Exodus 35: Group Study Handout

Overview

Moses assembled all the congregation of the children of Israel and commanded them to keep the Sabbath, a day of rest for Yahweh (vv. 1-3). He instructed them to bring offerings to Yahweh for the construction of the tabernacle. Those with willing hearts were to contribute items such as gold, silver, blue, purple, scarlet, fine linen, and other materials (vv. 4-19). The congregation responded generously, bringing their offerings and contributions to the work of the Tent of Meeting. Both men and women brought items as their hearts stirred them to give (vv. 20-29). Moses also announced that Bezalel and Oholiab had been appointed for the skilled work required for crafting the tabernacle and its furnishings. They were filled with wisdom and skill in workmanship (vv. 30-35).

Key verse

“‘Let every wise-hearted man among you come, and make all that Yahweh has commanded: the tabernacle, its outer covering, its roof, its clasps, its boards, its bars, its pillars, and its sockets; the ark, and its poles, the mercy seat, the veil of the screen; the table with its poles and all its vessels, and the show bread; the lamp stand also for the light, with its vessels, its lamps, and the oil for the light; and the altar of incense with its poles, the anointing oil, the sweet incense, the screen for the door, at the door of the tabernacle; the altar of burnt offering, with its grating of brass, it poles, and all its vessels, the basin and its base; the hangings of the court, its pillars, their sockets, and the screen for the gate of the court; the pins of the tabernacle, the pins 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, to minister in the priest’s office.’”

Exodus 35:10-19 (WEB)

Outline

1. Exodus 35:1–3 Moses Commands Sabbath Observance
2. Exodus 35:4–19 Call for Contributions to the Tabernacle
3. Exodus 35:20–29 Congregation Responds with Willing Hearts
4. Exodus 35:30–35 Bezalel and Oholiab Are Appointed

Discussion questions

1. In v5, what materials does Moses ask the people to bring as offerings?
2. What specific tasks does Bezalel undertake in vv. 31-33 regarding craftsmanship?
3. Moses' command in v2 about the Sabbath: why is the penalty for work on that day so severe?
4. The phrase 'wise-hearted man' in v10: what qualities might this suggest about those called to build the Tabernacle?
5. When have you felt a 'willing heart' (v5) to contribute to a community project?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Exodus 35: Exodus 31, Exodus 25, 2 Corinthians 8.

Before next time: read Exodus 36.