Exodus 35:22

So 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.

Study Bible

So all who had willing hearts
This phrase emphasizes the voluntary nature of the offering. In the context of the Israelites, a willing heart signifies a readiness to serve God out of love and devotion rather than obligation. This mirrors the New Testament teaching in 2 Corinthians 9:7, where Paul states that God loves a cheerful giver. The willingness of the heart is a recurring theme in Scripture, highlighting the importance of intention and sincerity in worship and service.

both men and women
The inclusion of both genders underscores the communal effort and unity among the Israelites. In a patriarchal society, the mention of women alongside men in this context is significant, indicating that the call to contribute to the Tabernacle was inclusive and valued the contributions of all members of the community. This reflects the egalitarian aspect of spiritual service, as seen in Galatians 3:28, where Paul speaks of equality in Christ.

came and brought brooches and earrings, rings and necklaces, and all kinds of gold jewelry
The specific mention of jewelry items highlights the personal sacrifice involved in the offering. These items were likely part of the personal adornment and wealth of the individuals, possibly acquired during their time in Egypt. The act of giving these items signifies a relinquishing of personal treasures for the sake of God's dwelling place. This can be seen as a precursor to the New Testament call to lay up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21).

And they all presented their gold as a wave offering to the LORD
The wave offering was a type of sacrifice where the offering was waved before the Lord, symbolizing its presentation to Him. This act of worship signifies acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and provision. The gold, a valuable and precious metal, represents the best of what the people had to offer. This foreshadows the ultimate offering of Jesus Christ, who gave Himself as a perfect sacrifice, fulfilling the law and the prophets. The wave offering also connects to the idea of consecration and dedication, as seen in Romans 12:1, where believers are urged to present their bodies as living sacrifices.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who conveyed God's instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle.

2. Israelites
The people of God who were called to contribute to the building of the Tabernacle.

3. Tabernacle
The portable sanctuary that the Israelites built as a place of worship and dwelling for God's presence.

4. Willing Givers
Men and women who voluntarily offered their possessions for the construction of the Tabernacle.

5. Gold Jewelry
Items such as brooches, earrings, rings, and necklaces that were offered as contributions.

Teaching Points

Willingness in Giving
The Israelites' willingness to give their valuable possessions teaches us the importance of a willing heart in our offerings to God.

Sacrificial Giving
The act of giving gold jewelry, which was precious, reminds us that true giving often involves sacrifice.

Community Participation
The collective effort of the Israelites highlights the power of community in achieving God's purposes.

Heart Over Quantity
The emphasis is on the willingness of the heart rather than the quantity or value of the gift.

Obedience to God's Call
The Israelites' response to God's call through Moses demonstrates obedience and trust in God's plan.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the willingness of the Israelites to give their gold jewelry teach us about the nature of true giving?

2. How can we apply the principle of sacrificial giving in our own lives today?

3. In what ways does the community aspect of giving in Exodus 35:22 inspire us to participate in our local church or community projects?

4. How does the concept of giving from the heart, as seen in this passage, relate to Jesus' teaching on giving in the New Testament?

5. Reflect on a time when you felt called to give or serve. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Corinthians 9:7
This verse emphasizes the importance of giving willingly and cheerfully, which aligns with the spirit of the Israelites' contributions.

1 Chronicles 29:9
The joy of the people in giving willingly for the construction of the Temple under King David mirrors the willingness of the Israelites in Exodus.

Mark 12:41-44
The account of the widow's offering highlights the value of giving from the heart, regardless of the amount, similar to the willing offerings in Exodus.

Romans 12:1
The call to present our bodies as living sacrifices connects to the idea of offering our best to God, as the Israelites did with their gold.

Hebrews 13:16
Encourages believers to do good and share with others, reflecting the communal spirit of giving seen in Exodus 35.