The thirty-fifth chapter of Exodus marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of the Israelites’ journey. Following the profound breach and subsequent restoration of the covenant, this chapter transitions from divine instruction to human action. It is not merely a call to build a tabernacle; it is a divine blueprint for community, worship, and the sacred intersection of faith and work. This analysis provides a comprehensive examination of Exodus 35, exploring its theological depth, its emphasis on voluntary contribution, and the celebration of Spirit-empowered skill.
The Context: Setting the Stage for Exodus 35
To fully grasp the significance of Exodus 35, one must understand the dramatic events that precede it. Chapters 32-34 detail the catastrophic sin of the golden calf, Moses’ intercession on behalf of the people, and the renewal of the covenant. God, in His mercy, reaffirms His presence will go with Israel (Exodus 33:14). Chapters 35-40 are the direct response to this mercy—a tangible demonstration of a redeemed people contributing to the establishment of God’s dwelling place among them. Exodus 35 is the initiation of that response, a divine summons to participate in a holy project.
The Sabbath Command: The Foundation of Sacred Work (Exodus 35:1-3)
Before any instruction regarding the tabernacle is given, Moses assembles the entire community and reiterates the command of Sabbath rest.
Then Moses assembled the whole Israelite community and said to them, “These are the things the Lord has commanded you to do: For six days, work is to be done, but the seventh day shall be your holy day, a day of sabbath rest to the Lord.” (Exodus 35:1-2, NIV)
This opening is profoundly intentional. It establishes a critical theological principle: all work for God must flow from a rhythm of rest in God. The Tabernacle, as important as it was, could not violate the Sabbath. This prioritization reminds the people that their identity is not found in their productivity, even their religious productivity, but in their relationship with the Creator who rests. It frames the enormous project ahead not as a frantic labor but as a worshipful undertaking grounded in divine order.
The Call for Willing Offerings: The Heart of Sacrificial Giving (Exodus 35:4-9)
Moses then relays God’s call for contributions from everyone whose heart is “willing” or “moved.”
“Everyone who is willing is to bring to the Lord an offering of gold, silver and bronze; blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen; goat hair; ram skins dyed red and another type of durable leather; acacia wood; olive oil for the light; spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense; and onyx stones and other gems to be set on the ephod and breastplate.” (Exodus 35:5-9, NIV)
The list of materials is extensive and costly, encompassing precious metals, fine fabrics, rare spices, and valuable gems. Yet, the emphasis is never on the quantity of the gift but on the quality of the giver’s heart. The Hebrew word nadiv (willing) conveys nobility and generosity, a free-flowing eagerness. This was not a tax; it was a “heave offering” (Exodus 35:5, KJV), an offering lifted up to the Lord from a heart overflowing with gratitude for redemption.
This model of giving is a timeless principle for stewardship. God delights in contributions that are voluntary, joyful, and motivated by love, not compulsion, guilt, or a desire for recognition.
The Call for Skilled Craftsmanship: Where Creativity Meets the Divine (Exodus 35:10-19)
The call extends beyond financial contribution to active participation. Moses invites every “skilled” person to come and make all that the Lord has commanded.
“All who are skilled among you are to come and make everything the Lord has commanded…” (Exodus 35:10, NIV)
The text then meticulously lists the items to be made: the Tabernacle itself with its tents, clasps, frames, and crossbars; the Ark of the Covenant; the Table of Presence; the Lampstand; the Altar of Incense; the Altar of Burnt Offering; the Basin; the courtyard hangings; the priestly garments—every single component detailed earlier in Exodus 25-31.
This demonstrates that the work of the Tabernacle was a collaborative effort, requiring a vast array of skills from weaving and embroidery to metalworking, woodworking, and stonecutting.
The People’s Response: An Outpouring of Generosity (Exodus 35:20-29)
The response of the Israelite community is nothing short of spectacular. The people’s hearts are stirred, and everyone who was willing brought their offerings to the Lord.
“Everyone who was willing and whose heart moved them came and brought an offering to the Lord for the work on the tent of meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments.” (Exodus 35:21, NIV)
The description is one of beautiful, organized chaos. Men and women alike participated. They brought not only the precious materials listed but also personal ornaments—brooches, earrings, rings, and gold jewelry (Exodus 35:22). The leaders brought onyx stones and other gems. The text repeatedly uses phrases like “all who were willing,” “everyone whose heart stirred him,” and “all the women who were willing” (Exodus 35:29). This was a whole-community movement of unprecedented generosity, so much so that Moses would later have to tell them to stop giving (Exodus 36:6-7).
The Empowerment of Bezalel and Oholiab: Filled with the Spirit of God (Exodus 35:30-35)
The chapter culminates by highlighting two master artisans: Bezalel and Oholiab. This passage is crucial for a theology of work and vocation.
“Then Moses said to the Israelites, “See, the Lord has chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills—” (Exodus 35:30-31, NIV)
The text makes several profound declarations:
- Divine Calling: God “chose” Bezalel. His skill was not an accident; it was a divine appointment.
- Spiritual Empowerment: He was “filled with the Spirit of God” (ruach Elohim). Artistic and technical skill is explicitly stated to be a manifestation of the Holy Spirit.
- Gifts for Purpose: The Spirit’s filling was for a practical purpose: “to make artistic designs… to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts” (Exodus 35:32-33).
This shatters the sacred-secular divide. Bezalel was not a priest or a prophet; he was a craftsman. Yet, his work was a Spirit-empowered, holy vocation. God also gave both him and Oholiab the ability to teach others, ensuring the transfer of skill and wisdom throughout the community. Their God-given abilities covered the entire spectrum of the project:
- Wisdom (chokmah): Technical skill and expertise in their craft.
- Understanding (tebunah): Discernment and intelligence in design and execution.
- Knowledge (da`ath): Acquainted with all the necessary techniques and methods
Key Themes and Modern Application
Exodus 35 is far more than a historical record; it is a rich source of instruction for the modern believer and the church.
- The Primacy of the Heart: God’s work is advanced not by coercion but by willing hearts. Our giving, serving, and creating are most pleasing to God when they are joyful responses to His grace.
- The Sanctity of Skill: Every skill and talent—from accounting to weaving, from teaching to woodworking—can be a Spirit-empowered gift for building God’s kingdom. There is no division between “spiritual” and “non-spiritual” work when it is done for God’s glory.
- The Beauty of Community: The Tabernacle was built by a unified community where every person, regardless of gender or role, had a part to play. It is a model for the body of Christ, where each member contributes their unique gifts (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).
- The Model of Leadership: Moses led by receiving God’s instruction and clearly communicating it to the people. He then empowered the skilled ones to do the work. This is a blueprint for visionary and empowering leadership.
In conclusion, Exodus 35 is a masterclass in worship-driven action. It teaches us that true service to God begins with Sabbath rest, is fueled by a willing heart, is executed through Spirit-empowered skill, and results in a community unified in creating a dwelling place for God’s presence. It challenges us to examine our own contributions—whether of wealth, time, or talent—and to offer them not out of obligation, but with the joyful and willing heart of a people redeemed.