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Exodus 35:4–29 “Offerings Given Willingly”

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3–4 minutes

Exodus 35:4-29

Suggested Praise Songs:

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

Explanation:

Moses, speaking to the Israelites after being restored as a community of faith, announced that it was the Lord’s command to collect materials for constructing the tabernacle, its furnishings, and the tools to be used there (vv. 4–9). The word used for “offering” here is a translation of terumah, which means “a gift lifted up and given voluntarily.” In addition, Moses listed the skills needed to build the tabernacle and called on those who possessed such skills to volunteer their service (vv. 10–19).

After hearing Moses, the Israelite congregation returned to their homes (v. 20). Then, “everyone whose heart was stirred and who was willing” came forward (v. 21) to donate the materials needed for the tabernacle and its furnishings. There was no distinction between men and women— “everyone who was willing” (v. 22) could participate. There was no coercion or pressure. The poor gave what they could, and the rich gave according to their means, each bringing an offering from their possessions for the construction of the tabernacle (vv. 23–29).

Meditation:

In Exodus 35, the author goes to great lengths to emphasize that the people participated joyfully in building the tabernacle and its furnishings. Phrases like “whose heart was stirred” (v. 21), “everyone who was willing” (v. 22), “all the Israelite men and women who were willing” (v. 29), and “with a willing heart” (v. 29) are repeated to highlight this fact. Moses could have required the offerings as a duty from the people. He had sufficient reason and the authority to do so. But instead, he appealed to their willingness. Because the tabernacle and its furnishings were to be for God, Moses believed they should be built out of love for God.

This is the principle of devotion to God. The Apostle Paul, writing about the offering from the churches in Macedonia to support the suffering church in Jerusalem during a time of famine, says, “They gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own” (2 Corinthians 8:3). He added, “If the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have” (v. 12). Paul too believed that offerings given willingly and joyfully, according to one’s means, are pleasing to God and bear eternal fruit.

We remember the generous passion of the Israelites as they gave for the construction of the tabernacle. We remember the fervent love of the Macedonian believers as they gave to help the believers in Jerusalem. Both were expressions of their love for God. Now we ask ourselves: do we have such generous and fervent love within us?

Prayer:

God, who gave us Your most precious gift,
Though we say we believe in You,
We still tend to focus only on what we can receive,
And we are often reluctant to give and to share.
Grant peace to our hearts, which are gripped by fear,
And open our tightly closed hands. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: God wants us to give and serve not because we have to, but because we want to—with willing hearts and joyful hands. True love for God is shown when we give and help others freely, just like the Israelites and early Christians did.

  • For Preschool-Elementary

    • What does it mean to give something with a joyful heart?
    • Can you think of a time when you shared something without being asked? How did it feel?
    • If you could give one thing to help build God’s church, what would it be and why?
  • For Youth
    • Why do you think God wants us to give willingly instead of out of pressure or guilt?
    • What are some “gifts” (skills, time, encouragement) that you can offer to your church or community?
    • When have you seen or experienced someone giving generously in real life? What did that teach you about love?

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