Exodus 35

Ex 35:1-35.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE

TABERNACLE.

1. Moses gathered all the congregation of the children of

Israel, &c.--On the occasion referred to in the opening of this

chapter, the Israelites were specially reminded of the design to erect

a magnificent tabernacle for the regular worship of God, as well as of

the leading articles that were required to furnish that sacred edifice

[Ex 35:11-19].

(See on

Ex 25:1-40;

Ex 27:1-21;

Ex 30:1-31:18).

20, 21. all the congregation of Israel departed from the presence of

Moses--No exciting harangues were made, nor had the people Bibles

at home in which they could compare the requirements of their leader

and see if these things were so. But they had no doubt as to his

bearing to them the will of God, and they were impressed with so strong

a sense of its being their duty, that they made a spontaneous offer of

the best and most valuable treasures they possessed.

21. they came, every one whose heart stirred him up--One

powerful element doubtless of this extraordinary open-hearted

liberality was the remembrance of their recent transgression, which

made them "zealous of good works" (compare

2Co 7:11).

But along with this motive, there were others of a higher and nobler

kind--a principle of love to God and devotedness to His service, an

anxious desire to secure the benefit of His presence, and gratitude for

the tokens of His divine favor: it was under the combined influence of

these considerations that the people were so willing and ready to pour

their contributions into that exchequer of the sanctuary.

every one whom his spirit made willing--Human nature is always

the same, and it is implied that while an extraordinary spirit of pious

liberality reigned in the bosoms of the people at large, there were

exceptions--some who were too fond of the world, who loved their

possessions more than their God, and who could not part with these; no,

not for the service of the tabernacle.

22. they came, both men and women, &c.--literally, "the men over

and above the women"; a phraseology which implies that the women acted

a prominent part, presented their offerings first, and then were

followed by as many of their male companions as were similarly

disposed.

brought bracelets, &c.--There was in that early age no money in

the form of coins or bullion. What money passed current with the

merchant consisted of rings which were weighed, and principally of

ornaments for personal decoration. Astonishment at the abundance of

their ornaments is at an end when we learn that costly and elegant

ornaments abounded in proportion as clothing was simple and scarce

among the Egyptians, and some, entirely divested of clothing, yet wore

rich necklaces [HENGSTENBERG]. Among people with

Oriental sentiments and tastes, scarcely any stronger proof could have

been given of the power of religion than their willingness not only to

lay aside, but to devote those much-valued trinkets to the house of

God; and thus all, like the Eastern sages, laid the best they had at

the service of God.

30. See, the Lord hath called by name Bezaleel, the son of Uri,

&c.--Moses had made this communication before [see

Ex 31:2-5;

also see on

Ex 31:2].

But now that the collection had been made, the materials were

contributed, and the operations of building about to be commenced, it

was with the greatest propriety he reminded the people that the

individuals entrusted with the application of their gold and silver had

been nominated to the work by authority to which all would bow.

35. Them hath he filled with wisdom of heart--A statement which

not only testifies that skill in art and science is a direct gift from

God, but that weaving was especially the business of men in Egypt (see

Ex 38:22; 39:22, 27).

And in perfect harmony with the testimony of the monuments is the

account given by Moses to the artists who were divinely taught the arts

necessary for the embellishment of the tabernacle. Others, whose

limited means did not admit of these expensive contributions, offered

their gratuitous services in fabricating such articles of tapestry as

were needed; arts which the Israelitish females learned as bondwomen,

in the houses of Egyptian princes.