Exodus 25:2 - Printer Friendly

ESV: "Speak to the people of Israel, that they take for me a contribution. From every man whose heart moves him you shall receive the contribution for me.

NIV: "Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from everyone whose heart prompts them to give.

NASB: Tell the sons of Israel to take a contribution for Me; from everyone whose heart moves him you shall take My contribution.

CSB: "Tell the Israelites to take an offering for me. You are to take my offering from everyone who is willing to give.

NLT: Tell the people of Israel to bring me their sacred offerings. Accept the contributions from all whose hearts are moved to offer them.

KJV: Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering.

NKJV: “Speak to the children of Israel, that they bring Me an offering. From everyone who gives it willingly with his heart you shall take My offering.

The Lord (Exodus 25:1) instructs Moses to call for voluntary contributions from the people of Israel. These will be used to create religious objects used under the Mosaic covenant (Exodus 19:5–6; 2 Chronicles 5:10). Some giving under the Law was required and precisely calculated (Exodus 30:13; Deuteronomy 14:22–29). Yet here the exchange is to be voluntary (2 Corinthians 9:7).

The items sought include precious metals, building resources, fine cloth, and other goods. Israel may have acquired some of these during the months since they were freed (Exodus 19:1). The battle with Amalek may have produced some spoil (Exodus 17:8, 13). Other materials would have been among the gifts given to Israelites by panicking Egyptians (Exodus 11:2–3; 12:33–36). Since the objects would require time to manufacture, these resources were also things the Hebrews could seek out from friendlier neighboring groups.

Exodus 25:1–9 establishes a collection for materials to make sacred objects. The Israelites are to offer precious gems, metals, cloth, building materials, and oils. Much of this probably came from Egyptians who begged their former slaves to leave (Exodus 3:21–22; 11:2–3; 12:33–36). Some may be spoils from the defeat of the Amalekites (Exodus 17:8, 13). The resources will be used to make a sanctuary for worship and sacrifice. This will be a "tabernacle:" a large tent. The design of each component is detailed and must be followed exactly.

Israelites are to contribute precious metals, cloth, oils, and other resources to create a sanctuary for worship and sacrifice. These will be used to form various sacred objects. Among these are the renowned ark of the covenant, a table for consecrated bread, and a lampstand with seven ornate lamps. These will be kept in the most sacred parts of the sanctuary. Upcoming chapters will focus on an elaborate tent which will serve as a portable temple (Exodus 26—28).

The Lord has given the foundations of His covenant to Israel (Exodus 20—23) and they have affirmed it (Exodus 24). Now God gives Moses detailed instructions for a system of worship. This begins with designs for a sacred container—the ark of the covenant—as well as a table and lampstand. These will be kept in the "tabernacle:" an ornate tent used as a portable temple for Israel (Exodus 26—28).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.

Accessed 7/1/2025 5:10:59 AM