Exodus 35:22

So all who had willing hearts, both men and women, came and brought brooches and earrings, rings and necklaces, and all kinds of gold jewelry. And they all presented their gold as a wave offering to the LORD.

Study Bible

So all the men and women who were willing
This phrase highlights the voluntary nature of the offering. The Hebrew word for "willing" is "nadiv," which conveys a sense of generosity and noble-heartedness. In the context of the Israelites, this willingness reflects a heart transformed by gratitude and devotion to God. Historically, this voluntary giving contrasts with the compulsory nature of many ancient Near Eastern religious practices, emphasizing a personal relationship with God rather than mere ritual compliance.

brought gold jewelry
The act of bringing gold jewelry signifies the offering of personal treasures. Gold, in ancient times, was a symbol of wealth and status. The Israelites' willingness to part with such valuable items underscores their commitment to the construction of the Tabernacle, a dwelling place for God's presence. This act of giving is a profound expression of faith and trust in God's provision, as they offer what is precious to them for a higher purpose.

all the brooches, earrings, rings, and necklaces
These specific items of jewelry represent personal adornments, often associated with identity and beauty. In the ancient world, such items were not only decorative but also held cultural and familial significance. By offering these, the Israelites were symbolically laying down their personal identities and cultural markers before God, prioritizing their covenant relationship with Him above all else.

They presented their gold as a wave offering
The "wave offering" is a term that denotes a specific type of offering in the Hebrew sacrificial system. The Hebrew word "tenufah" implies a motion of lifting or waving, symbolizing the presentation of the offering to God. This act of waving signifies the acknowledgment that all possessions ultimately belong to God and are given back to Him in worship. It is a physical manifestation of spiritual surrender and dedication.

to the LORD
The phrase "to the LORD" centers the entire act of giving on God Himself. The Hebrew name used here is "Yahweh," the covenant name of God, which emphasizes His eternal, self-existent nature and His personal relationship with His people. This offering is not just a religious duty but an act of worship directed towards Yahweh, acknowledging His sovereignty and grace. The historical context of the Exodus narrative, where God delivered the Israelites from slavery, adds depth to this act of worship, as it is a response to His mighty acts and steadfast love.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who conveyed God's instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle.

2. Israelites
The people of God who were called to contribute to the building of the Tabernacle.

3. Tabernacle
The portable sanctuary that the Israelites built as a place of worship and dwelling for God's presence.

4. Willing Givers
Men and women who voluntarily offered their possessions for the construction of the Tabernacle.

5. Gold Jewelry
Items such as brooches, earrings, rings, and necklaces that were offered as contributions.

Teaching Points

Willingness in Giving
The Israelites' willingness to give their valuable possessions teaches us the importance of a willing heart in our offerings to God.

Sacrificial Giving
The act of giving gold jewelry, which was precious, reminds us that true giving often involves sacrifice.

Community Participation
The collective effort of the Israelites highlights the power of community in achieving God's purposes.

Heart Over Quantity
The emphasis is on the willingness of the heart rather than the quantity or value of the gift.

Obedience to God's Call
The Israelites' response to God's call through Moses demonstrates obedience and trust in God's plan.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the willingness of the Israelites to give their gold jewelry teach us about the nature of true giving?

2. How can we apply the principle of sacrificial giving in our own lives today?

3. In what ways does the community aspect of giving in Exodus 35:22 inspire us to participate in our local church or community projects?

4. How does the concept of giving from the heart, as seen in this passage, relate to Jesus' teaching on giving in the New Testament?

5. Reflect on a time when you felt called to give or serve. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Corinthians 9:7
This verse emphasizes the importance of giving willingly and cheerfully, which aligns with the spirit of the Israelites' contributions.

1 Chronicles 29:9
The joy of the people in giving willingly for the construction of the Temple under King David mirrors the willingness of the Israelites in Exodus.

Mark 12:41-44
The account of the widow's offering highlights the value of giving from the heart, regardless of the amount, similar to the willing offerings in Exodus.

Romans 12:1
The call to present our bodies as living sacrifices connects to the idea of offering our best to God, as the Israelites did with their gold.

Hebrews 13:16
Encourages believers to do good and share with others, reflecting the communal spirit of giving seen in Exodus 35.