Set to dark modeSet to dark modeExodus 35 Commentary
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The preparation for the construction of the tabernacle began with a reminder that, while building the tabernacle, the Sabbath rest must be observed. There would be dire, if not fatal, consequences for anyone violating this very important law.
Moses called upon the Israelites to voluntarily contribute the raw materials for the construction of the tabernacle and its furnishings. This included precious metals, high-quality material, oil, spices, and other items used for worship in the tabernacle. These verses repeat what was stated in Exodus 25:1 – 7.
The LORD calls for craftsmen, artisans, and other skilled workers to come forward for the building of the tabernacle. They were needed to build the tabernacle itself as well as the furniture, utensils, and other items that were going to be used in the worship of the LORD.
After Moses’ call for the people to give materials for building the tabernacle and for skilled craftsmen to build it, the people departed from his presence. The men and women who were moved to contribute brought their donations to Moses.
The LORD appointed Bezalel and Oholiab to work as master craftsmen on the tabernacle. He filled them with skill in order to accomplish this task.
The covenant, broken by Israel in Chapter 32, has now been renewed in Chapter 34, where the LORD promised that He would be present in their midst. This promise will now be fulfilled through the building of the tabernacle, where the LORD will reside in their midst.
Exodus Chapters 35 – 40 record the construction of the tabernacle, the furniture, and the other items. Chapters 25 – 31 contain the blueprints for these items, and here they are built. Finally, in Exodus 40 the LORD's glory descended in the cloud in order to reside amongst His people.
Chapter 35 contains the description of the preparation for the building of the tabernacle. It can be outlined as follows:
Keeping the Sabbath Stressed Again (35:1 – 3)
Gathering of Materials Described (35:4 – 29)
The Call to Gather the Raw Materials (35:4 – 9)
The Call to Gather the Workers (35:10 – 19)
The Response of the People (35:20 – 29)
The Appointment of Bezalel and Oholiab (35:30 – 35)
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