Exodus Chapter 35
Offerings for the Tabernacle
A. The Call to Receive the Offering
1. (Exodus 35:1–3) The Command to Keep the Sabbath
Then Moses gathered all the congregation of the children of Israel together, and said to them, “These are the words which the LORD has commanded you to do: Work shall be done for six days, but the seventh day shall be a holy day for you, a Sabbath of rest to the LORD. Whoever does any work on it shall be put to death. You shall kindle no fire throughout your dwellings on the Sabbath day.”
Moses began this new phase of instruction by first gathering the entire congregation. Before Israel could set out to obey God’s instructions for building the tabernacle, they were reminded that the foundation of obedience was not work, but rest in God. The command to keep the Sabbath emphasized the divine order that work for the LORD must come out of rest in Him. The Sabbath was not merely a cessation of labor but a declaration of dependence upon God’s provision. The Lord reminded them that six days were given for labor, but the seventh day was consecrated as a holy day, a day of rest dedicated to the LORD.
The principle carries over into the life of every believer. True service to God begins with resting in the finished work of Christ. When a believer operates from rest, his work becomes fruitful and pleasing to God. However, to act apart from God’s rest is to labor in the flesh, which profits nothing.
The penalty for breaking the Sabbath was death, showing the seriousness with which God regarded obedience. Before the Israelites could perform any great work for the LORD, they first had to learn obedience in the simple, ordinary command of resting. God desired not mere activity, but faithfulness. As Thomas observed, “The observance was the best guarantee of continued loyalty to God.”
In Hebrew, there are two words translated “work.” Avodah refers to general labor or service, while melachah refers to business, trade, or the kind of work that brings profit or gain. The prohibition on the Sabbath primarily targeted melachah, meaning that while certain tasks of necessity might be done, no form of business or self-directed enterprise was to occur. The Sabbath was to be a day of dependence and worship, not commerce.
God also commanded, “You shall kindle no fire throughout your dwellings on the Sabbath day.” The rabbis interpreted this as forbidding the kindling of fire for cooking or industrial work, but not for warmth or light. As Clarke noted, “The Jews understand this precept as forbidding the kindling of fire only for the purpose of doing work or dressing victuals; but to give them light and heat, they judge it lawful to light a fire on the Sabbath day.” The intent was to prevent Israel from turning the Sabbath into another day of production or gain.
2. (Exodus 35:4–9) Receiving What Is Needed to Build the Tabernacle
And Moses spoke to all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying, “This is the thing which the LORD commanded, saying: ‘Take from among you an offering to the LORD. Whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it as an offering to the LORD: gold, silver, and bronze; blue, purple, and scarlet thread, fine linen, and goats’ hair; ram skins dyed red, badger skins, and acacia wood; oil for the light, and spices for the anointing oil and for the sweet incense; onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod and in the breastplate.’”
Having reminded Israel of the priority of the Sabbath, Moses turned their attention to the construction of the tabernacle. The instructions here repeat and implement what God had originally commanded in Exodus chapters 25 through 31. This repetition is not redundant; rather, it demonstrates the faithfulness of Moses to carry out the exact word of God. As Cole noted, “If it is a reduplication, it is a deliberate one, to point out the lesson of the faithfulness of Moses in carrying out God’s instruction.”
Moses declared, “Take from among you an offering to the LORD. Whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it.” This giving was not coerced or manipulated by emotional appeal or pressure. It was to be a freewill offering, stemming from a willing heart. The tabernacle was to be a dwelling place for God among His people, and therefore it could only be built with materials offered freely from hearts moved by love and gratitude.
God could have miraculously provided all the materials necessary for His dwelling place, but He chose to involve His people in the process. In this way, the people shared in His work and demonstrated their devotion. The pattern has never changed; the LORD still funds His work through the willing and cheerful gifts of His people. The Apostle Paul later affirmed this same principle: “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7, NKJV).
The list of materials—gold, silver, bronze, blue, purple, and scarlet thread, fine linen, and goats’ hair—represented both luxury and craftsmanship. These were the same items listed earlier in Exodus 25–31. Each item had symbolic meaning: gold for divinity, silver for redemption, bronze for judgment, blue for heaven, purple for royalty, scarlet for sacrifice, and fine linen for purity. Ram skins dyed red and badger skins provided covering and protection, while acacia wood symbolized incorruptibility. Oil and spices were used for the anointing oil and incense, representing the sanctifying and worshipful atmosphere of God’s presence. Onyx stones and other precious gems were reserved for the ephod and breastplate, signifying intercession and divine representation.
Every item was both practical and spiritual, emphasizing that God’s dwelling among His people was to reflect His holiness, beauty, and order. The offering was not about wealth but worship. Each gift, no matter how small, was an act of devotion to the LORD.
3. (Exodus 35:10–19) Coordinating the Labor and Planning the Work for the Tabernacle
“All who are gifted artisans among you shall come and make all that the LORD has commanded: the tabernacle, its tent, its covering, its clasps, its boards, its bars, its pillars, and its sockets; the ark and its poles, with the mercy seat, and the veil of the covering; the table and its poles, all its utensils, and the showbread; also the lampstand for the light, its utensils, its lamps, and the oil for the light; the incense altar, its poles, the anointing oil, the sweet incense, and the screen for the door at the entrance of the tabernacle; the altar of burnt offering with its bronze grating, its poles, all its utensils, and the laver and its base; the hangings of the court, its pillars, their sockets, and the screen for the gate of the court; the pegs of the tabernacle, the pegs of the court, and their cords; the garments of ministry, for ministering in the holy place — the holy garments for Aaron the priest and the garments of his sons, to minister as priests.”
God’s instructions moved now from receiving offerings to organizing the labor. The building of the tabernacle would require coordination, precision, and the participation of those whom God had specially gifted. Moses declared, “All who are gifted artisans among you shall come and make all that the LORD has commanded.” The work was not to be done by those without skill or calling, but by those whom the LORD had endowed with the ability to craft and create according to His divine pattern.
This structure reflects an important spiritual truth: God equips His people with different gifts for the collective work of His service. As Paul wrote, “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord” (1 Corinthians 12:4–5, NKJV). The tabernacle’s construction was not merely a human effort but a divine calling that required the right people, with the right hearts, using the right skills.
The list of components—its tent, covering, clasps, boards, bars, pillars, sockets, the ark, the mercy seat, the table, lampstand, altar, laver, and the garments of ministry—repeats much of what God had earlier described in Exodus 25 through 31. The repetition serves as both a reminder and a reaffirmation that the project was to be completed exactly according to God’s blueprint. Nothing was left to human creativity or alteration. Every detail—from the smallest peg to the priestly garments—was part of a greater revelation of God’s holiness and order.
By organizing this massive undertaking, Moses demonstrated effective leadership under divine direction. There was no confusion, no wasted labor, and no unassigned role. Every skilled artisan knew what needed to be done, every material had a purpose, and every action carried spiritual significance. The coordination of the labor was as sacred as the work itself, reflecting the beauty of God’s order within His people.
4. (Exodus 35:20–29) Receiving the Offering for Building the Tabernacle
And all the congregation of the children of Israel departed from the presence of Moses. Then everyone came whose heart was stirred, and everyone whose spirit was willing, and they brought the LORD’s offering for the work of the tabernacle of meeting, for all its service, and for the holy garments. They came, both men and women, as many as had a willing heart, and brought earrings and nose rings, rings and necklaces, all jewelry of gold, that is, every man who made an offering of gold to the LORD. And every man, with whom was found blue, purple, and scarlet thread, fine linen, and goats’ hair, red skins of rams, and badger skins, brought them. Everyone who offered an offering of silver or bronze brought the LORD’s offering. And everyone with whom was found acacia wood for any work of the service, brought it. All the women who were gifted artisans spun yarn with their hands, and brought what they had spun, of blue, purple, and scarlet, and fine linen. And all the women whose heart stirred with wisdom spun yarn of goats’ hair. The rulers brought onyx stones, and the stones to be set in the ephod and in the breastplate, and spices and oil for the light, for the anointing oil, and for the sweet incense. The children of Israel brought a freewill offering to the LORD, all the men and women whose hearts were willing to bring material for all kinds of work which the LORD, by the hand of Moses, had commanded to be done.
After Moses delivered the instructions, the people departed to consider what they would offer. This detail—“all the congregation of the children of Israel departed from the presence of Moses”—reveals that there was no emotional manipulation or coercive appeal. Moses gave them the Word of the LORD and allowed God’s Spirit to work within their hearts. There were no contests between tribes, no public displays of generosity, no appeal to pride or status. The giving was entirely voluntary and personal.
Then the narrative emphasizes that “everyone came whose heart was stirred, and everyone whose spirit was willing.” This phrase is repeated several times, underscoring that their participation was driven by inward conviction, not outward compulsion. As Kaiser noted, “The willingness of the people is mentioned repeatedly (verses 21, 22, 26, 29; 36:2).” The Lord delights in cheerful, Spirit-led giving, for it mirrors His own generous nature.
Though their hearts were willing, they still required leadership. Moses gave them specific direction on what was needed and how to contribute. Even a willing heart benefits from clear instruction. In ministry, both inspiration and organization must work together. The Spirit stirs the heart, but the servant of God provides structure and opportunity.
The people’s giving was clearly directed: “the LORD’s offering… an offering of gold to the LORD… a freewill offering to the LORD.” There was no confusion about where their offering went. It was not for Moses’ personal use, nor for the benefit of any individual tribe, but wholly for the LORD and His dwelling place among them.
The scope of participation was remarkable: “both men and women… all the women who were gifted artisans… the rulers brought onyx stones.” Everyone had a role. Some gave gold and jewelry, others brought cloth or skins, and still others contributed their craftsmanship. Not all could give costly treasures, yet each gave what they had, and every gift mattered. The one who gave goat’s hair was as valuable in God’s eyes as the one who gave gold, because both gave from a willing heart.
Cole rightly observed, “All have a part in building the sanctuary for YHWH, and, without each playing his peculiar part, it cannot be completed.” The tabernacle was not only a physical dwelling for God but also a spiritual picture of His people working together in harmony, each part essential to the whole—just as the Apostle Paul later wrote: “From whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love” (Ephesians 4:16, NKJV).
In this offering, the people who had once given their gold to make a golden calf now brought that same gold to the LORD for His glory. Their repentance was demonstrated not merely in words but in the redirection of their possessions and talents. What was once used for idolatry was now consecrated for worship.
B. Coordinating the Construction of the Tabernacle
1. (Exodus 35:30–35) The Call of Bezaleel and Aholiab
And Moses said to the children of Israel, “See, the LORD has called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah; and He has filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom and understanding, in knowledge and all manner of workmanship, to design artistic works, to work in gold and silver and bronze, in cutting jewels for setting, in carving wood, and to work in all manner of artistic workmanship. And He has put in his heart the ability to teach, in him and Aholiab the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. He has filled them with skill to do all manner of work of the engraver and the designer and the tapestry maker, in blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine linen, and of the weaver — those who do every work and those who design artistic works.”
When the time came to begin the construction of the tabernacle, God did not leave the leadership or craftsmanship to chance. Instead, He called specific individuals by name, equipping them for this sacred task. Moses declared to the people that “the LORD has called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah.” This divine call demonstrates God’s sovereignty in appointing individuals to particular ministries. Bezalel’s name means “in the shadow of God,” fitting for a man chosen to construct the dwelling place of God’s presence. His lineage from the tribe of Judah — the tribe through which the Messiah would later come — carries spiritual significance as well, symbolizing both leadership and worship.
The passage emphasizes that Bezalel was “filled… with the Spirit of God, in wisdom and understanding, in knowledge and all manner of workmanship.” This is one of the earliest references in Scripture to a man being filled with the Spirit of God, and notably, the purpose of this filling was for craftsmanship and service, not preaching or prophecy. The Spirit’s empowerment extended beyond the spiritual realm into the practical, showing that all work dedicated to God can be a sacred calling. Wisdom, understanding, and knowledge here represent divine insight applied to practical skill. This combination of spiritual empowerment and technical ability made Bezalel uniquely qualified for his task.
Bezalel’s gifts included artistry, design, metalwork, stone-cutting, and carpentry — skills necessary to produce the beauty and precision demanded by God’s tabernacle. Every detail of the tabernacle was symbolic and had to be executed with excellence, reflecting the holiness and glory of God. Bezalel’s Spirit-filled craftsmanship would ensure that God’s dwelling place was not merely functional but beautiful, inspiring reverence among the people.
Alongside Bezalel was Aholiab, “the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan.” Aholiab’s name means “the tent of his father,” again appropriate for one called to labor on the tent of meeting. He was appointed as Bezalel’s assistant, showing that divine calling also includes collaboration. God often pairs individuals of different tribes, backgrounds, and skills to accomplish His purposes.
Furthermore, God not only gave them the ability to work but also “put in his heart the ability to teach.” True leadership involves multiplication — the training of others to share in the work. Bezalel and Aholiab were not to hoard their skills but to instruct others so that the labor could continue faithfully and skillfully. The text concludes that “He has filled them with skill to do all manner of work… those who do every work and those who design artistic works.” The Holy Spirit’s inspiration extended even to the artistry of weaving, engraving, and embroidery. The craftsmen were not left to human ingenuity; they were under divine guidance in every thread, carving, and measurement.
This passage teaches that the Holy Spirit empowers not only preachers or prophets but also artisans, builders, and craftsmen who dedicate their work to God’s glory. Every vocation can be a divine calling when done under the direction of the Spirit and in obedience to God’s Word.
2. (Exodus 36:1) The Coordination of the Work
“And Bezalel and Aholiab, and every gifted artisan in whom the LORD has put wisdom and understanding, to know how to do all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary, shall do according to all that the LORD has commanded.”
This verse summarizes the organized beginning of the tabernacle’s construction. Bezalel and Aholiab were appointed as overseers, but the work required many others — “every gifted artisan in whom the LORD has put wisdom and understanding.” God Himself had implanted the knowledge and skill necessary for each person’s role. The unity of their labor reflected both divine sovereignty and human obedience.
Each artisan was not only gifted but also guided — they were to “do according to all that the LORD has commanded.” This ensured that the construction of the sanctuary would perfectly match the divine pattern revealed to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 25:9). Precision mattered because the tabernacle was a physical expression of heavenly truth, a shadow of greater realities later fulfilled in Christ.
In this coordination of labor, we see an early picture of the Church — many members with diverse gifts working together in harmony under divine direction. Just as Bezalel and Aholiab led with wisdom and understanding, so also spiritual leaders today are called to equip and guide others for the work of ministry. As Paul wrote, “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11–12, NKJV).
The construction of the tabernacle was therefore not merely a building project; it was a model of spiritual order, cooperation, and obedience. God called, filled, and directed His people to accomplish His work exactly as He intended.
