Exodus 35: Willing Hearts for God’s Work

Key Verse: Exodus 35:5"Take from among you a contribution to the Lord. Whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring the Lord’s contribution: gold, silver, and bronze."

The covenant has been renewed. Now, it’s time to build the Tabernacle.

But before anything can be constructed, God calls for something deeper—He calls for willing hearts.

A Call to Rest Before Work

Before God gives instructions for gathering materials, He reminds them of the Sabbath.

"Six days work shall be done, but on the seventh day you shall have a Sabbath of solemn rest, holy to the Lord." (Exodus 35:2)

This is a reminder that God’s work is done in God’s way. Even in the excitement of building His dwelling place, rest is still a command.

Obedience comes before productivity.

The Offering: A Willing Contribution

Then, God invites the people to give:

"Whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring the Lord’s contribution." (Exodus 35:5)

There is no forced giving. No pressure. Only a call for generosity from the heart.

And the people respond.

• They bring gold, silver, and bronze.

• They offer blue, purple, and scarlet yarns.

• They donate fine linen, animal skins, and acacia wood.

• They give oil, spices, and precious stones.

Both men and women come forward. Some bring materials, others use their skills to weave, carve, and craft.

The Tabernacle is not built by one person—it is built by a community offering what they have.

God Equips the Called

God calls Bezalel and Oholiab to lead the work.

"He has filled them with the Spirit of God, with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge, and with all craftsmanship." (Exodus 35:31)

These men were not just naturally talented—they were empowered by God. Their abilities were gifts from Him, to be used for His glory.

Jesus: The Ultimate Tabernacle

• The Tabernacle was where God’s presence dwelled—Jesus is the true dwelling place of God. (John 1:14)

• The people gave willingly—Jesus gave His life freely.

• The Spirit filled Bezalel to build—The Spirit fills us to serve.

A Lesson for Us

• Are we working from a place of rest? The Sabbath comes before the work.

• Are we giving with willing hearts? God loves a cheerful giver.

• Are we using our gifts for His glory? If He calls us, He will equip us.

The Tabernacle was built because a community obeyed, gave, and worked together.

What are we offering to God today?