34 And he hath put H5414 in his heart H3820 that he may teach, H3384 both he, and Aholiab, H171 the son H1121 of Ahisamach, H294 of the tribe H4294 of Dan. H1835
Doth the plowman H2790 plow H2790 all day H3117 to sow? H2232 doth he open H6605 and break the clods H7702 of his ground? H127 When he hath made plain H7737 the face H6440 thereof, doth he not cast abroad H6327 the fitches, H7100 and scatter H2236 the cummin, H3646 and cast H7760 in the principal H7795 wheat H2406 and the appointed H5567 barley H8184 and the rie H3698 in their place? H1367 For his God H430 doth instruct H3256 him to discretion, H4941 and doth teach H3384 him. For the fitches H7100 are not threshed H1758 with a threshing instrument, H2742 neither is a cart H5699 wheel H212 turned about H5437 upon the cummin; H3646 but the fitches H7100 are beaten out H2251 with a staff, H4294 and the cummin H3646 with a rod. H7626 Bread H3899 corn is bruised; H1854 because he will not ever H5331 be threshing H156 H1758 it, nor break H2000 it with the wheel H1536 of his cart, H5699 nor bruise H1854 it with his horsemen. H6571 This also cometh forth H3318 from the LORD H3068 of hosts, H6635 which is wonderful H6381 in counsel, H6098 and excellent H1431 in working. H8454
That G3754 in G1722 every thing G3956 ye are enriched G4148 by G1722 him, G846 in G1722 all G3956 utterance, G3056 and G2532 in all G3956 knowledge; G1108 Even as G2531 the testimony G3142 of Christ G5547 was confirmed G950 in G1722 you: G5213 So that G5620 ye G5209 come behind G5302 in G1722 no G3361 G3367 gift; G5486 waiting for G553 the coming G602 of our G2257 Lord G2962 Jesus G2424 Christ: G5547
Do G4105 not G3361 err, G4105 my G3450 beloved G27 brethren. G80 Every G3956 good G18 gift G1394 and G2532 every G3956 perfect G5046 gift G1434 is G2076 from above, G509 and cometh down G2597 from G575 the Father G3962 of lights, G5457 with G3844 whom G3739 is G1762 no G3756 variableness, G3883 neither G2228 shadow G644 of turning. G5157
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Exodus 35
Commentary on Exodus 35 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
CHAPTER 35
Ex 35:1-35. Contributions to the Tabernacle.
1. Moses gathered all the congregation of the children of Israel, &c.—On the occasion referred to in the opening of this chapter, the Israelites were specially reminded of the design to erect a magnificent tabernacle for the regular worship of God, as well as of the leading articles that were required to furnish that sacred edifice [Ex 35:11-19]. (See on Ex 25:1-40; Ex 27:1-21; Ex 30:1-31:18).
20, 21. all the congregation of Israel departed from the presence of Moses—No exciting harangues were made, nor had the people Bibles at home in which they could compare the requirements of their leader and see if these things were so. But they had no doubt as to his bearing to them the will of God, and they were impressed with so strong a sense of its being their duty, that they made a spontaneous offer of the best and most valuable treasures they possessed.
21. they came, every one whose heart stirred him up—One powerful element doubtless of this extraordinary open-hearted liberality was the remembrance of their recent transgression, which made them "zealous of good works" (compare 2Co 7:11). But along with this motive, there were others of a higher and nobler kind—a principle of love to God and devotedness to His service, an anxious desire to secure the benefit of His presence, and gratitude for the tokens of His divine favor: it was under the combined influence of these considerations that the people were so willing and ready to pour their contributions into that exchequer of the sanctuary.
every one whom his spirit made willing—Human nature is always the same, and it is implied that while an extraordinary spirit of pious liberality reigned in the bosoms of the people at large, there were exceptions—some who were too fond of the world, who loved their possessions more than their God, and who could not part with these; no, not for the service of the tabernacle.
22. they came, both men and women, &c.—literally, "the men over and above the women"; a phraseology which implies that the women acted a prominent part, presented their offerings first, and then were followed by as many of their male companions as were similarly disposed.
brought bracelets, &c.—There was in that early age no money in the form of coins or bullion. What money passed current with the merchant consisted of rings which were weighed, and principally of ornaments for personal decoration. Astonishment at the abundance of their ornaments is at an end when we learn that costly and elegant ornaments abounded in proportion as clothing was simple and scarce among the Egyptians, and some, entirely divested of clothing, yet wore rich necklaces [Hengstenberg]. Among people with Oriental sentiments and tastes, scarcely any stronger proof could have been given of the power of religion than their willingness not only to lay aside, but to devote those much-valued trinkets to the house of God; and thus all, like the Eastern sages, laid the best they had at the service of God.
30. See, the Lord hath called by name Bezaleel, the son of Uri, &c.—Moses had made this communication before [see Ex 31:2-5; also see on Ex 31:2]. But now that the collection had been made, the materials were contributed, and the operations of building about to be commenced, it was with the greatest propriety he reminded the people that the individuals entrusted with the application of their gold and silver had been nominated to the work by authority to which all would bow.
35. Them hath he filled with wisdom of heart—A statement which not only testifies that skill in art and science is a direct gift from God, but that weaving was especially the business of men in Egypt (see Ex 38:22; 39:22, 27). And in perfect harmony with the testimony of the monuments is the account given by Moses to the artists who were divinely taught the arts necessary for the embellishment of the tabernacle. Others, whose limited means did not admit of these expensive contributions, offered their gratuitous services in fabricating such articles of tapestry as were needed; arts which the Israelitish females learned as bondwomen, in the houses of Egyptian princes.