What is the meaning of Exodus 35:29? So all the men and women of the Israelites God calls every person in the covenant community to participate. Exodus 35:22 already noted that “men and women alike came forward,” and here the Spirit repeats the truth. From the earliest campfires of Israel (Exodus 12:37) to the newborn church at Pentecost (Acts 2:17), God’s work is never reserved for a privileged few. His invitation is wide, reminding us that in Christ “there is neither male nor female” when it comes to usefulness in His plan (Galatians 3:28). whose hearts prompted them The offering is not pried out of reluctant hands—it rises from obedient hearts. • The earlier command, “Tell the Israelites to take an offering…from everyone whose heart is willing” (Exodus 25:2), is now joyfully fulfilled. • Paul 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). • David once marveled, “Who am I…that we should be able to give as generously as this?” (1 Chronicles 29:14). True generosity is always an overflow of grace. brought a freewill offering Unlike required tithes or sin offerings, a freewill gift is voluntary (Leviticus 22:21; Deuteronomy 16:10). It springs from gratitude rather than obligation. • Such offerings remind us that grace precedes giving—God redeemed Israel before asking for contributions (Exodus 20:2; 25:8). • Centuries later, returning exiles would renew this practice, “Everyone whose spirit God had stirred…brought freewill offerings” (Ezra 1:4, 6). The pattern stays consistent: redeemed hearts love to give. to the LORD Though placed in Moses’ hands, the gifts are presented to God Himself. • Proverbs 19:17 teaches that giving to others is “lending to the LORD.” • Jesus amplifies the thought: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me” (Matthew 25:40). • Colossians 3:23 urges, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” Every contribution—time, talent, treasure—ultimately lands on heaven’s altar. for all the work The gifts are specific: materials, skills, and energy for building the tabernacle (Exodus 35:30–35). • God had already detailed the plans (Exodus 25:8–9); now He supplies the resources through His people. • The same pattern holds for believers today: “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand” (Ephesians 2:10). • Our varied contributions combine so “that the body of Christ may be built up” (Ephesians 4:12). that the LORD through Moses had commanded them to do The project is neither hobby nor human brainstorm; it is divine directive delivered through God’s appointed servant. • “Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house” (Hebrews 3:5), foreshadowing Christ’s greater mediatorial role. • Obedience is the final test of willingness: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). • The Great Commission still operates by the same principle—doing “everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:20). summary Exodus 35:29 pictures a community transformed by grace: men and women, hearts stirred, hands open, gifts flowing, all directed to God’s purposes under God’s leadership. Voluntary generosity, rooted in thankfulness and expressed in obedience, still fuels the building of God’s dwelling place—now His living temple, the church. |
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