Exodus 35 - Printer Friendly

What does Exodus 35 mean?

Chapter Commentary:

The Lord has renewed the covenant with Israel (Exodus 34) after it was broken by their idolatry (Exodus 32). Now Moses begins the process of assembling the tabernacle (Exodus 25:8–9). This is to be done exactly according to the instructions which God had already given (Exodus 25—31). The ending chapters of Exodus heavily emphasize obedience by describing Israel's actions as nearly word-for-word duplicates of God's prior instructions.

Before beginning the tabernacle project, Moses reminds the people of the Sabbath law (Exodus 20:8–11). His description is brief, but it assumes all the requirements which have been given (Exodus 16:23–30; 31:13–17). The declaration sets the tone for Israel's upcoming work. It reminds them of the importance of following God's directions with precision. It also reminds the people that even while constructing the tabernacle, they are still to observe this statue (Exodus 35:1–3).

Moses repeats God's announcement that Israelites should donate materials for the tabernacle (Exodus 25:1–7). The project will require fine cloth, animal skins, wood, and precious metals. The people will also need to supply gemstones for the high priest's uniform and ingredients for sacred incense. The Lord also calls on Israelites to contribute their skills. A long list of items must be completed (Exodus 35:4–19).

Israel responds with enthusiasm. Scripture emphasizes that all the donations are voluntary. Each person gives as they feel led. The contributions include all the various types of materials needed. People donate in the form of jewelry, processed animal skins, oils, and spices. Some weave the fine fabrics needed for the courtyard and tabernacle building. Leaders bring the needed gemstones (Exodus 35:20–29).

The Lord has already designated two men to lead this effort (Exodus 31:1–11). These men are Bezalel and Oholiab. Bezalel appears to be the man in charge, with Oholiab as his primary assistant. The two men will train and supervise the Israelites who make the tabernacle components (Exodus 35:30—36:1).

The next several chapters take God's instructions and repeat them as the steps taken by Israel. In this way, the tabernacle is made exactly according to His design.

Exodus 35:1–3 repeats God's command that Israel observe a Sabbath day at the end of each week (Exodus 20:8–11). Moses delivers this reminder before explaining (Exodus 35—39) what He heard from God on Mount Sinai (Exodus 25—31).

Exodus 35:4–9 calls on Israel to donate materials for the tabernacle (Exodus 25:8–9). This repeats the list provided by God in Exodus 25:1–7.

Exodus 35:10–19 summons competent workers to make the tabernacle's components. These artisans will work under the supervision of Bezalel and Oholiab (Exodus 31:1–6; 35:30, 34). Moses repeats these instructions to Israel after receiving them from God on Mount Sinai (Exodus 25—31).

Exodus 35:20–29 records Israel's response to a call for donations (Exodus 35:4–9). God has asked the people to contribute, voluntarily, to construction of the tabernacle (Exodus 25:8–9). They bring so much material that Moses asks them to stop donating (Exodus 36:4–5).

Exodus 35:30—36:1 assigns two men to supervise construction of the tabernacle. Their names are Bezalel and Oholiab. God designated them to Moses, and Moses repeats that command to the people. This information is the same as given in Exodus 31:1–11.

Chapter Summary:

The tabernacle-building project begins with a reminder about Sabbath-keeping. The subtext is that even temple-building work is still "work," and cannot be done on the Sabbath. Using nearly the exact same words from prior passages, Scripture records the people donating materials. Moses assigns Bezalel and Oholiab as project managers, training and overseeing as Israelites create sacred objects.

Chapter Context:

The Lord gave Moses extensive designs for the tabernacle (Exodus 25—31). He has just renewed the covenant (Exodus 34) broken by Israelite sin (Exodus 32). Now, Moses begins repeating these instructions to the people. The next several chapters will record Israel following God's directions closely, completing the sanctuary.

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.

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