Read the Daily Bible Verse – Exodus 35:28 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Exodus 35:28 is a relatively short verse, but it carries important theological and practical lessons for Christians today. It offers insights into the concept of offering resources for the work of God, the dedication of valuable items for sacred purposes, and the cooperative nature of the people of Israel in the building of the Tabernacle. In this article, we will explore the meaning of Exodus 35:28, its application in daily life, its significance in the broader context of Scripture, and its modern-day relevance.
The context of this verse, the role of the people in providing for God’s sanctuary, and the broader theological implications will be explored in depth. By doing so, we can glean valuable lessons for the church and individuals seeking to honor God in their service and offerings.
The Context of Exodus 35:28 KJV
Exodus 35 falls within the larger narrative of the Israelites’ journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, with a particular focus on the construction of the Tabernacle. After the Israelites’ dramatic deliverance from slavery in Egypt, God called His people to build a Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary, where His presence would dwell among them. This divine instruction is detailed in Exodus 25–31, where God provides specific instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priestly garments.
In Exodus 35, Moses gathers the people of Israel to bring offerings for the Tabernacle and to participate in its construction. The offerings are to be voluntary, and the people are encouraged to give according to their hearts, as they are moved by God’s Spirit. This chapter shows the Israelites’ response to Moses’ call: they bring a variety of materials, including gold, silver, bronze, and precious stones, to fund and participate in the work of constructing the sanctuary.
Exodus 35:28 specifically refers to the contribution of the spices and oil necessary for the anointing oil and the incense that would be used in the Tabernacle’s worship. The verse reads:
“And the spice and oil for the light, and for the anointing oil, and for the sweet incense.”
Significance of Exodus 35:28
This verse highlights two key offerings: spices for incense and oil for the light and anointing. Both of these were important in the worship practices associated with the Tabernacle. The oil was used to anoint the Tabernacle, its furniture, and the priests, consecrating them for holy service. The spices and incense were used for the sacred rituals of worship, specifically the offerings made before the Lord in the Holy Place. Both of these items held great symbolic significance in Israel’s worship and were directly tied to the presence of God among His people.
The Meaning of Exodus 35:28
Exodus 35:28 reveals several important themes about worship, offerings, and God’s presence.
Offering for Sacred Purposes
The people of Israel, as instructed by God, were not just bringing any gifts, but offerings specifically designated for sacred purposes. The spices and oil in Exodus 35:28 were not for common use; they were set apart for the worship of God. This concept of “set-apartness” is central to the idea of holiness in the Bible. The items used in the Tabernacle were consecrated and sanctified for God’s service, and the offerings made by the Israelites were a way to participate in the holiness of God’s presence.
Voluntary Contribution and Worship
Exodus 35:28 also highlights the voluntary nature of these offerings. The people were not being forced or taxed to give, but were moved by the Spirit of God to bring their gifts. This voluntary act of giving was a form of worship, demonstrating that their hearts were aligned with God’s will. It was an acknowledgment that all they had came from God and that they were willing to give it back to Him for His purposes.
The Anointing Oil and Incense
The oil mentioned in Exodus 35:28 was not only used for the lighting of lamps but also for anointing the Tabernacle and its furnishings, signifying their sanctification. The incense, made from spices, was burned in the Tabernacle as a pleasing aroma to God. Both the oil and incense represented the holiness of God’s presence, and they pointed to the need for purity and sanctification in the lives of those who would enter into His presence. These offerings symbolize the way in which believers today are also called to offer their lives in purity, consecrated for God’s use.
Exodus 35:28 Application in Life
Exodus 35:28 has several practical applications for Christians today, especially in the areas of worship, service, and stewardship.
Giving with a Willing Heart
Just as the Israelites gave voluntarily for the construction of the Tabernacle, Christians today are called to give willingly and cheerfully to God’s work. The offerings of spices and oil in Exodus 35:28 were not coerced or demanded; they were freely given. This principle is reinforced in the New Testament, where Paul encourages the Corinthians to give generously and without reluctance (2 Corinthians 9:7).
For Christians, this means that our offerings—whether financial, time, or talents—should come from a willing heart. It is not the amount that matters, but the heart behind the offering. Like the Israelites, we should be motivated by love for God and a desire to see His work advance.
Worship as a Whole-Life Offering
The spices and oil in Exodus 35:28 symbolize the sanctification of the whole life. Just as these items were set apart for the service of God, so too are believers called to set apart their lives for God’s purposes. In the New Testament, Paul writes in Romans 12:1 that believers should offer their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is our spiritual act of worship.
In practical terms, this means that our daily lives, our work, our relationships, and our resources should be offered to God as acts of worship. Everything we have and do can be consecrated for His service, just as the oil and incense were used for sacred purposes in the Tabernacle.
Serving God through Practical Contributions
Exodus 35:28 also teaches us that serving God involves practical contributions. The oil and incense were necessary for the Tabernacle’s functioning and for the rituals of worship. Christians today are called to contribute to the work of God’s kingdom in practical ways—whether through financial giving, volunteering, or using our talents for ministry. No contribution is too small or insignificant in the eyes of God. Just as the spices and oil were essential for the Tabernacle, our contributions are vital for the work of the Church.
Comparison with Other Biblical Texts
Exodus 35:28 can be compared with several other biblical passages that highlight the importance of offerings and sacrifices in worship.
1 Chronicles 29:9-14
In 1 Chronicles 29, King David and the people of Israel offer their resources for the building of the temple. This passage mirrors Exodus 35 in that it speaks of a voluntary and willing offering to God’s work. David acknowledges that everything belongs to God, and the people respond with joyful generosity. Both passages underscore the idea that giving to God’s work is an act of worship and thanksgiving.
2 Corinthians 9:6-7
In the New Testament, Paul writes to the Corinthians about giving to the ministry, emphasizing that it should be done cheerfully and generously, not reluctantly or under compulsion. The attitude behind the gift is more important than the gift itself. This reflects the same spirit of voluntary giving seen in Exodus 35:28.
Malachi 1:11
In Malachi 1:11, God declares that His name will be great among the nations, and that incense will be offered to Him in a pure offering. This prophecy echoes the significance of incense in Exodus 35:28, where the incense used in the Tabernacle symbolizes the purity and sanctity of worship that should characterize the relationship between God and His people.
Modern-Day Relevance
Exodus 35:28 is deeply relevant to Christians today, especially in how we view worship, giving, and service. The lessons from this verse can impact our approach to the work of God’s kingdom and our participation in it.
Stewardship and Generosity
One key application of this passage is the call to steward our resources well and to give generously. Just as the Israelites gave their offerings for the Tabernacle, Christians today are called to support the work of the Church and God’s mission through our time, talents, and treasures. This can include giving to ministries, supporting missionaries, or volunteering in church activities. The key is that we give out of a heart of worship, recognizing that everything we have belongs to God.
Worship as Whole-Life Dedication
Exodus 35:28 also speaks to the importance of seeing worship as more than just an activity on Sunday mornings. Worship is a lifestyle, and every aspect of our lives should be dedicated to God. The offerings of oil and incense were part of the holy work of worshiping God, and this principle extends to us today: our actions, relationships, and decisions should all be expressions of worship.
The Call to Serve God with All of Ourselves
Finally, Exodus 35:28 encourages us to see that serving God is not just about the big tasks or the obvious ministries. It is also about the seemingly small, behind-the-scenes contributions that make the work of God’s kingdom possible. Just as the spices and oil were essential for the Tabernacle, the contributions of each believer—no matter how small—are vital to the work of the Church.
Conclusion
Exodus 35:28 serves as a powerful reminder of the role that offerings, whether material or spiritual, play in the worship of God. It teaches us the importance of contributing willingly and cheerfully to God’s work, recognizing that everything we have is a gift from Him. Just as the spices and oil were set apart for holy purposes, we too are called to offer our lives to God in service, worship, and devotion. May we be inspired by this passage to give our resources, time, and talents freely and joyfully, knowing that our contributions, no matter how small, are valuable in the eyes of God and His kingdom.
Exodus 35:28 Commentary
Exodus 35:28 highlights the importance of offerings in worship and the value of both practical and spiritual contributions. The oil and incense were essential for the work of the Tabernacle, and they symbolize the dedication and sanctification of both the physical and spiritual aspects of worship. The verse also underscores the principle of voluntary giving and the cooperative effort of God’s people in building His kingdom.
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