How does Exodus 35:6 connect to New Testament teachings on giving? The Setting in Exodus - God instructs Israel to build the tabernacle—a physical dwelling where He will meet with His people (Exodus 25:8). - Moses relays a call for freewill offerings: “Let everyone whose heart is willing bring an offering to the LORD” (Exodus 35:5). - Exodus 35:6 lists some of those offerings: “blue, purple, and scarlet yarn; fine linen and goat hair”. What Exodus 35:6 Shows About Giving - Tangible gifts: Ordinary people brought real, costly materials, proving that worship involves concrete sacrifice. - Variety of resources: The list ranges from luxurious dyes (blue, purple, scarlet) to humble goat hair, showing that every level of wealth can participate. - Willing hearts, not forced taxes: The passage stresses voluntary generosity (Exodus 35:21, 29). Threading the Verse into New Testament Principles 1. Cheerful, willing giving • “God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7) • Parallel: Israelites gave because their hearts were “willing.” 2. Proportional & diverse gifts • “If the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has.” (2 Corinthians 8:12) • Just as some brought costly dyes and others goat hair, believers today give according to ability. 3. Building God’s dwelling place • The tabernacle foreshadowed the church—“a dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:22) • Our offerings support the ministry that forms this spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5). 4. Sacrificial generosity • The Macedonians “gave beyond their ability.” (2 Corinthians 8:3) • Exodus 35 demonstrates similar sacrifice, as dye and linen were expensive in the wilderness context. 5. Christ-centered motivation • NT giving flows from Christ’s self-giving: “Though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor.” (2 Corinthians 8:9) • The tabernacle materials anticipated Christ’s work—blue (heavenly), purple (royalty), scarlet (blood), linen (righteousness). Our giving now celebrates the finished redemption those colors symbolized. Practical Takeaways - Give willingly, not grudgingly. - Offer both significant and simple resources—God values each. - View giving as participation in building God’s current dwelling: the church. - Let Christ’s sacrifice set the tone and limit of your generosity. Key Scriptures to Explore Further - Exodus 35:4-29—the full context of the freewill offerings - 2 Corinthians 8–9—the most extensive NT teaching on giving - Acts 4:32-37—early church generosity - Luke 21:1-4—the widow’s sacrificial two mites |
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