Exodus 35:4-5
Moses said to all the congregation of the people of Israel, “This is the thing that the LORD has commanded. Take from among you a contribution to the LORD. Whoever is of a generous heart, let him bring the LORD’s contribution: gold, silver, and bronze;
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
What might be missed is that Moses isn't just relaying instructions; he's reminding them of a command that had been previously given but was delayed due to their sin with the golden calf. This is God's patient plan unfolding, offering them a way to honor Him and experience His presence after their failure.
{ "themes": [ "Divine command reiterated", "Willing heart offered", "Skills for sacred work", "Divine presence in midst" ] }
God’s instructions weren't suggestions; they were commands. But how does a command from the Almighty translate into action for everyday people?
Moses begins by stating clearly, 'This is the thing that the LORD has commanded.' This isn't just a recap; it's an authoritative declaration. The tabernacle project wasn't a community suggestion box; it was a direct divine directive.
From Mountaintop to Camp
Notice that Moses says, 'This is the thing that the LORD commanded.' The commentaries suggest that this command was given to Moses earlier on Mount Sinai but was delayed in its presentation to the people due to the incident with the golden calf. This delay highlights a crucial aspect of God's timing and His people's journey. Even after failure and chastisement, God's plan for relationship and presence moves forward.
The Foundation of Obedience
The entire endeavor, from gathering materials to intricate craftsmanship, is rooted in God’s command. This establishes that true worship and service aren't born out of human initiative or desire, but from obedience to God's revealed will.
God didn't just want stuff; He wanted their hearts. What does it mean for an offering to be 'willing'?
While Moses declares God's command, the focus immediately shifts to the nature of the contribution. The commentaries emphasize that the command is intrinsically linked to a 'willing or voluntary heart.' God wasn't looking for reluctant contributions or those given under duress.
More Than Just Materials
The richness of the materials the Israelites offered – gold, silver, fine linens, precious stones – is astounding, especially considering their recent hardship. Commentators point out that this wealth was often seen as spoils from Egypt, now being consecrated to God's service. This underscores that what we bring to God is often what He has already given us.
The Heart of the Matter
The core requirement wasn't the quantity or quality of the physical gifts, but the disposition of the giver. A 'wise-hearted' artisan was needed for skill, but needed a willing heart for their contribution to be acceptable. This principle extends beyond building projects to all aspects of our service to God.
Understand the original words
terumah · Hebrew Noun
A gift, offering, or tribute presented to God as an act of worship, support for His service, or acknowledgement of His ownership over all things.
nedib leb · Hebrew Adjective phrase
In a biblical context, describes a spirit characterized by willingness, eagerness, and sacrificial love, reflecting a heart moved by God's grace to respond with generous obedience.
This passage contains the original command from God to Moses regarding the materials and offerings for the Tabernacle, which Moses is now reiterating to the congregation.
1 Chronicles 29:3-5This passage describes David's own exhortation to Israel for voluntary offerings for the Temple, highlighting a similar spirit of willing generosity commanded by God.
2 Corinthians 9:7This New Testament verse echoes the principle that God loves a cheerful giver, reinforcing the importance of a willing heart in giving, as commanded in Exodus.
Hebrews 10:5-7This passage quotes Psalm 40 to show Jesus declaring His perfect obedience to God's will, including the willingness to fulfill God's commands, mirroring the attitude required for the Tabernacle offerings.
calvinExodus 35:4-19: "And Moses spake unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying, This is the thing which the LORD commanded, saying,"
- Take ye from among you an offering. I have introduced a passage from chapter 35, wherein Moses again requires what he had before prescribed; but he goes more into detail, and treats at greater length of the parts of the tabernacle. In the former passage he employed a verb, where he here uses a noun, "willing or voluntary of heart." There is, howev…
pulpitExodus 35:4: "And Moses spake unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying, This is the thing which the LORD commanded, saying,"
Verses 4-20. - THE PEOPLE INVITED TO BRING GIFTS, AND ASSIST IN THE WORK OF THE TABERNACLE. Having warned the Israelites against breaches of the sabbath, Moses proceeded to enumerate the offerings which God had said that they might bring (vers. 4-9), and the works which he had required to be constructed (vers. 10-19). In the former enumeration, he follo…
What might be missed is that Moses isn't just relaying instructions; he's reminding them of a command that had been previously given but was delayed due to their sin with the golden calf. This is God's patient plan unfolding, offering them a way to honor Him and experience His presence after their failure.
{ "themes": [ "Divine command reiterated", "Willing heart offered", "Skills for sacred work", "Divine presence in midst" ] }
{ "themes": [ "Divine command reiterated", "Willing heart offered", "Skills for sacred work", "Divine presence in midst" ] }
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Exodus 35:4-5 is available in the Sola app.
"Moses said to all the congregation of the people of Israel, “This is the thing that the LORD has commanded. Take from among you a contribution to the LORD. Whoever is of a generous heart, let him bring the LORD’s contribution: gold, silver…" — What might be missed is that Moses isn't just relaying instructions; he's reminding them of a command that had been previously given but was delayed due to their sin with the golden calf. This is God…
