Analysis of Exodus Chapter 35
Exodus chapter 35 is a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, marking the beginning of the construction of the Tabernacle, the sacred tent where God’s presence would dwell among the Israelites. This chapter underscores the themes of community, generosity, obedience, and the importance of the Sabbath. By examining the verses in detail, we gain a deeper understanding of the spiritual and practical lessons embedded in this chapter.
Verses 1-3: The Observance of the Sabbath
The chapter opens with Moses gathering the entire Israelite community to convey God’s commandments. The first commandment reiterated is the observance of the Sabbath:
“Moses assembled all the congregation of the people of Israel and said to them, ‘These are the things that the Lord has commanded you to do. Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day you shall have a Sabbath of solemn rest, holy to the Lord. Whoever does any work on it shall be put to death. You shall kindle no fire in all your dwelling places on the Sabbath day.'” (Exodus 35:1-3)
This initial emphasis on the Sabbath serves several purposes. It highlights the sanctity of rest and worship, reinforcing the idea that despite the monumental task ahead (building the Tabernacle), the Israelites must prioritize their relationship with God. The prohibition against kindling fire, a basic necessity for cooking and warmth, underscores the seriousness of complete cessation from work. The death penalty for violating the Sabbath (mentioned later in the Torah texts) reflects the gravity God places on this commandment, emphasizing its role in the covenant relationship between God and Israel.
Verses 4-9: The Call for Contributions
Next, Moses issues a call for voluntary contributions to the construction of the Tabernacle:
“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; blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen; goats’ hair, tanned rams’ skins, and goatskins; acacia wood, oil for the light, spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense, and onyx stones and stones for setting, for the ephod and for the breastpiece.'” (Exodus 35:4-9)
This call for contributions is noteworthy for several reasons. Firstly, it appeals to those “of a generous heart,” suggesting that offerings should be given willingly and joyfully, not under compulsion. This establishes a model for giving in the service of God that prioritizes the intent and devotion of the giver over the value of the gift. The extensive list of materials needed for the Tabernacle reflects the richness and diversity of resources that God desires for His dwelling place, symbolizing the variety of gifts and talents that the faith community should offer in service.
Verses 10-19: Invitation to Skilled Artisans
Moses then invites the skilled among the people to assist in the construction:
“Let every skillful craftsman among you come and make all that the Lord has commanded: the tabernacle, its tent and its covering, its hooks and its frames, its bars, its pillars, and its bases; the ark with its poles, the mercy seat, and the veil of the screen; the table with its poles and all its utensils, and the bread of the Presence; the lampstand also for the light, with its utensils and its lamps, and the oil for the light; and the altar of incense, with its poles, and the anointing oil and the fragrant incense, and the screen for the door, at the door of the tabernacle; the altar of burnt offering, with its grating of bronze, its poles, and all its utensils, the basin and its stand; the hangings of the court, its pillars and its bases, and the screen for the gate of the court; the pegs of the tabernacle and the pegs of the court, and their cords; the finely worked garments for ministering in the Holy Place, the holy garments for Aaron the priest and the garments of his sons, for their service as priests.'” (Exodus 35:10-19)
This passage underscores the importance of community involvement and the diverse skills offered by the Israelites. Each person’s unique talents and craftsmanship are seen as valuable contributions to the sacred project, showing that divine work requires both spiritual devotion and practical expertise. By engaging skilled artisans, the narrative also elevates the act of craftsmanship to a form of worship, indicating that all labor done in the service of God is holy and significant.
Verses 20-29: The Response of the People
The community’s response to Moses’ call is immediate and overwhelmingly generous:
“Then all the congregation of the people of Israel departed from the presence of Moses. And they came, everyone whose heart stirred him, and everyone whose spirit moved him, and brought the Lord’s contribution to be used for the tent of meeting, and for all its service, and for the holy garments. So they came, both men and women. All who were of a willing heart brought brooches and earrings and signet rings and armlets, all sorts of gold objects, every man dedicating an offering of gold to the Lord. And everyone who possessed blue or purple or scarlet yarns or fine linen or goats’ hair or tanned rams’ skins or goatskins brought them. Everyone who could make a contribution of silver or bronze brought it as the Lord’s contribution. And every one who possessed acacia wood of any use in the work brought it. And every skillful woman spun with her hands, and they all brought what they had spun in blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen; all the women whose hearts stirred them to use their skill spun the goats’ hair. And the leaders brought onyx stones and stones to be set, for the ephod and for the breastpiece, and spices and oil for the light, and for the anointing oil, and for the fragrant incense. All the men and women, the people of Israel, whose heart moved them to bring anything for the work that the Lord had commanded by Moses to be done brought it as a freewill offering to the Lord.” (Exodus 35:20-29)
This section vividly illustrates the unity and fervor of the Israelite community in dedicating themselves to a divine cause. The repeated emphasis on a “willing heart” and “stirred spirit” aligns voluntarism with spirituality. The inclusivity of the contributions, involving both men and women, the wealthy and the not-so-wealthy, skilled artisans, and ordinary individuals, underscores the collective effort and shared responsibility in building a dwelling place for God. The variety of items brought for the Tabernacle’s construction highlights the broad spectrum of resources and gifts present within the community.
Verses 30-35: Bezalel and Oholiab
Lastly, Moses introduces specific individuals appointed by God to lead the construction efforts:
“Then Moses said to the people of Israel, ‘See, the Lord has called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah; and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge, and with all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold and silver and bronze, in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, for work in every skilled craft. And he has inspired him to teach, both him and Oholiab the son of Ahisamach of the tribe of Dan. He has filled them with skill to do every sort of work done by an engraver or by a designer or by an embroiderer in blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen, or by a weaver—by any sort of workman or skilled designer.'” (Exodus 35:30-35)
Bezalel and Oholiab are not only endowed with remarkable skills but also filled with the Spirit of God. This divine inspiration is crucial because it suggests that their work is sanctified and guided by divine wisdom. Bezalel’s lineage—being from the tribe of Judah—might also carry symbolic meaning, as this tribe is often associated with leadership and royalty in Israelite tradition.
Moreover, the ability to teach is highlighted alongside craftsmanship, pointing to the importance of knowledge transfer and community empowerment. By investing in the skills of others, Bezalel and Oholiab ensure that the legacy of craftsmanship and dedication to divine service continues beyond their own generation. This emphasis on teaching and mentoring within the community reflects a broader vision of sustained worship and skill development in the service of God.
Summary and Reflections
Exodus 35 is a rich tapestry of themes and motifs that underscore the values of the Israelite faith and community. The chapter opens with a reiteration of the Sabbath, reminding the Israelites of the foundational importance of rest and worship. This commandment frames the subsequent instructions, ensuring that even in the midst of sacred work, the people do not neglect their spiritual obligations.
The collective effort in contributing resources and skills to the construction of the Tabernacle exemplifies a model of communal worship and devotion. The voluntary nature of the contributions, driven by willing hearts and moved spirits, highlights the importance of intentional and joyful giving in the service of God. This willingness to give and serve is a testimony to the Israelites’ recognition of God’s sovereignty and their gratitude for His providence.
The skilled craftsmanship and artistic design involved in building the Tabernacle elevate the act of creation and labor to a form of divine worship. Bezalel and Oholiab’s roles as both artisans and teachers reflect the merging of skill and spirituality, suggesting that all work done in the service of God is infused with sacred purpose. The detailed instructions and the community’s collective response underscore the meticulous care and reverence with which God’s dwelling place is to be constructed.
Moreover, this chapter serves as a reminder that building a relationship with God involves both spiritual devotion and practical action. The construction of the Tabernacle is not just a physical task but a communal embodiment of faith, obedience, and dedication. The Israelites’ enthusiastic response to the call for resources and labor illustrates their commitment to creating a space where God’s presence can dwell among them.
In contemporary reflections, Exodus 35 can inspire modern faith communities to see their collective efforts, diverse talents, and voluntary contributions as integral to their spiritual lives. The chapter encourages believers to view their work and skills as forms of worship and to engage in communal projects with a spirit of generosity and collaboration. By doing so, they can create spaces—both physical and metaphorical—where the divine presence is acknowledged and celebrated.
In conclusion, Exodus 35 is a powerful testament to the ideals of community, generosity, and skilled labor in the service of God. It reminds us that sacred work involves the whole community, each person’s unique gifts, and a heart devoted to God. As we reflect on this chapter, we are encouraged to consider how we can contribute our own resources and skills to the collective worship and mission of our faith communities.
