Exodus 35:5

Take from among you an offering to the LORD. Let everyone whose heart is willing bring an offering to the LORD: gold, silver, and bronze;

Study Bible

Take from among you
This phrase initiates a call to action directed at the Israelites. The Hebrew root for "take" is "laqach," which implies not just a physical taking but an intentional selection or choosing. This suggests a deliberate act of setting aside something of value. Historically, this reflects the communal nature of the Israelites' journey, where collective participation was essential for the construction of the Tabernacle. It underscores the importance of community involvement in worship and service to God.

an offering
The Hebrew word for "offering" is "terumah," which refers to a contribution or a gift that is set apart for a sacred purpose. This is not merely a donation but a consecrated gift, indicating that what is given is holy and dedicated to God. The concept of offering in the ancient Near Eastern context was deeply tied to worship and covenant relationship, emphasizing the Israelites' commitment to God and His dwelling place among them.

for the LORD
This phrase centers the purpose of the offering. The Hebrew name used here is "Yahweh," the covenant name of God, which signifies His eternal presence and faithfulness. The offering is not for human leaders or for personal gain but is directed to the LORD, highlighting the theocentric nature of Israelite worship. It reminds believers today of the importance of directing our gifts and service to God alone, acknowledging His sovereignty and grace.

Everyone whose heart is willing
The Hebrew word for "willing" is "nadiv," which conveys a sense of generosity and voluntary action. This phrase emphasizes that the offering should come from a place of genuine desire and not compulsion. It reflects the biblical principle that God values the heart's intention over the mere act of giving. In the historical context, this voluntary spirit was crucial for the construction of the Tabernacle, as it was a communal project that required heartfelt participation.

is to bring it
The act of bringing the offering is a physical demonstration of obedience and commitment. The Hebrew verb "bo" means to come or to bring, indicating movement towards a goal or purpose. This action signifies the transition from intention to execution, embodying faith through works. It serves as a reminder that faith in God is not passive but active, requiring believers to step forward and contribute to His work.

as an offering to the LORD
Reiterating the purpose of the offering, this phrase reinforces the sacredness of the act. The repetition of "offering" and "to the LORD" underscores the dedication and sanctity of the gifts being presented. It serves as a reminder that all we offer should be for God's glory and His divine purposes, aligning our actions with His will and reflecting His holiness in our lives.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who conveys God's instructions to the people regarding the construction of the Tabernacle.

2. The Israelites
The community of God's chosen people, who are called to contribute willingly to the construction of the Tabernacle.

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

4. The Wilderness
The setting where the Israelites are journeying after their exodus from Egypt, highlighting their dependence on God.

5. The Offering
A voluntary contribution from the Israelites, consisting of precious materials, to be used in the construction of the Tabernacle.

Teaching Points

Willingness of Heart
God values the heart behind the offering more than the material itself. Our giving should be motivated by love and devotion, not obligation.

Community Participation
The construction of the Tabernacle required the collective effort of the community. Similarly, the church today thrives when each member contributes their gifts and resources.

Diverse Contributions
The variety of materials requested (gold, silver, bronze) signifies that all contributions, regardless of size or type, are valuable in God's work.

Stewardship
We are called to be good stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us, using them to further His kingdom and purposes.

Reflecting God's Generosity
Our willingness to give reflects God's own generosity towards us, and it is an act of worship and gratitude.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does it mean to have a "willing heart" when giving to God, and how can we cultivate this attitude in our daily lives?

2. How can the principle of community participation in Exodus 35:5 be applied to the modern church setting?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our contributions to God's work are diverse and reflective of the resources He has given us?

4. How does the concept of stewardship in Exodus 35:5 challenge us to evaluate our use of time, talents, and treasures?

5. How can we use our giving as a means to reflect God's generosity and love to those around us, both within and outside the church community?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Corinthians 9:7
This verse emphasizes the importance of giving willingly and cheerfully, echoing the call for a willing heart in Exodus 35:5.

1 Chronicles 29:9
The joy of the people in giving willingly for the construction of the Temple under King David parallels the willing offerings for the Tabernacle.

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 call for willing offerings in Exodus.

Hebrews 13:16
Encourages believers to do good and share with others, which aligns with the spirit of community and generosity in Exodus 35:5.

Romans 12:1
Calls believers to present themselves as living sacrifices, which can be seen as an extension of the principle of offering oneself willingly to God.