Bible Commentaries
Exodus 35

Verses 1-19

Exodus 35:4-19 God Gives Instructs on the Offerings to Build the Tabernacle - Note that God wanted them to give their best, not leftovers, but the most valuable possessions they owned. In return, God would give them the Promised Land, full of cultivated fields and livestock, homes and buildings so that they could immediately receive an income once they entered the land. This became an economic advantage for the children of Israel over their neighbours in that they had cultivated the strong work ethics while in Egyptian bondage, and understood how to manage fields and livestock. They did not have to wait for a year in order to receive a harvest.

Exodus 35:4 And Moses spake unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying, This is the thing which the LORD commanded, saying,

Exodus 35:5 Take ye from among you an offering unto the LORD: whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the LORD; gold, and silver, and brass,

Exodus 35:5 “a willing heart” Comments - God could have commanded everyone to give a certain portion for the building of the Tabernacle, but God wanted a cheerful giver. Note Exodus 25:1-9.

2 Corinthians 9:7, “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”

Israel Responds by Giving to the Offering Abundantly Exodus 35:20-29 describes how the children of Israel responded in a positive manner by giving more than enough to build the Tabernacle and its accessories.