What is the meaning of Exodus 35:23? Everyone who had - Moses records, “Everyone who had” (Exodus 35:23a), underscoring that the call was open to the whole nation, not a select guild of artisans. - Freewill giving stands out as the pattern: “Tell the Israelites to bring Me an offering. You are to receive My offering from every man whose heart compels him” (Exodus 25:2). - Paul later echoes the same principle: “Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion” (2 Corinthians 9:7). God’s work invites willing participants, never coerced donors. blue, purple, or scarlet yarn - These richly colored threads were essential for weaving the tabernacle curtains and priestly garments (Exodus 26:1; 28:6). - Blue often reminds us of heaven and God’s commandments (Numbers 15:38-39). - Purple speaks of royalty (Judges 8:26; John 19:2-3). - Scarlet brings to mind sacrifice and atonement—ultimately fulfilled in Christ, whose robe was mockingly scarlet (Matthew 27:28) yet whose blood truly cleanses (Revelation 1:5). - The Israelites’ willingness to part with such precious dyes showed that honoring God mattered more than personal luxury. or fine linen - Fine linen, spun from Egyptian flax, pictured purity and righteous deeds (Revelation 19:8). - It formed the priestly tunics (Exodus 28:39-43). By donating their finest fabric, the people acknowledged God’s demand for holiness in worship. goat hair - Coarser than linen, goat hair was perfect for the weather-resistant tent covering (Exodus 26:7-13). - Even humble materials had a sacred purpose, reflecting Paul’s later statement that “God composed the body… so that the members should have the same care for one another” (1 Corinthians 12:24-25). Every gift, simple or splendid, counts. ram skins dyed red - Rams figured prominently in substitutionary sacrifice (Leviticus 8:18). - Their red-dyed skins served as an outer layer over the tabernacle (Exodus 26:14), continually reminding Israel that access to God requires shed blood (Hebrews 9:22). articles of fine leather - The phrase likely refers to durable hides, placed above the ram-skin layer for ultimate protection (Exodus 25:5; 26:14). - Just as sturdy leather shielded the sanctuary, so God shields His people: “Under His wings you will find refuge” (Psalm 91:4). brought them - The verse ends simply: they “brought them” (Exodus 35:23). Obedience moved from intention to action. - Later, their generosity became so abundant that Moses had to restrain them (Exodus 36:5-7). - David voiced the same humble amazement: “Who am I… that we should be able to give as generously as this?” (1 Chronicles 29:14). - The New Testament church mirrored it—“There were no needy persons among them” because believers willingly laid possessions at the apostles’ feet (Acts 4:34-35). summary Exodus 35:23 portrays a community joyfully giving diverse, valuable, and practical materials for God’s dwelling. Each item—luxurious yarns, pure linen, rugged goat hair, atoning ram skins, protective leather—speaks to different facets of worship: majesty, purity, humility, sacrifice, and security. Above all, the verse celebrates hearts stirred by the Lord, proving that when His people freely offer what they have, He supplies everything needed for His glorious presence among them. |
    |