Read the Daily Bible Verse – Exodus 35:4 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
The Context of Exodus 35:4 (KJV)
Exodus 35:4 is part of the narrative in the Book of Exodus where Moses instructs the Israelites on how to contribute to the construction of the Tabernacle, a sacred place where God will dwell among His people. The verse reads as follows in the King James Version:
“And Moses spake unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying, This is the thing which the Lord commanded, saying,”
This commandment is part of a larger discourse that follows the Israelites’ encounter with God at Mount Sinai. At this moment in the narrative, the Israelites are in the wilderness, having received the law from Moses after their escape from Egypt. As God desires to dwell among His people, He commands them to build the Tabernacle as a place of worship and meeting. Exodus 35:4, specifically, marks the beginning of Moses’ instructions on how the people should contribute to this divine project.
This passage is located within a larger section (Exodus 35-40) that deals with the instructions for constructing the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priesthood. It is a call to action for the people of Israel to participate in the work God has ordained, and Moses’ words are a direct reference to the divine instructions that had been previously given in Exodus 25-30.
The context is important because it shows that the building of the Tabernacle is not merely a human endeavor but an expression of obedience to God’s will. The Israelites are asked to bring specific materials, as described in earlier chapters, but they are also expected to bring these offerings with a willing heart. Thus, Exodus 35:4 introduces a key moment in the history of Israel’s relationship with God: the Tabernacle represents not only God’s presence with His people but also their active participation in His work.
The Preceding Context: The Instructions for the Tabernacle
Exodus 35:4 follows a prior section in Exodus (chapters 25-30), in which God gives Moses detailed instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle. This sacred structure was to be a portable sanctuary where God would manifest His presence to His people as they journeyed through the wilderness. The materials to be used in the Tabernacle were specifically designated, including gold, silver, and precious stones, as well as fabrics and animal skins.
Before Moses speaks to the congregation in Exodus 35:4, the Israelites had already been given these commands. However, Moses reiterates the instructions in Exodus 35 as a reminder to the people that this project is not just a matter of building a physical structure, but of participating in the work that God has commanded. The call to contribute is an invitation to partake in something far greater: the establishment of God’s dwelling place among them.
The Meaning of Exodus 35:4
In Exodus 35:4, Moses calls upon the congregation of Israel to listen to God’s command regarding the contributions for the Tabernacle. The verse, while brief, carries profound meaning, encapsulating the significance of obedience to God and the act of giving in the service of His work.
A Call to Obedience
The phrase “This is the thing which the Lord commanded” is pivotal in understanding the weight of Moses’ words. Moses is not merely suggesting that the Israelites give to the Tabernacle project; he is reminding them that this is a divine command. It is God’s will that they contribute their resources for the construction of His dwelling place. This shows that giving is not optional but is a part of their covenantal responsibility as God’s chosen people.
This call to obedience reflects the broader biblical theme that God’s commands are meant to be followed by His people. Just as God had previously commanded the Israelites to obey His law (the Ten Commandments) and to uphold His holiness, now they are commanded to give in a way that reflects His provision and sovereignty. By contributing to the building of the Tabernacle, they participate in God’s plan for the redemption of Israel and the world.
A Call to Generosity
While Exodus 35:4 does not directly address the specifics of giving, the context reveals that the Israelites were called to give generously. In the following verses, Moses instructs the people to bring offerings of gold, silver, bronze, fine linen, and other materials for the Tabernacle (Exodus 35:5-9). The generosity of the people becomes clear in Exodus 35:21, where it is said that “every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, they brought the Lord’s offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation.”
Thus, Exodus 35:4 is not merely about giving resources but about the willingness to give in obedience to God’s command. The people’s generosity is a direct reflection of their response to God’s invitation to be part of His work. The construction of the Tabernacle is not just a physical project; it is a spiritual endeavor, and the offerings reflect a heart attitude of gratitude and devotion.
Exodus 35:4 Application in Life
Exodus 35:4 carries important applications for Christians today, particularly in relation to the way we approach obedience to God and generosity in our lives. The principle of responding to God’s command with a willing heart is just as relevant now as it was for the Israelites.
The Importance of Obedience in Giving
Exodus 35:4 reminds us that our giving—whether of time, resources, or talents—is an act of obedience to God. Just as the Israelites were commanded to contribute to the building of the Tabernacle, Christians are called to give to the work of God’s kingdom today. This includes supporting the church, helping those in need, and using our resources to spread the Gospel.
Obedience to God in the area of giving goes beyond fulfilling a duty; it is a response to God’s faithfulness and provision in our lives. When we give in obedience, we acknowledge that everything we have is a gift from God, and we express our trust in His ability to provide for our needs.
The Call to Generosity
Exodus 35:4 teaches us that giving is not meant to be done begrudgingly or out of obligation but with a generous spirit. This generosity is not measured by the size of the gift but by the willingness of the heart. In 2 Corinthians 9:7, Paul emphasizes this principle: “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”
Generosity is an act of worship. When we give generously, we are participating in God’s work and demonstrating our gratitude for the blessings He has given us. The Israelites were called to give from the resources God had provided them, and in the same way, Christians are called to give from what they have been entrusted with.
Participation in God’s Work
Just as the Israelites were invited to participate in the sacred task of building the Tabernacle, Christians today are invited to participate in God’s ongoing work in the world. Whether through serving others, supporting ministry, or sharing the Gospel, our giving is part of the larger mission God has entrusted to His people. Exodus 35:4 is a reminder that we are all called to contribute to God’s kingdom in whatever ways we are able, and that our involvement in His work is an act of obedience and worship.
Comparison with Other Biblical Texts
Exodus 35:4 is connected to several other key passages in Scripture, particularly those that deal with generosity, obedience, and the building of God’s kingdom. Let’s examine a few of them:
The Call to Generosity in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7
As mentioned earlier, Paul’s teaching on generosity in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 parallels the principle found in Exodus 35:4. Paul writes:
“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”
Just as the Israelites were called to give generously and willingly, Christians are encouraged to give not out of compulsion, but from a heart that is joyful in giving. In both instances, generosity is an expression of gratitude and trust in God.
The Tabernacle as a Dwelling Place of God: Revelation 21:3
The Tabernacle was not merely a physical structure; it symbolized God’s desire to dwell among His people. In Revelation 21:3, this concept is brought to fulfillment in the New Jerusalem:
“And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.”
The New Jerusalem will be a permanent dwelling place for God, where His presence is fully realized. In the same way, the Tabernacle in Exodus was a temporary but meaningful place for God to dwell among His people during their wilderness journey. Exodus 35:4 points to a larger, eternal reality: God’s desire to be with His people and for His people to participate in His redemptive work.
The Spirit’s Empowerment for Service: Exodus 35:30-35
In Exodus 35:30-35, we see that the Israelites were not only called to give resources but were also filled with the Spirit to accomplish the work of building the Tabernacle. This passage highlights the importance of God’s empowerment for service. The same principle applies to Christians today, as the Holy Spirit equips us for every good work.
Modern-Day Relevance
Exodus 35:4 remains highly relevant today in several ways:
Generosity in the Church: The call for the Israelites to contribute to the building of the Tabernacle parallels the call for Christians to support the church today, through tithes, offerings, and service.
Obedience to God’s Command: Just as the Israelites were called to obey God’s commands in building the Tabernacle, Christians are called to obey God’s commands in all areas of life, including in their giving and participation in His mission.
Building God’s Kingdom: Exodus 35:4 is a reminder that we are part of something larger than ourselves—the building of God’s kingdom. Our acts of generosity contribute to the advancement of God’s work on earth.
Conclusion
Exodus 35:4 teaches valuable lessons about obedience, generosity, and participation in God’s work. It reminds us that our resources, time, and talents are not ours to keep but are to be used in service to God and His kingdom. As we give and serve, we are fulfilling our covenantal responsibility to participate in the redemptive work God is doing in the world. Whether in the construction of the Tabernacle or in the work of the church today, we are called to give generously and willingly, just as the Israelites did, knowing that our contributions have eternal significance.
Exodus 35:4 Commentary
Exodus 35:4 is a powerful call to action for God’s people to participate in His work. Moses’ words serve as a reminder that the building of the Tabernacle was not just a construction project—it was a sacred task that required obedience and generosity. The Israelites were invited to contribute not just their resources but also their hearts, which were stirred by the Spirit of God.
The act of giving in Exodus 35:4 was not about obligation but about participation in a divine work. Similarly, Christians today are called to contribute to God’s kingdom with hearts of generosity and obedience.
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