The Sabbath 1Then Moses assembled the whole congregation of Israel and said to them, “These are the things that the LORD has commanded you to do: 2For six days work may be done, but the seventh day shall be your holy day, a Sabbath of complete rest to the LORD. Whoever does any work on that day must be put to death. 3Do not light a fire in any of your dwellings on the Sabbath day.” Offerings for the Tabernacle 4Moses also told the whole congregation of Israel, “This is what the LORD has commanded: 5Take from among you an offering to the LORD. Let everyone whose heart is willing bring an offering to the LORD: 6blue, purple, and scarlet yarn; 7ram skins dyed red and fine leather;a 8olive oil for the light; spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense; 9and onyx stones and gemstones to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece. The Skilled Craftsmen 10Let every skilled craftsman among you come and make everything that the LORD has commanded: 11the tabernacle with its tent and covering, its clasps and frames, its crossbars, posts, and bases; 12the ark with its poles and mercy seat, and the veil to shield it; 13the table with its poles, all its utensils, and the Bread of the Presence; 14the lampstand for light with its accessories and lamps and oil for the light; 15the altar of incense with its poles; the anointing oil and fragrant incense; the curtain for the doorway at the entrance to the tabernacle; 16the altar of burnt offering with its bronze grate, its poles, and all its utensils; 17the curtains of the courtyard with its posts and bases, and the curtain for the gate of the courtyard; 18the tent pegs for the tabernacle and for the courtyard, along with their ropes; 19and the woven garments for ministering in the holy place—both the holy garments for Aaron the priest and the garments for his sons to serve as priests.” The People Offer Gifts 20Then the whole congregation of Israel withdrew from the presence of Moses. 21And everyone whose heart stirred him and whose spirit prompted him came and brought an offering to the LORD for the work on the Tent of Meeting, for all its services, and for the holy garments. 22So all who had willing hearts, both men and women, came and brought brooches and earrings, rings and necklaces, and all kinds of gold jewelry. And they all presented their gold as a wave offering to the LORD. 23Everyone who had blue, purple, or scarlet yarn, or fine linen, goat hair, ram skins dyed red, or articles of fine leather, brought them. 24And all who could present an offering of silver or bronze brought it as a contribution to the LORD. Also, everyone who had acacia wood for any part of the service brought it. 25Every skilled woman spun with her hands and brought what she had spun: blue, purple, or scarlet yarn, or fine linen. 26And all the skilled women whose hearts were stirred spun the goat hair. 27The leaders brought onyx stones and gemstones to mount on the ephod and breastpiece, 28as well as spices and olive oil for the light, for the anointing oil, and for the fragrant incense. 29So all the men and women of the Israelites whose hearts prompted them brought a freewill offering to the LORD for all the work that the LORD through Moses had commanded them to do. Bezalel and Oholiab 30Then Moses said to the Israelites, “See, the LORD has called by name Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. 31And He has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship, 32to design artistic works in gold, silver, and bronze, 33to cut gemstones for settings, and to carve wood, so that he may be a master of every artistic craft. 34And the LORD has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others. 35He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and as weavers—as artistic designers of every kind of craft. Footnotes: 7 a Possibly the hides of large aquatic mammals; also in verse 23 Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  Exodus 35 Summary The Skilled CraftsmenVerses 1–3 – Call to Sabbath Rest Verses 4–9 – Invitation to Give Verses 10–19 – Skilled Craftsmanship Commissioned Verses 20–29 – A Freewill Outpouring Verses 30–35 – Bezalel and Oholiab Affirmed In this inspiring chapter, Moses, the great leader of the Israelites, delivers God's command for the construction of the Tabernacle - a place of worship and sacrifice. Everyone is given a chance to contribute, their hearts stirring to give freewill offerings and use their skills for a higher purpose. Historical Setting: From Sinai to the Tabernacle Exodus 35 takes place after the golden-calf crisis (Exodus 32–34). God’s covenant mercy has been reaffirmed, and now the nation turns from disobedience to constructive worship. Building the tabernacle is the first large-scale project for liberated slaves. Instead of making bricks for Pharaoh, they now craft a house for Yahweh. The shift underscores freedom with purpose (cf. Exodus 19:4-6). The Sabbath Principle in Israelite Life • Genesis 2:2-3 roots Sabbath in creation. • Exodus 20:8-11 establishes it in the Ten Commandments. Exodus 35 adds teeth by prohibiting fire-starting, a task necessary for cooking and metalwork. Archaeological digs in Sinai’s highlands show hearths of the period; the verse reminds the people to plan ahead. Punishment—death—sounds severe, but it protects a rhythm meant to model trust: if God paused, so must His people. Freewill Offerings: Heart-Driven Generosity God could have demanded a tax (cf. Exodus 30:11-16 sanctuary shekel), yet here He asks for willing hearts. Paul later applies the same principle: “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). Giving that is forced loses its fragrance; giving that overflows becomes worship. Materials Brought: An Archaeological View • Gold, silver, bronze: Egyptians paid the Israelites in precious metals (Exodus 12:35-36). Metallurgical studies of Late Bronze Age Sinai confirm trade routes that could supply these metals. • Acacia wood: Indigenous to the desert, acacia is dense and resistant to insects—perfect for portable furniture. • Porpoise/sea-cow skins (often translated “fine leather”): Likely dugong hides traded along the Red Sea coast. • Blue, purple, and scarlet yarn: Murex-dyed fabrics were luxury items in Canaanite ports, indicating Israel’s exposure to Mediterranean commerce. Each item reveals a formerly enslaved people now stewarding global goods for holy purposes. Women in Exodus 35: Textile Ministry Verse 25 notes “every skilled woman spun with her hands.” In the ancient Near East, spinning and weaving were female-dominated trades. Their gifts turn domestic skill into sanctuary service, foreshadowing how women later supported Jesus’ ministry (Luke 8:2-3). Craftsmanship and Spirit Empowerment Bezalel is “filled with the Spirit of God” (35:31). This is one of the earliest explicit mentions of the Spirit empowering a person for creative work, not just prophecy or leadership. The Spirit’s roles expand through Scripture: Gideon (Judges 6:34), David (1 Samuel 16:13), and finally all believers at Pentecost (Acts 2). Creativity is therefore sacred, not merely secular. Bezalel and Oholiab: Guild Masters of Early Israel • Bezalel’s Judahite lineage connects the tabernacle to the messianic tribe. • Oholiab’s Danite origin brings a northern tribe into leadership, fostering unity. • The pair are able “to devise artistic designs … and to teach” (35:32-34). Mentoring secures continuity. Later, Solomon will recruit “Huram-Abi” from Tyre (2 Chronicles 2:13-14), echoing the master-craftsman model. Echoes in the New Testament • Freewill giving parallels early church generosity (Acts 4:32-37). • The tabernacle, built “by willing hearts,” prefigures believers as “a dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit” (Ephesians 2:22). • Sabbath rest foreshadows the ultimate rest in Christ (Hebrews 4:9-10). The Tabernacle as a Pattern of Redemption Every article listed (35:11-19) points to relationship with God: the ark (His throne), the table (fellowship), the lampstand (light), the altar of incense (intercession), the burnt-offering altar (atonement), the basin (cleansing), the priestly garments (mediated access). Hebrews 9 explains how each finds fulfillment in Jesus’ work. Practical Application Today • Work-rest balance: honoring Sabbath principles guards against burnout and testifies to trust in God’s provision. • Generous hearts: possessions become instruments of worship when freely offered. • Valuing craftsmanship: everyday skills—coding, carpentry, graphic design—can be Spirit-energized for kingdom impact. • Inclusive service: men and women, leaders and laborers, artists and organizers all have a place in God’s project. Connections to Additional Scriptures Sabbath Rest Genesis 2:2-3 and Mark 2:27-28 emphasize the importance of the Sabbath as a time of rest and renewal. Generosity 2 Corinthians 9:7 speaks to giving with a cheerful heart, aligning with the willing offerings in Exodus 35. Spiritual Gifts 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 discusses the diversity of gifts given by the Spirit for the common good, similar to the skills used in the Tabernacle's construction. Empowered Leadership Ephesians 4:11-12 highlights the roles of leaders in equipping the saints for ministry, akin to Bezalel and Oholiab's roles. Teaching Points Sabbath ObservanceExodus 35:2-3 emphasizes the importance of the Sabbath, reminding the Israelites to rest and keep it holy. This command underscores the value God places on rest and worship. Willing Hearts and Generous Spirits Verses 5 and 21 highlight the call for offerings from those with willing hearts. The Israelites responded with generosity, bringing gold, silver, and other materials for the Tabernacle. Diverse Skills and Talents Verses 10 and 25-26 show that God values diverse skills, as both men and women contributed through craftsmanship, weaving, and other talents. Leadership and Inspiration Bezalel and Oholiab, mentioned in verses 30-35, were filled with the Spirit of God, equipped with wisdom and skill to lead the construction. This demonstrates how God empowers leaders for His purposes. Practical Applications Honor the SabbathMake a conscious effort to set aside time for rest and worship, recognizing it as a gift from God. Cultivate a Generous Heart Reflect on how you can contribute your resources and talents to your church or community, following the example of the Israelites. Embrace Your Unique Gifts Identify and develop the skills God has given you, understanding that each talent can be used for His glory. Support Godly Leadership Encourage and pray for those in leadership positions within your church, recognizing their role in guiding and inspiring others. People 1. MosesMoses is the central figure in Exodus 35, serving as the leader of the Israelites and the mediator between God and His people. He conveys God's commandments regarding the construction of the Tabernacle and the observance of the Sabbath. The Hebrew name "Moses" (מֹשֶׁה, Moshe) is derived from the root meaning "to draw out," reflecting his rescue from the Nile River. 2. Bezalel Bezalel is appointed by God as the chief artisan for the construction of the Tabernacle. He is described as being filled with the Spirit of God, possessing wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship. His name in Hebrew (בְּצַלְאֵל, B'tzalel) means "in the shadow of God." 3. Oholiab Oholiab is chosen to assist Bezalel in the artistic work of the Tabernacle. He is from the tribe of Dan and is skilled in engraving, designing, and embroidering. His Hebrew name (אָהֳלִיאָב, Oholiav) means "father's tent," which may symbolize his role in creating the sacred space of the Tabernacle. Places Exodus 35 in the Berean Standard Bible does not specifically mention any geographical places by name. Instead, it focuses on the instructions given by Moses to the Israelites regarding the Sabbath and the contributions for the construction of the Tabernacle. The chapter details the materials needed and the skills required for the work, but it does not list specific locations. Therefore, there are no places to enumerate from this chapter. Events 1. Sabbath Regulations ReiteratedMoses gathers the entire Israelite community and reiterates the commandment regarding the Sabbath. He emphasizes the importance of resting on the seventh day, as it is a holy day dedicated to the LORD. The Hebrew word for Sabbath, "שַׁבָּת" (Shabbat), signifies rest and cessation from work. ^Exodus 35:2 :^ "For six days work may be done, but the seventh day shall be your holy day, a Sabbath of complete rest to the LORD. Whoever does any work on that day must be put to death." 2. Prohibition of Kindling Fire Moses instructs the Israelites not to kindle a fire in their dwellings on the Sabbath day. This command underscores the seriousness of observing the Sabbath rest. ^Exodus 35:3 :^ "Do not light a fire in any of your dwellings on the Sabbath day." 3. Call for Contributions Moses invites the Israelites to bring offerings for the construction of the Tabernacle. The offerings are to be given willingly from the heart, reflecting the Hebrew concept of "נְדָבָה" (nedavah), meaning a freewill offering. ^Exodus 35:5 :^ "Take from among you an offering to the LORD. Let everyone whose heart is willing bring an offering to the LORD: gold, silver, and bronze;" 4. List of Required Materials A detailed list of materials needed for the Tabernacle is provided, including gold, silver, bronze, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, fine linen, goat hair, and more. These materials are to be used for various parts of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. ^Exodus 35:6-9 :^ "blue, purple, and scarlet yarn; fine linen and goat hair; ram skins dyed red and fine leather; acacia wood; olive oil for the light; spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense; and onyx stones and gemstones to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece." 5. Call for Skilled Craftsmen Moses calls for skilled craftsmen to come forward and work on the construction of the Tabernacle. The Hebrew term "חָכָם לֵב" (chakam lev) refers to those who are wise-hearted or skillful. ^Exodus 35:10 :^ "Let every skilled craftsman among you come and make everything that the LORD has commanded:" 6. Response of the Community The Israelite community responds generously, bringing their offerings and contributing their skills. Both men and women participate, demonstrating a communal effort in the service of the LORD. ^Exodus 35:21-22 :^ "And everyone whose heart stirred him and whose spirit prompted him came and brought an offering to the LORD for the work on the Tent of Meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments. So all the skilled women spun with their hands and brought what they had spun—blue, purple, or scarlet yarn, or fine linen." 7. Appointment of Bezalel and Oholiab Bezalel and Oholiab are appointed as the chief craftsmen, filled with the Spirit of God, wisdom, understanding, and knowledge to carry out the work. The Hebrew word "מָלֵא" (male) indicates being filled or endowed with these divine attributes. ^Exodus 35:30-31 :^ "Then Moses said to the Israelites, 'See, the LORD has called by name Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. And He has filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, and ability in all kinds of crafts.'" Topics 1. Sabbath RegulationsIn Exodus 35:1-3, Moses gathers the Israelites and reiterates the commandment to observe the Sabbath as a day of rest. The passage emphasizes the holiness of the Sabbath and prohibits kindling a fire in their dwellings on this day. The Hebrew word for Sabbath, "שַׁבָּת" (Shabbat), signifies rest and cessation from work, underscoring its importance as a covenant sign between God and His people. 2. Contributions for the Tabernacle Verses 4-9 describe Moses' call for voluntary contributions from the Israelites for the construction of the Tabernacle. The materials requested include gold, silver, bronze, and various fabrics and skins. The Hebrew term "תְּרוּמָה" (terumah) is used for "offering," indicating a lifted or elevated gift, symbolizing the people's willingness to give to God's work. 3. The Skilled Craftsmen In verses 10-19, Moses invites all skilled craftsmen to participate in the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. The passage highlights the importance of using God-given talents for His service. The Hebrew word "חָכָם" (chakam) refers to wisdom or skill, emphasizing the divine endowment of abilities for sacred purposes. 4. The People's Willingness to Give Verses 20-29 detail the enthusiastic response of the Israelites, who bring their offerings willingly. The text underscores the voluntary nature of their contributions, with the phrase "whose heart stirred him" (Hebrew: "נָדַב לִבּוֹ," nadav libbo) indicating a heartfelt motivation to support the Tabernacle's construction. 5. Bezalel and Oholiab In verses 30-35, Moses introduces Bezalel and Oholiab, whom God has specifically chosen and filled with His Spirit to lead the craftsmanship of the Tabernacle. Bezalel is described as being endowed with wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship. The Hebrew root "מָלֵא" (male) for "filled" signifies the complete equipping by the Spirit for their tasks. Themes 1. Sabbath ObservanceExodus 35 begins with Moses reminding the Israelites of the importance of observing the Sabbath. The commandment to rest on the seventh day is reiterated, emphasizing its holiness and the prohibition of work: "For six days work may be done, but the seventh day shall be your holy day, a Sabbath of complete rest to the LORD" (Exodus 35:2). The Hebrew word for Sabbath, "שַׁבָּת" (Shabbat), underscores the theme of rest and cessation from labor as a divine ordinance. 2. Willing Offerings for the Tabernacle The chapter highlights the call for voluntary contributions from the Israelites for the construction of the Tabernacle: "Take from among you an offering to the LORD. Let everyone whose heart is willing bring an offering to the LORD" (Exodus 35:5). The Hebrew term "נָדִיב" (nadiv), meaning willing or generous, reflects the theme of giving from the heart, emphasizing the importance of voluntary and heartfelt contributions to God's work. 3. Skill and Craftsmanship The theme of skill and craftsmanship is evident as Moses calls upon those with specific talents to contribute to the building of the Tabernacle: "All the skilled among you are to come and make everything that the LORD has commanded" (Exodus 35:10). The Hebrew word "חָכָם" (chakam), meaning wise or skillful, highlights the value placed on God-given abilities and the use of these talents for divine purposes. 4. Community Participation The chapter underscores the collective involvement of the Israelite community in the Tabernacle project. Men and women alike are encouraged to participate: "And all the women whose hearts were stirred and whose spirit moved them spun the goat hair" (Exodus 35:26). This theme of community participation illustrates the unity and cooperation required in fulfilling God's commands. 5. Obedience to Divine Instructions Throughout Exodus 35, there is a strong emphasis on adhering to the specific instructions given by God for the construction of the Tabernacle. The repeated phrase "as the LORD has commanded" (Exodus 35:1) reinforces the theme of obedience to divine directives, highlighting the importance of following God's precise plans and commands. Answering Tough Questions 1. (Exodus 35:1–3) How could Israel realistically avoid kindling any fire at all in a harsh desert environment for an entire day each week? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does the community's response to God's call for contributions reflect their faith and commitment? 2. How does the concept of Sabbath presented in this passage relate to our modern understanding of work-life balance? 3. In what ways can our personal talents be used for a higher purpose or service, as depicted by the craftsmen in the passage? 4. What role does the Tabernacle play in the spiritual life of the Israelites? 5. How do the detailed instructions for the Tabernacle's construction reflect God's interest in order and beauty? 6. What does the freewill offering teach us about voluntary service and generosity? 7. How does the Spirit of God empower Bezalel and Oholiab in their craftsmanship? 8. In a modern context, how can we make our workplaces or homes resemble a Tabernacle, i.e., places where God's presence is felt? 9. What kind of attitude should we have when contributing to a religious or spiritual cause, based on this passage? 10. How do the offerings given by the people demonstrate the value of sacrifice in faith? 11. How do you interpret the phrase "everyone whose heart stirred him" in the context of our personal callings? 12. What lessons can we learn from the participation of both men and women in this sacred project? 13. How does the communal effort in building the Tabernacle illustrate the concept of unity in faith? 14. What do the assigned roles and responsibilities in constructing the Tabernacle tell us about the importance of everyone's contribution in a community? 15. How do you think Bezalel and Oholiab felt about their roles, and how would you feel if you were in their shoes? 16. What modern-day situations require the same level of detailed planning and community involvement as the construction of the Tabernacle? 17. How does the passage relate to the saying "Many hands make light work"? 18. In your life, when have you seen an example of everyone’s unique skills and contributions coming together for a greater purpose, similar to the construction of the Tabernacle? 19. How can we ensure that our gifts and contributions are not used for self-glory but for glorifying God, as exemplified in the passage? 20. How can we apply the principles of obedience, generosity, and community involvement in this passage to solve problems in our present-day societies? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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