Exodus 38:24
All the gold from the wave offering used for the work on the sanctuary totaled 29 talents and 730 shekels, according to the sanctuary shekel.
All the gold from the wave offering
The wave offering was a type of offering in which the priest would wave the offering before the Lord, symbolizing its presentation to God. Gold, a precious metal, was often associated with divinity and purity. In the context of the tabernacle, gold symbolized the holiness and glory of God. The use of gold in the sanctuary's construction reflects the sacredness of the space where God would dwell among His people.

used for the work on the sanctuary
The sanctuary refers to the tabernacle, the portable dwelling place for God among the Israelites during their journey in the wilderness. The work on the sanctuary involved skilled craftsmanship, as God had given specific instructions for its construction. The use of gold in the sanctuary's design highlights the importance of the tabernacle as a place of worship and meeting with God. This foreshadows the ultimate sanctuary, Jesus Christ, who is the true dwelling place of God with humanity.

totaled 29 talents and 730 shekels
A talent was a large unit of weight, approximately 75 pounds or 34 kilograms, and a shekel was a smaller unit, about 0.4 ounces or 11 grams. The total amount of gold used indicates the significant resources dedicated to the tabernacle, emphasizing its importance. This substantial quantity of gold reflects the Israelites' willingness to give generously for the work of God, a principle echoed in the New Testament with the call for believers to give cheerfully and sacrificially.

according to the sanctuary shekel
The sanctuary shekel was a standard measure used in the tabernacle, ensuring consistency and fairness in offerings and transactions. This standardization underscores the order and precision God required in worship and service. The use of a specific measure for the sanctuary highlights the importance of integrity and honesty in dealings related to worship and offerings, principles that are timeless in their application to the life of faith.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who received the instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle from God.

2. Bezalel and Oholiab
The craftsmen appointed by God to oversee the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings.

3. The Israelites
The people of God who contributed materials for the construction of the Tabernacle.

4. The Tabernacle
The portable sanctuary where God dwelled among His people during their journey through the wilderness.

5. The Wave Offering
A type of offering presented before the Lord, symbolizing the dedication of the materials for sacred use.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Obedience
The Israelites followed God's specific instructions for the Tabernacle, demonstrating the importance of obedience in our walk with God.

Generosity in Giving
The contributions for the Tabernacle were given willingly by the people, highlighting the value of generosity in supporting God's work.

God's Provision
The precise amount of gold collected shows God's provision and the sufficiency of His resources for His purposes.

Sacred Dedication
The use of the wave offering signifies the dedication of resources for holy purposes, reminding us to dedicate our talents and resources to God.

Community Involvement
The construction of the Tabernacle was a communal effort, illustrating the power of unity and collaboration in achieving God's plans.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the obedience of the Israelites in constructing the Tabernacle inspire us to follow God's instructions in our lives today?

2. In what ways can we practice generosity in our communities, similar to the Israelites' contributions to the Tabernacle?

3. How can we recognize and rely on God's provision in our personal and communal endeavors?

4. What are some practical ways we can dedicate our talents and resources to God's service in our daily lives?

5. How can we foster a sense of community and collaboration in our church or local community to accomplish God's purposes?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 25-31
These chapters provide the detailed instructions given by God to Moses regarding the construction of the Tabernacle, including the materials to be used.

1 Chronicles 29
This passage describes King David's collection of materials for the construction of the Temple, drawing a parallel to the gathering of resources for the Tabernacle.

2 Corinthians 9:7
This verse emphasizes the importance of giving willingly and cheerfully, reflecting the spirit in which the Israelites contributed to the Tabernacle.
The Court and its LessonsJ. Urquhart Exodus 38:1-31
The Enumeration of the Metals UsedJ. Orr Exodus 38:21-31
People
Aaron, Ahisamach, Aholiab, Bezaleel, Dan, Hur, Ithamar, Levites, Moses, Uri
Places
Sinai
Topics
Amount, Construction, 730, Gold, Holy, Hundred, Nine, Occupied, Offering, Prepared, Sanctuary, Scale, Seven, Shekel, Shekels, Talents, Thirty, Twenty, Twenty-nine, Wave, Wave-offering, Weight
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 38:24

     7480   wave offering

Exodus 38:21-24

     4333   gold

Exodus 38:21-31

     4303   metals

Exodus 38:24-26

     5615   weights

Library
The Unmerciful Servant.
"Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Then the lord of that servant was moved
William Arnot—The Parables of Our Lord

The Doctrine of the Scriptures.
I. NAMES AND TITLES. 1. THE BIBLE. 2. THE TESTAMENTS. 3. THE SCRIPTURES. 4. THE WORD OF GOD. II. INSPIRATION. 1. DEFINITION. 2. DISTINCTIONS. a) Revelation. b) Illumination. c) Reporting. 3. VIEWS: a) Natural Inspiration. b) Christian Illumination. c) Dynamic Theory. d) Concept Theory. e) Verbal Inspiration. f) Partial Inspiration. g) Plenary Inspiration. 4. THE CLAIMS OF THE SCRIPTURES THEMSELVES: a) The Old Testament. b) The New Testament. 5. THE CHARACTER (OR DEGREES) OF INSPIRATION. a) Actual
Rev. William Evans—The Great Doctrines of the Bible

Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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