turning rebellion into willing obedience and generosity.

These theological themes in Exodus 35 provide timeless principles for understanding God’s character, the nature of worship, the purpose of spiritual gifts, and the dynamics of a thriving relationship between God and His people.

Practical Lessons from Exodus 35

Exodus 35 offers a wealth of practical lessons that are highly relevant for believers today, guiding our attitudes towards giving, service, and our relationship with God.

1. Give with a Willing Heart: The repeated emphasis on “willing heart” is a direct challenge to our motivations for giving and serving. God values the attitude of the giver more than the size of the gift. Whether it’s financial contributions, time, or talent, our service should flow from genuine love and gratitude, not from obligation, guilt, or a desire for recognition. This fosters true joy in giving.

2. Use Your God-Given Gifts for His Glory: The call for “gifted artisans” reminds us that every skill and talent we possess – whether artistic, technical, administrative, relational, or intellectual – is a gift from God. We are called to identify these gifts and consecrate them for His purposes. God delights in using our abilities to build His kingdom, just as He used the craftsmen for the tabernacle. There is no hierarchy of gifts; all are valuable in His service.

3. Prioritize Rest and Worship (Sabbath Principle): The prominent reiteration of the Sabbath commandment at the chapter’s outset serves as a vital reminder. Even when engaged in what seems like urgent “God’s work,” we must not neglect intentional times of rest, reflection, and worship. Our productivity should not overshadow our devotion to God. This principle helps prevent burnout and reminds us that our ultimate source of strength and provision is God, not our ceaseless labor.

4. All Contributions Matter: The chapter shows that both men and women, rulers and common people, contributed materials and skills. This illustrates that every member of the community has a valuable role to play in God’s work. No contribution is too small or insignificant when offered with a willing heart. This fosters unity and a sense of shared purpose within the body of Christ.

5. Generosity Leads to Abundance: The overwhelming response of the Israelites, bringing more than enough materials, demonstrates that when God’s people give generously and willingly, there is always an abundance for His work. God is not limited by our resources, but He chooses to work through our generosity. This encourages faith in His provision when we step out in giving.

6. God Equips Those He Calls: The reaffirmation of Bezalel and Oholiab’s divine empowerment with the Spirit of God, including the ability to teach, assures us that God provides the necessary wisdom, understanding, and skill for the tasks He calls us to. We don’t have to rely solely on our natural abilities; we can trust that God will supernaturally equip us for His purposes. This should give us confidence to step into areas of service, even if we feel inadequate.

7. Redemption of Our Past: The use of gold and precious ornaments, perhaps some of the very items used for the golden calf, now consecrated for God’s holy tabernacle, offers a powerful lesson in redemption. God can take even the things we have used for sinful purposes and redeem them for His glory when we repent and offer them back to Him. Our past failures do not disqualify us from future service.

8. The Joy of Collective Service: The scene of the entire congregation coming forward with willing hearts and hands, working together to build God’s dwelling place, speaks to the joy and fulfillment found in collective service. When believers unite their gifts and resources for a common, God-given purpose, it creates a powerful sense of community and accomplishment.

These practical lessons from Exodus 35 continue to guide and inspire believers in their giving, serving, and living out their faith in community, demonstrating the timeless principles of God’s kingdom.

Cross-References and Broader Biblical Themes

Exodus 35 is a pivotal chapter that connects to many major themes and passages throughout the Bible, particularly concerning worship, giving, and spiritual gifts.

1. The Sabbath:

Genesis 2:2-3: The origin of the Sabbath, where God rested on the seventh day after creation, establishing the pattern.
Exodus 20:8-11: The Fourth Commandment, which is the foundational law for Sabbath observance.
Exodus 31:12-17: The previous reiteration of the Sabbath as a sign of the covenant, emphasizing its holiness and consequences for violation.
Isaiah 58:13-14: Promises blessings for those who honor the Sabbath, finding delight in God’s holy day.
Hebrews 4:9-11: Speaks of a spiritual rest available to God’s people, a rest that goes beyond the physical Sabbath and is found in Christ.

2. Freewill Offerings and Generosity:

Exodus 25:2: “Speak to the children of Israel, that they bring Me an offering. From everyone who gives it willingly with his heart you shall take My offering.” This is the initial command for the freewill offering.
1 Chronicles 29:9-14: King David and the people offer generously for the building of the temple, with David acknowledging that “all things come from You, and of Your own we have given You.” This echoes the spirit of willing giving.
Proverbs 3:9-10: “Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase; So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine.”
2 Corinthians 8:1-5: Paul commends the Macedonian churches for their extreme generosity, even in poverty, highlighting their willingness and desire to give.
2 Corinthians 9:6-7: “But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” This perfectly encapsulates the principle of the “willing heart.”
Philippians 4:18-19: Paul acknowledges the Philippians’ generous gift and assures them that God will supply all their needs according to His riches in glory.

3. Divine Gifting and Empowerment (Spiritual Gifts):

Exodus 31:1-6: The initial appointment and filling of Bezalel and Oholiab with the Spirit of God for specific craftsmanship.
Isaiah 11:2: The Spirit of the Lord rests upon the Messiah with wisdom, understanding, knowledge, etc.
Romans 12:6-8: Paul describes various spiritual gifts given to believers for serving the body of Christ (e.g., prophecy, ministry, teaching, exhortation, giving, leading, mercy).
1 Corinthians 12:4-11: Paul lists diverse spiritual gifts (e.g., wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, tongues, interpretation) all empowered by the same Spirit for the common good.
Ephesians 4:11-12: Christ gives gifts to His church (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers) to equip believers for works of ministry.
1 Peter 4:10-11: “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”

4. God’s Dwelling Among His People (Tabernacle/Temple):

Exodus 25:8: “And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.” The overarching purpose of the tabernacle.
1 Kings 6:1-38: Solomon builds the permanent temple, fulfilling the desire for God’s dwelling place.
John 1:14: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” Jesus is the ultimate tabernacle, God dwelling among us.
1 Corinthians 3:16: “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” Believers are now the dwelling place of God’s Spirit.
Revelation 21:3: The ultimate fulfillment in the New Jerusalem: “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people.”

Exodus 35, therefore, is not just a historical account of building a tent; it’s a powerful narrative illustrating timeless principles of worship, stewardship, spiritual gifting, and the joy of participating in God’s ongoing work of dwelling among His people.