# Overview Exodus Chapter 35 begins with #Moses assembling the entire congregation of the #Israelites to convey the commandments of #God. The chapter reiterates the importance of observing the #Sabbath as a day of rest, emphasizing that no work should be done on this holy day, and anyone who violates this commandment shall be put to death. This reinforces the covenant relationship between #God and His people, highlighting the importance of obedience and reverence toward divine law. Moses then invites the community to contribute materials for the construction of the #Tabernacle, which will serve as a dwelling place for #God among His people. The call is for voluntary offerings, including gold, silver, bronze, blue and purple yarns, fine linen, and other materials needed for the #sanctuary and its furnishings. The chapter continues with a description of the people's generous response to God's call. The #Israelites, inspired by the Spirit and willing hearts, bring their offerings to Moses, contributing more than enough materials for the work of the #Tabernacle. Skilled artisans, filled with the Spirit of #God with wisdom and ability, are appointed to oversee the construction. Among them are #Bezalel and #Oholiab, designated for their exceptional craftsmanship and leadership abilities. This passage illustrates how God equips His people with the gifts and skills necessary to accomplish His purposes, demonstrating the unity and cooperation of the Israelite community in fulfilling the divine plan. The chapter underscores the significance of willing service and the outpouring of spiritual gifts in the work of the #Lord. ## Theological Insights Exodus 35 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of the Israelites, emphasizing the themes of **obedience, generosity, and communal worship**. This chapter showcases the people's response to God's instructions for building the Tabernacle, as outlined in previous chapters, and highlights key theological insights relevant to Christian faith. 1. **Willingness and Generosity**: The Israelites' response to Moses' call for contributions to the Tabernacle exemplifies a spirit of generosity and willingness. Men and women, stirred by their hearts, bring offerings of gold, silver, precious stones, and other materials (Exodus 35:21-29). This reflects the biblical principle that true worship involves a willing heart and joyful giving, as echoed in [[2 Corinthians/2 Corinthians Chapter 9|2 Corinthians 9:7]], where it is stated that "God loves a cheerful giver." 2. **Sabbath Observance**: The chapter begins with a reiteration of the command to observe the Sabbath (Exodus 35:1-3). This underscores the importance of rest and worship in the life of God's people, reminding them—and believers today—of the need to set apart time for God. The Sabbath is a sign of the covenant between God and Israel, as established in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 31|Exodus 31:12-17]]. 3. **Community Involvement**: The construction of the Tabernacle was a community effort, where everyone contributed according to their abilities and resources. This collaboration reflects the New Testament teaching on the body of Christ, where each member has a role to play, as described in [[1 Corinthians/1 Corinthians Chapter 12|1 Corinthians 12:12-27]]. It highlights the unity and diversity within the community of believers. 4. **Spirit-Filled Craftsmanship**: Bezalel and Oholiab are filled with the Spirit of God to carry out the work of constructing the Tabernacle (Exodus 35:30-35). This divine empowerment for craftsmanship points to the idea that God equips individuals with specific gifts and talents for the edification of His people, similar to how spiritual gifts are distributed to believers in the Church, as seen in [[Ephesians/Ephesians Chapter 4|Ephesians 4:11-12]]. 5. **Obedience to Divine Instruction**: The meticulous following of God's instructions for the Tabernacle's construction signifies the importance of obedience in the life of faith. It echoes the biblical narrative that obedience is better than sacrifice, as stated in [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 15|1 Samuel 15:22]], and it is through obedience that God's presence is assured among His people. In sum, Exodus 35 serves as a reminder of the importance of willing service, communal effort, and obedience in the worship of God. It calls believers to examine their own lives in light of these values, to contribute generously to God's work, and to recognize the unique gifts and roles they have been given within the body of Christ. ## Thematic Connections ### Obedience to God's Command In #Exodus 35, we see the theme of obedience to God's commandments as #Moses conveys the Lord's instructions to the Israelites regarding the building of the #Tabernacle. This theme of obedience echoes the earlier commands given at #MountSinai, particularly in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 20]], where the #TenCommandments were introduced. It highlights the importance of adhering to God's directives as a demonstration of faith and devotion. ### Community and Generosity The chapter illustrates the community's generous response to God's call for offerings, as the people willingly bring materials for the construction of the Tabernacle. This generosity reflects the spirit of communal responsibility and willingness to contribute to a shared purpose. Similar themes of community support and generosity can be seen in the early church in [[Acts/Acts Chapter 2]], where believers shared their possessions to meet each other's needs. ### Skill and Spiritual Gifts #Exodus 35 also emphasizes the theme of skill and spiritual gifts, as individuals endowed with special abilities by God are called to contribute to the Tabernacle's construction. This mirrors the New Testament's emphasis on spiritual gifts in the church body, as seen in [[1 Corinthians/1 Corinthians Chapter 12]], where various gifts are given for the common good and the building up of the body of #Christ. ### Sabbath Observance The chapter begins with a reiteration of the #Sabbath command, underscoring the importance of rest and dedication to God. This observance connects with earlier instructions in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 20]] and serves as a reminder of God's creation rest in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 2]]. It highlights the continuity of Sabbath observance as a key aspect of Israel's covenantal relationship with God. ### Divine Presence The construction of the Tabernacle serves as a tangible representation of God's presence among His people. This theme of divine presence is central to Israel's identity and mission, linking back to God's promise to dwell among the Israelites in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 29]]. It foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of God's presence in the person of [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]], as noted in [[John/John Chapter 1]], where the Word becomes flesh and dwells among us. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### The Tabernacle as a Foreshadow of Christ In Exodus 35, the construction of the #Tabernacle and the gathering of materials for its construction can be seen as a prophetic foreshadowing of #Christ. The Tabernacle, as the dwelling place of #God among His people, points forward to Jesus, who is referred to as "Emmanuel," meaning "God with us" (as referenced in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 1]]). The Tabernacle symbolizes the presence of God among His people, much like Jesus' incarnation represents God dwelling with humanity. This connection is further supported by [[John/John Chapter 1|John 1:14]], where it is said, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us." ### The Willingness of the People The willingness of the people of #Israel to bring offerings for the construction of the Tabernacle (Exodus 35:21-29) prefigures the willing sacrifice of [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]], who offered Himself for the redemption of mankind. Just as the people gave freely and generously for the Tabernacle, Jesus' self-sacrifice is a fulfillment of the ultimate offering, as highlighted in [[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 10|Hebrews 10:10]], where it states, "we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." ### The Work of the Holy Spirit The chapter's mention of #Bezalel being filled with the Spirit of God to carry out the work on the Tabernacle (Exodus 35:30-35) can be seen as a prophetic illustration of how the Holy Spirit empowers believers today. This empowerment foreshadows the promise of the Holy Spirit given to all believers, as seen in [[Acts/Acts Chapter 2]], where the Holy Spirit fills the disciples at Pentecost, enabling them to carry out God's work effectively. Bezalel's anointing points to the Spirit-led ministry and the creative work of the Spirit in the lives of believers. ## Verses - **Exodus 35:1** - "Then Moses called together the whole community of Israel and told them, 'These are the instructions the Lord has commanded you to follow.'" - **Exodus 35:2** - "'You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day must be a Sabbath day of complete rest, a holy day dedicated to the Lord. Anyone who works on that day must be put to death.'" - **Exodus 35:3** - "'You must not even light a fire in any of your homes on the Sabbath.'" - **Exodus 35:4** - "Then Moses said to all the people of Israel, 'This is what the Lord has commanded.'" - **Exodus 35:5** - "'Take a sacred offering for the Lord. Let those with generous hearts present the following gifts to the Lord: gold, silver, and bronze;'" - **Exodus 35:6** - "'blue, purple, and scarlet thread; fine linen and goat hair for cloth;'" - **Exodus 35:7** - "'tanned ram skins and fine goatskin leather; acacia wood;'" - **Exodus 35:8** - "'olive oil for the lamps; spices for the anointing oil and the fragrant incense;'" - **Exodus 35:9** - "'onyx stones, and other gemstones to be set in the ephod and the priest’s chestpiece.'" - **Exodus 35:10** - "'Come, all of you who are gifted craftsmen. Construct everything that the Lord has commanded:'" - **Exodus 35:11** - "'the Tabernacle and its sacred tent, its covering, clasps, frames, crossbars, posts, and bases;'" - **Exodus 35:12** - "'the Ark and its carrying poles; the Ark’s cover—the place of atonement; the inner curtain to shield the Ark;'" - **Exodus 35:13** - "'the table, its carrying poles, and all its utensils; the Bread of the Presence;'" - **Exodus 35:14** - "'for light, the lampstand, its accessories, the lamp cups, and the olive oil for lighting;'" - **Exodus 35:15** - "'the incense altar and its carrying poles; the anointing oil and fragrant incense; the curtain for the entrance of the Tabernacle;'" - **Exodus 35:16** - "'the altar of burnt offering; the bronze grating of the altar and its carrying poles and utensils; the washbasin with its stand;'" - **Exodus 35:17** - "'the curtains for the walls of the courtyard; the posts and their bases; the curtain for the entrance to the courtyard;'" - **Exodus 35:18** - "'the tent pegs of the Tabernacle and courtyard and their ropes;'" - **Exodus 35:19** - "'the beautifully stitched garments for the priests to wear while ministering in the Holy Place—the sacred garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments for his sons to wear as they minister as priests.'" - **Exodus 35:20** - "So the whole community of Israel left Moses and returned to their tents." - **Exodus 35:21** - "All whose hearts were stirred and whose spirits were moved came and brought their sacred offerings to the Lord. They brought all the materials needed for the Tabernacle, for the performance of its rituals, and for the sacred garments." - **Exodus 35:22** - "Both men and women came, all whose hearts were willing. They brought to the Lord their offerings of gold—brooches, earrings, rings from their fingers, and necklaces. They presented gold objects of every kind as a special offering to the Lord." - **Exodus 35:23** - "All those who owned the following items willingly brought them: blue, purple, and scarlet thread; fine linen and goat hair for cloth; and tanned ram skins and fine goatskin leather." - **Exodus 35:24** - "And all who had silver and bronze objects gave them as a sacred offering to the Lord. And those who had acacia wood brought it for use in the project." - **Exodus 35:25** - "All the women who were skilled in sewing and spinning prepared blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine linen cloth." - **Exodus 35:26** - "All the women who were willing used their skills to spin the goat hair into yarn." - **Exodus 35:27** - "The leaders brought onyx stones and the special gemstones to be set in the ephod and the priest’s chestpiece." - **Exodus 35:28** - "They also brought spices and olive oil for the light, the anointing oil, and the fragrant incense." - **Exodus 35:29** - "So the people of Israel—every man and woman who was eager to help in the work the Lord had given them through Moses—brought their gifts and gave them freely to the Lord." - **Exodus 35:30** - "Then Moses told the people of Israel, 'The Lord has specifically chosen Bezalel son of Uri, grandson of Hur, of the tribe of Judah.'" - **Exodus 35:31** - "'The Lord has filled Bezalel with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts.'" - **Exodus 35:32** - "'He is a master craftsman, expert in working with gold, silver, and bronze.'" - **Exodus 35:33** - "'He is skilled in engraving and mounting gemstones and in carving wood. He is a master at every craft.'" - **Exodus 35:34** - "'And the Lord has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach their skills to others.'" - **Exodus 35:35** - "'The Lord has given them special skills as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple, and scarlet thread on fine linen cloth, and weavers. They excel as craftsmen and as designers.'" ### Cross-References by Chapter - **Sabbath Rest** - [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 2]], [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 20]] - **Tabernacle Instructions** - [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 25]], [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 26]] - **Bezalel and Oholiab** - [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 31]] - **Sacred Offerings** - [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 25]]