and onyx stones and gemstones to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Exodus 35:9? 2. How can we offer our "onyx stones" to God's work today? 3. What does "setting for the ephod" teach about preparing for worship? 4. How does Exodus 35:9 connect to New Testament teachings on giving? 5. Why is it important to contribute willingly to God's work? 6. How can we apply the principle of skilled craftsmanship in our church service? 7. What is the significance of onyx stones in Exodus 35:9 for the Israelites' worship practices? 8. How does Exodus 35:9 reflect the importance of offerings in ancient Israelite religion? 9. Why were specific materials like onyx and gemstones chosen for the tabernacle in Exodus 35:9? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 35? 11. What does 'ephod' mean? 12. Exodus 39:8-21: How did they manage the sophisticated techniques required to craft and engrave the breastpiece with gemstone settings in a wilderness setting? 13. Exodus 28:2-5: Where did nomadic Israelites supposedly in the desert acquire the costly fabrics, precious stones, and gold for such elaborate garments? 14. Exodus 28:15-21: Could the precise identification and sourcing of twelve specific gemstones align historically with the Israelites' environment and trading networks? Discussion Questions 1. What does the inclusion of precious stones in the construction of the Tabernacle teach us about the nature of our offerings to God?2. How can we apply the principle of giving our best to God in our daily lives? 3. In what ways do the onyx stones and gemstones symbolize the unity and diversity within the body of Christ? 4. How does the concept of God dwelling among His people in the Tabernacle relate to the New Testament teaching of the Holy Spirit dwelling within believers? 5. Reflect on a time when you contributed to God's work. How did it impact your faith and understanding of community?1. How does the community's response to God's call for contributions reflect their faith and commitment? 2. How does the concept of Sabbath presented in this passage relate to our modern understanding of work-life balance? 3. In what ways can our personal talents be used for a higher purpose or service, as depicted by the craftsmen in the passage? 4. What role does the Tabernacle play in the spiritual life of the Israelites? 5. How do the detailed instructions for the Tabernacle's construction reflect God's interest in order and beauty? 6. What does the freewill offering teach us about voluntary service and generosity? 7. How does the Spirit of God empower Bezalel and Oholiab in their craftsmanship? 8. In a modern context, how can we make our workplaces or homes resemble a Tabernacle, i.e., places where God's presence is felt? 9. What kind of attitude should we have when contributing to a religious or spiritual cause, based on this passage? 10. How do the offerings given by the people demonstrate the value of sacrifice in faith? 11. How do you interpret the phrase "everyone whose heart stirred him" in the context of our personal callings? 12. What lessons can we learn from the participation of both men and women in this sacred project? 13. How does the communal effort in building the Tabernacle illustrate the concept of unity in faith? 14. What do the assigned roles and responsibilities in constructing the Tabernacle tell us about the importance of everyone's contribution in a community? 15. How do you think Bezalel and Oholiab felt about their roles, and how would you feel if you were in their shoes? 16. What modern-day situations require the same level of detailed planning and community involvement as the construction of the Tabernacle? 17. How does the passage relate to the saying "Many hands make light work"? 18. In your life, when have you seen an example of everyone’s unique skills and contributions coming together for a greater purpose, similar to the construction of the Tabernacle? 19. How can we ensure that our gifts and contributions are not used for self-glory but for glorifying God, as exemplified in the passage? 20. How can we apply the principles of obedience, generosity, and community involvement in this passage to solve problems in our present-day societies? Links Exodus 35:9 NIVExodus 35:9 NLT Exodus 35:9 ESV Exodus 35:9 NASB Exodus 35:9 KJV Exodus 35:9 Commentaries Bible Hub |



