Exodus 35 Study Notes

35:1-3 The section on worship begins with a reminder of the law of the Sabbath. This was the sign of the covenant, the most visible and regular indication that one was committed to the covenant.

35:4-36:7 This section describes the preparation of materials and workers needed to build the tabernacle. The people who brought the prized and costly materials contributed them willingly (35:5,21-22,29; 36:2-3,5). They also worked willingly (35:26; 36:2), using God-given skills in design, execution, and teaching (35:30-36:2). They had both the will and the skills needed for the work that the Lord had commanded (35:4,10,28; 36:1,4; cp. Eph 2:8-10).

At the start of Exodus the Israelites were oppressed slaves forced to make mud bricks and build cities to suit Pharaoh. He considered the Israelites to be seditious and lazy, so he refused to supply enough straw for their work. Now the Israelites could willingly participate in building a structure for the glory of God for which he had provided the necessary materials and even skills for the workers.

35:31 Because the Lord had called Bezalel and filled him with God’s Spirit, he would be able to do with excellence what the Lord had commanded (Nm 11:17; Dt 34:9; Jdg 3:10; 6:14-16,34).

35:34-36:1 The ability to teach others attributed to Bezalel and Oholiab is described as both a matter of the “heart” and a work of God in them. The idiomatic Hebrew expression says, “And he has put in his heart to teach,” referring first to Bezalel, who is mentioned before Oholiab. Moses added that the Lord had filled them with skill. He further described Bezalel, Oholiab, and the other workers—all those who were “wise/skillful of heart”—as people “in whom the Lord has put wisdom/skill and understanding.” This is why they would know how to do all the work of constructing the sanctuary.