Exodus 35:1-29
Q.1. How was the Sabbath to be observed? From where did the tabernacle materials come? Who made the tabernacle and its fittings? – (Exo.35:1-19)
Sabbath day observance underpinned the Covenant relationship between the Lord and Israel. God requires us to work, so commanded the people to work for six out of seven days. On the seventh day, they were to cease all their normal work so they could worship the Lord (Exo.35:1-3). Though Christians do not observe the Sabbath in the same way, we are not to forsake the regular assembling of ourselves together (c.f. Col.2:16-17; Heb.10:23-25). The materials needed for the construction of the temple were to be taken – … from among you a contribution to the Lord; whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it as the Lord’s contribution: gold, silver, and bronze … (Exo.25:5). Moses specified all the other materials needed. These included – 8 … oil for lighting, and spices for the anointing oil, and for the fragrant incense, 9 and onyx stones and setting stones for the ephod and for the breast piece (Exo.35:8-9). Moses also called for – every skilful man among you to come and make all that the Lord has commanded (Exo.35:10). These gifted people were to craft, weave, sew, and embroider all the furniture for the tabernacle, and the garments for the priests (Exo.35:10-19).
Q.2. How generously did Israel contribute to the project? What kind of people gave to the construction of the Tabernacle? – (Exo.35:20-29)
Israel’s response was both generous and sacrificial as – 21 Everyone whose heart stirred him and everyone whose spirit moved him came and brought the Lord’s contribution for the work of the tent of meeting and for all its service and for the holy garments … 29 The Israelites, all the men and women, whose heart moved them to bring material for all the work, which the Lord had commanded through Moses to be done, brought a freewill offering to the Lord (Exo.35:21 &29). Both men and women gave their possessions as they were able. The women gave their ornaments, and skilled women spun the garments and tents (Exo.35:22, 25-26). They had all that was needed to complete the task because everyone contributed.