Bible Commentaries
Exodus 35

Verses 1-35

This and the four following chapters contain the account of the actual building of the Tabernacle. At the very commencement the Sabbath obligation was again declared. The people were then called on to bring their offerings, the appeal being made to those who had willing hearts. Giving was to be the outward and sacramental sign of the inward grace of devotion to the will of God. It is noticeable that among the offerings the ornaments of the people were conspicuous.

It would seem as though this was the end of the ornaments which they had put off in their contrition. If so it was a double beautiful and sacred ceremony. In the presence of their sin and in deep penitence they had stripped themselves of the signs of a rejoicing people. Henceforward their chief cause of rejoicing would be found in the presence of God among them. This presence was forever symbolized by the Tabernacle of order and beauty. To its construction they brought these symbols of rejoicing.