Journal Through the Bible: Week 16 Thursday

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Exodus chapter 35

After the golden calf incident where many of the people used the gold obtained from their Egyptian neighbors to make an idol, Moses gathered everyone together to give them instructions that God had given him for the building and furnishing of the tabernacle and the priests. (These commands from God have been listed in previous posts.)

The people willingly gave offerings of their possessions to the LORD, as well they should, since they would not even have had these possessions unless God had taken His people out of Egypt. After all, slaves do not own fine things! It was only because the Egyptians were so willing to give almost everything they owned to the Hebrews hoping to spare their own lives that God's people had gold, silver, jewels, fine linens, and precious oils and spices among their sparse luggage. And yet God had told them that He was not going to force anyone to give an offering. It was to be given only by those who desired to give.


Does God offer any promises in this chapter?

• No, but we see the fulfillment of one of God's promises when Moses calls out Bezaleel and Aholiab to be separated to do the specialty work for the Tabernacle.

Are there any references to Jesus?

• I did not identify any certain symbols or types that signified Christ. However, the people were willing to give substantial offerings because of their hearts of thankfulness (see verse 29) and this is how the Lord's churches operate today. The members of churches freely give offerings because of thankfulness for what the Head of their church (Jesus) has done for them. It is not the giver that is glorified: it is the God who removes the person from slavery to sin that is glorified by the gift! (Jesus said about faithful servants that "whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: . . ." in Luke 12:48. He was using an earthly parable of a master and a servant to teach this spiritual principle of receiving much from the Lord and giving it back for God's use.)

Are there any references to future events?

• In John's vision recorded in Revelation those who receive rewards then cast them at the feet of Jesus. Why do they do this? It is because they know that they were poor slaves (to sin) who suddenly became rich when redeemed by Jesus so they give willingly out of thankfulness. Do they become poor as a result? Hardly! They share in all of Jesus' wealth throughout eternity!

Does God issue any commands?

• No, but Moses does repeat the commands that God had already spoken (and of which we read in previous chapters).