What is the meaning of Exodus 35:26? And - The simple conjunction links verse 26 to the ongoing description of Tabernacle preparation (Exodus 35:4-25). It keeps the spotlight on a community working together under Moses’ direction—men bringing precious metals, women providing crafted fabrics—“joined and held together by every supporting ligament” (Ephesians 4:16). - Scripture reminds us that God’s work is never a solo endeavor; each offering, large or small, is woven into one seamless plan (1 Corinthians 12:4-6). all the skilled women - Not just a handful, but “all” who possessed ability stepped forward. Talent is pictured as a stewardship from the Lord (Exodus 28:3; James 1:17). - By highlighting women, the text affirms their indispensable ministry, echoing Deborah’s leadership (Judges 4-5), Tabitha’s kindness (Acts 9:36), and the Proverbs 31 woman who “works with willing hands” (Proverbs 31:13). - Key takeaway: when God calls, every gifted person—regardless of social standing—has a place in kingdom service. whose hearts were stirred - Willing hands flowed from moved hearts. The same phrase appears two verses earlier: “Everyone whose heart stirred him…brought the LORD’s offering” (Exodus 35:21). - Genuine devotion is voluntary, not coerced (2 Corinthians 9:7). It springs from gratitude for redemption recently experienced at Sinai. - When the Spirit stirs, obedience becomes joyful, not burdensome (1 John 5:3). spun - Feeling translated into action. They put shuttles to work, turning raw hair into strong yarn. As James writes, “faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (James 2:17). - Practical service sanctifies everyday tasks—laundry-room ministry every bit as spiritual as pulpit preaching (Colossians 3:23-24). - Bullet reminders: • Move from inspiration to implementation. • Skill without sweat yields nothing useful. • Simple chores, offered to God, build His dwelling among His people. the goat hair - Goat hair produced a coarse, weather-resistant fabric for the Tabernacle’s outer covering (Exodus 25:4; 26:7). What looked ordinary became sacred once dedicated. - The material’s durability pictures protection and perseverance; God shelters His people beneath what they willingly surrender (Psalm 91:1-4). - Even commonplace resources, when placed in His hands, further eternal purposes (John 6:9; 2 Timothy 2:20-21). summary Exodus 35:26 shows a community where every gifted woman, inwardly motivated by God, converted skill into service by spinning durable goat hair for the Tabernacle. The verse teaches that: • God values teamwork and includes everyone He has equipped. • A stirred heart is the wellspring of joyful obedience. • Practical, even humble tasks become holy when offered to the Lord. With stirred hearts and busy hands, God’s people still weave ordinary strands into a dwelling place fit for His presence. |
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