Chapter 35

1 The sabbath. 4 The free gifts for the tabernacle. 20 The readiness of the people to offer. 30 Bezaleel and Aholiab are called to the work.

1. All the congregation. The Israelites were now ready to begin the construction and setting up of the tabernacle that had been planned (chs. 25–31) but delayed because of their apostasy (ch. 32; PP 343) and the need of renewing the covenant (chs. 33, 34). Since this was a project in which all the people were vitally interested and involved by reason of their offerings (ch. 25:2–7) and their labor (see chs. 28:3; 35:10, 25; 36:4; 39:42), Moses “gathered” them “together” for preliminary instructions.

2. Six days. The Hebrews were to be engaged in a holy enterprise and might think this an excuse for working on the Sabbath. But they were not to permit the sacred nature of their work to deceive them into a neglect of the holy observance of that day or to tread thoughtlessly on its sacred time. Herein is a pointed lesson for ministers and others who do God’s work on God’s day. The construction of the tabernacle, with the different skills and materials required for it was a secular matter, and therefore not a fit occupation for God’s holy day.

3. Kindle no fire. In early times the kindling of a fire required considerable labor. The comparatively warm climate of the Sinai region made artificial heating unnecessary, and a fire would have been kindled only for cooking purposes. Not being essential to health in such a climate, warm food was not to be prepared on Sabbath (see on ch. 16:23). This command is still strictly obeyed, even in cold climates, by the Karaite Jews, who permit neither fire nor light in their homes on the Sabbath day. However, many Jews view this charge as being only temporary in nature, and have both lights and fires, even in Palestine. But strictly orthodox Jews today cook no food on the Sabbath.

18. Pins. These were pegs driven into the ground to hold the ropes that supported the tent covering the tabernacle and the posts in the wall of the court.

25. Did spin. Spinning was a common art among the women of that day, from highest to lowest. There was work for all in the making of the tabernacle and its furnishings. God considers all work done for Him as of great value and importance, whether that of the “rulers” who “brought onyx stones” and precious “stones” and the costly “spice” (vs. 27, 28), or that of the humble women who “spun goats’ hair” (v. 26).

For further information concerning directions for the erection for the tabernacle, see on chs. 25 to 31.

29. A willing offering. The spirit of willingness manifested by the people of Israel must have been most pleasing in the sight of God, for “God loveth a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:7). It is not so much the amount given that counts with Him (Luke 21:3), but the spirit in which it is given (v. 4). Willingness and fidelity are what make our service acceptable to Him (COL 402), and He rewards us according to the generosity of His purpose (COL 397).

Ellen G. White comments

5    WM 2914

20-22SR 151

21   Ed 286; PK 61; WM 291

21, 22  PP 344

21-256T 468

22   5T 268

23-28PP 344

30, 31  PP 343

30-35PK 62