Exodus 35:29

So all the men and women of the Israelites whose hearts prompted them brought a freewill offering to the LORD for all the work that the LORD through Moses had commanded them to do.

Study Bible

So all the men and women of Israel
This phrase emphasizes the collective participation of the entire community of Israel. The Hebrew word for "men" is "אִישׁ" (ish) and for "women" is "אִשָּׁה" (ishah), highlighting the inclusivity of both genders in the act of giving. Historically, this reflects the communal nature of worship and service in ancient Israel, where both men and women were integral to the spiritual and physical life of the community. This collective action underscores the unity and shared purpose among the Israelites in their devotion to God.

who were willing
The Hebrew root for "willing" is "נָדַב" (nadav), which conveys the idea of a voluntary and generous spirit. This willingness is not coerced but comes from a heart moved by devotion and gratitude. In the context of the Israelites, this willingness reflects their response to God's grace and deliverance, a heartfelt desire to contribute to the work of the Lord. It serves as a model for Christian giving, emphasizing that offerings to God should be given freely and joyfully.

brought a freewill offering
The term "freewill offering" in Hebrew is "נְדָבָה" (nedavah), which refers to a voluntary gift given out of one's own volition, not out of obligation. This type of offering is distinct from mandatory sacrifices and highlights the personal commitment and love for God. Archaeological findings, such as inscriptions and artifacts, suggest that freewill offerings were a common practice in ancient Near Eastern cultures, often associated with expressions of gratitude and worship.

to the LORD
The phrase "to the LORD" signifies that the offerings were dedicated to Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. The use of the divine name "Yahweh" (יהוה) underscores the personal relationship between God and His people. This dedication to the LORD reflects the Israelites' acknowledgment of His sovereignty and their desire to honor Him through their contributions. It is a reminder that all acts of giving and service are ultimately directed towards God and His glory.

for all the work
This phrase indicates the purpose of the offerings, which was to support the construction and furnishing of the Tabernacle, the dwelling place of God among His people. The Hebrew word for "work" is "מְלָאכָה" (melachah), which can refer to craftsmanship or labor. This highlights the practical aspect of worship, where spiritual devotion is expressed through tangible actions and contributions to God's work.

that the LORD had commanded
The phrase underscores the divine origin of the instructions given to Moses. The Hebrew word for "commanded" is "צִוָּה" (tzivah), indicating a direct order from God. This reflects the authority of God's word and the importance of obedience to His commands. The Israelites' response to God's command demonstrates their faithfulness and commitment to fulfilling His will.

through Moses to be done
Moses, as the mediator between God and the Israelites, plays a crucial role in communicating God's instructions. The phrase "through Moses" highlights his leadership and the trust placed in him by both God and the people. The work "to be done" refers to the construction of the Tabernacle, a task that required skill, resources, and cooperation. This collaboration under Moses' guidance exemplifies the harmonious relationship between divine direction and human effort in accomplishing God's purposes.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were delivered from slavery in Egypt and were journeying to the Promised Land.

2. Moses
The leader and prophet chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from Egypt and to communicate God's laws and instructions to them.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, who commanded the construction of the Tabernacle as a dwelling place among His people.

4. The Tabernacle
The portable sanctuary that God instructed the Israelites to build as a place of worship and His dwelling among them.

5. Freewill Offering
Voluntary contributions made by the Israelites, motivated by a willing heart, for the construction of the Tabernacle.

Teaching Points

Willing Hearts in Service
The emphasis on "willing hearts" in Exodus 35:29 teaches us that God values the attitude and motivation behind our giving and service. Our contributions to God's work should be voluntary and joyful, not out of compulsion.

Community Participation
The collective effort of the Israelites in bringing offerings highlights the importance of community involvement in God's work. Each person's contribution, no matter how small, is valuable and necessary.

Obedience to God's Command
The Israelites' response to God's command through Moses demonstrates the importance of obedience in our relationship with God. We are called to act on God's instructions with faith and commitment.

Generosity as Worship
The act of giving is an expression of worship and devotion to God. Our generosity reflects our trust in God's provision and our desire to honor Him with our resources.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the phrase "whose hearts were willing" reveal about the nature of giving that pleases God, and how can we cultivate such willingness in our own lives?

2. How does the concept of a "freewill offering" in Exodus 35:29 relate to the New Testament teachings on giving, such as those found in 2 Corinthians 9:7?

3. In what ways can we, as a church community, encourage and facilitate collective participation in God's work, similar to the Israelites' contributions for the Tabernacle?

4. How does the obedience of the Israelites in bringing offerings for the Tabernacle challenge us to respond to God's commands in our own lives today?

5. Reflect on a time when you gave or served willingly and joyfully. How did that experience impact your relationship with God and others? How can you apply this attitude in future opportunities to give or serve?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Corinthians 9:7
This verse emphasizes the importance of giving willingly and cheerfully, echoing the spirit of the freewill offerings in Exodus 35:29.

Exodus 25:1-9
This passage details God's initial command to Moses to collect offerings for the Tabernacle, highlighting the continuity of the Israelites' obedience.

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

Romans 12:1
The call to present our bodies as living sacrifices connects to the idea of offering ourselves willingly to God's service.