Mobilization for the Tabernacle Construction

Exodus 35 marks a pivotal chapter in the construction of the Tabernacle, where Moses gathers the entire Israelite community to initiate this significant project. This chapter details the contributions and craftsmanship involved, emphasizing communal participation and the importance of using one’s skills for God’s service.

Sabbath Reminder and Community Contribution

• Sabbath Command Reiterated: Moses begins by reiterating the importance of the Sabbath, emphasizing it as a day of rest and holiness, a direct command from God ensuring that the community remembers to keep it holy even during the significant undertaking of building the Tabernacle (Exodus 35:1-3).
• Call for Contributions: Moses calls for everyone whose heart is willing to bring offerings to the Lord for the construction of the Tabernacle, its service, and the making of the priestly garments. This includes a wide range of materials such as gold, silver, bronze, yarn, fine linen, goat hair, animal skins, wood, olive oil, spices, and precious stones (Exodus 35:4-9).

Skilled Craftsmen

• Bezalel and Oholiab: Highlighting the divine appointment of Bezalel and Oholiab, Moses shares that they have been filled with the Spirit of God, granting them skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of crafts. These leaders are to instruct others, ensuring that the work is done expertly and according to the Lord’s specifications (Exodus 35:10-19).

Community Response and Participation

• Generous Contributions: The whole Israelite community willingly departs and returns with their contributions for the work of the Tabernacle. Men and women alike bring various items, all moved by a willing spirit to participate in the construction of their place of worship (Exodus 35:20-29).
• Artisans at Work: Everyone skilled among the workers comes forward to perform the task they are capable of, driven by a heart stirred to serve and a spirit willing to contribute to the collective effort of creating a dwelling place for God among them (Exodus 35:30-35).

Theological Significance and Connection to Jesus Christ

Christological Reflections

• Willing Sacrifice: The freewill offerings brought by the Israelites for the Tabernacle’s construction prefigure the concept of giving out of abundance and willingness, which is echoed in the New Testament teachings on generosity (2 Corinthians 9:7). Christ exemplifies this as He willingly gave Himself for humanity.
• Skilled Work as Worship: The detailed craftsmanship required for the Tabernacle reflects the New Testament teaching that whatever one does, especially in terms of work, should be done wholeheartedly as for the Lord (Colossians 3:23-24). This underscores that skilled labor and artistry can be acts of worship when dedicated to God.

Divine Love and Its Implications

• Empowerment and Utilization of Gifts: God’s empowerment of specific artisans to lead and teach others showcases His love by valuing each individual’s contributions and skills, encouraging a diverse yet unified approach to community projects.
• God’s Presence Through Community Effort: The communal effort to build the Tabernacle underscores God’s desire to dwell among His people, facilitated through their unified contributions and worship, reflecting His inclusive and participatory nature.

Contemporary Relevance

Why Exodus 35 Still Matters Today

• Value of Community and Cooperation: This chapter serves as a reminder of the power and importance of community in achieving great endeavors, particularly in religious and communal settings.
• Encouragement of Diverse Contributions: The inclusive call for contributions from all people, regardless of gender or role, highlights the importance of recognizing and utilizing diverse gifts within a community.
• Spiritual Significance of Work: The passage encourages modern believers to view their skills and vocational work as integral to their spiritual life and as potential offerings to God, promoting a holistic view of life and worship.

Exodus 35 not only sets the stage for the actual construction of the Tabernacle but also exemplifies how communal efforts rooted in voluntary giving and skilled craftsmanship can achieve divine purposes, fostering a sense of unity, purpose, and divine presence among God’s people.