About Exodus

Exodus tells the story of Israel's deliverance from Egyptian slavery, the giving of the Law at Sinai, and the establishment of the tabernacle as the center of worship.

Author: MosesWritten: c. 1445-1405 BCReading time: ~4 minVerses: 35
DeliveranceRedemptionCovenantLawWorshipGod's Presence

King James Version

Exodus 35

35 verses with commentary

Sabbath Regulations

And Moses gathered all the congregation of the children of Israel together, and said unto them, These are the words which the LORD hath commanded, that ye should do them.

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KJV Study Commentary

Moses assembles the entire congregation before beginning tabernacle construction, emphasizing that sacred work requires communal participation. The phrase 'these are the words which the LORD hath commanded' (אֵלֶּה הַדְּבָרִים, eleh ha-devarim) mirrors the introduction to the Ten Commandments (20:1), signaling the gravity of what follows. This gathering precedes construction to ensure all Israel u...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

XXXV. ITERATION OF THE LAW CONCERNING THE SABBATH. (1-3) Moses, being about to require the people to engage in the work, first, of constructing the materials for the Tabernacle, and then of uprearing the Tabernacle itself, prefaced his requirements by a renewed promulgation of the law of the Sabbath, with additional particularity, and with a new sanction. The necessity of such a re-promulgation ha...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**7-14. the Lord said unto Moses, Go, get thee down--**Intelligence of the idolatrous scene enacted at the foot of the mount was communicated to Moses in language borrowed from human passions and feelings, and the judgment of a justly offended God was pronounced in terms of just indignation against the gross violation of the so recently promulgated laws.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 35 Chapter Outline The sabbath to be observed.(1-3) The free gifts for the tabernacle.(4-19) The readiness of the people in general.(20-29) Bezaleel and Aholiab called to the work.(30-35) **Verses 1-3** The mild and easy yoke of Christ has made our sabbath duties more delightful, and our sabbath restraints less irksome, than those of the Jews; but we are the more ...
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Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be to you an holy day, a sabbath of rest to the LORD: whosoever doeth work therein shall be put to death. an: Heb. holiness

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KJV Study Commentary

The Sabbath command precedes tabernacle construction, establishing that even the holiest work must not violate God's rest principle. The Hebrew structure emphasizes 'six days' (שֵׁשֶׁת יָמִים, sheshet yamim) for work and 'the seventh day' (הַיּוֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִי, ha-yom ha-shevi'i) as קֹדֶשׁ (kodesh, holy) to the LORD. This order of priorities teaches that worship precedes work, being precedes doing...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**7-14. the Lord said unto Moses, Go, get thee down--**Intelligence of the idolatrous scene enacted at the foot of the mount was communicated to Moses in language borrowed from human passions and feelings, and the judgment of a justly offended God was pronounced in terms of just indignation against the gross violation of the so recently promulgated laws.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 35 Chapter Outline The sabbath to be observed.(1-3) The free gifts for the tabernacle.(4-19) The readiness of the people in general.(20-29) Bezaleel and Aholiab called to the work.(30-35) **Verses 1-3** The mild and easy yoke of Christ has made our sabbath duties more delightful, and our sabbath restraints less irksome, than those of the Jews; but we are the more ...
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Ye shall kindle no fire throughout your habitations upon the sabbath day.

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KJV Study Commentary

The prohibition against kindling fire on the Sabbath (לֹא־תְבַעֲרוּ אֵשׁ, lo-teva'aru esh) specifically addresses the metalworking and cooking required for tabernacle construction. This detail demonstrates that God's commands extend to specifics—even necessary and holy work must cease on the seventh day. The fire prohibition became foundational in Jewish halakha, showing how God's holiness permeat...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**7-14. the Lord said unto Moses, Go, get thee down--**Intelligence of the idolatrous scene enacted at the foot of the mount was communicated to Moses in language borrowed from human passions and feelings, and the judgment of a justly offended God was pronounced in terms of just indignation against the gross violation of the so recently promulgated laws.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 35 Chapter Outline The sabbath to be observed.(1-3) The free gifts for the tabernacle.(4-19) The readiness of the people in general.(20-29) Bezaleel and Aholiab called to the work.(30-35) **Verses 1-3** The mild and easy yoke of Christ has made our sabbath duties more delightful, and our sabbath restraints less irksome, than those of the Jews; but we are the more ...
Read full commentary →

Offerings for the Tabernacle

And Moses spake unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying, This is the thing which the LORD commanded, saying,

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KJV Study Commentary

Moses transitions from Sabbath law to the freewill offering (תְּרוּמָה, terumah), setting the pattern for all tabernacle construction: willing hearts, not coercion. The phrase 'this is the thing which the LORD commanded' introduces not a demand but an invitation. God's dwelling among His people will be built entirely through voluntary offerings, demonstrating that true worship springs from desire,...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

THE PEOPLE INVITED TO OFFER THE MATERIALS OF THE TABERNACLE, AND TO ASSIST IN THE WORK. (4-9) And Moses spake.—This passage is the sequence and counterpart of Exodus 25:1-7, and follows exactly the same order in the enumeration of the required offerings. Both passages equally declare the *sine quâ non *of an acceptable offering to be “a willing heart” (Exodus 25:2; Exodus 35:5).

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**7-14. the Lord said unto Moses, Go, get thee down--**Intelligence of the idolatrous scene enacted at the foot of the mount was communicated to Moses in language borrowed from human passions and feelings, and the judgment of a justly offended God was pronounced in terms of just indignation against the gross violation of the so recently promulgated laws.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 4-19** The tabernacle was to be dedicated to the honour of God, and used in his service; and therefore what was brought for it, was an offering to the Lord. The rule is, Whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring. All that were skilful must work. God dispenses his gifts; and as every man hath received, so he must minister, 1Pe 4:10. Those that were rich, must bring in materials to...
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Take ye from among you an offering unto the LORD: whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the LORD; gold, and silver, and brass,

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KJV Study Commentary

The call for offerings specifically targets those whose heart makes them willing (אֲשֶׁר יִדְּבֶנּוּ לִבּוֹ, asher yidvenu libbo—'whose heart makes him willing'). The Hebrew emphasizes internal motivation—the heart 'impels' or 'volunteers' the person. This principle establishes that God desires gifts flowing from love, not obligation. The extensive list that follows (gold, silver, bronze, fine lin...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**7-14. the Lord said unto Moses, Go, get thee down--**Intelligence of the idolatrous scene enacted at the foot of the mount was communicated to Moses in language borrowed from human passions and feelings, and the judgment of a justly offended God was pronounced in terms of just indignation against the gross violation of the so recently promulgated laws.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 4-19** The tabernacle was to be dedicated to the honour of God, and used in his service; and therefore what was brought for it, was an offering to the Lord. The rule is, Whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring. All that were skilful must work. God dispenses his gifts; and as every man hath received, so he must minister, 1Pe 4:10. Those that were rich, must bring in materials to...
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And blue, and purple, and scarlet , and fine linen, and goats' hair,

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KJV Study Commentary

Blue, purple, and scarlet materials (תְּכֵלֶת, וְאַרְגָּמָן, וְתוֹלַעַת שָׁנִי—tekhelet, argaman, tola'at shani) represent colors of royalty and divinity. Blue symbolizes heaven, purple represents royalty (combining heavenly blue with earthly red), and scarlet signifies blood and sacrifice. Fine linen (שֵׁשׁ, shesh) represents purity and righteousness. These materials foreshadow Christ who embodie...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**7-14. the Lord said unto Moses, Go, get thee down--**Intelligence of the idolatrous scene enacted at the foot of the mount was communicated to Moses in language borrowed from human passions and feelings, and the judgment of a justly offended God was pronounced in terms of just indignation against the gross violation of the so recently promulgated laws.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 4-19** The tabernacle was to be dedicated to the honour of God, and used in his service; and therefore what was brought for it, was an offering to the Lord. The rule is, Whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring. All that were skilful must work. God dispenses his gifts; and as every man hath received, so he must minister, 1Pe 4:10. Those that were rich, must bring in materials to...
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And rams' skins dyed red, and badgers' skins, and shittim wood,

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KJV Study Commentary

Rams' skins dyed red (עֹרֹת אֵילִם מְאָדָּמִים, orot eilim me'addamim) and badgers' skins (עֹרֹת תְּחָשִׁים, orot techashim) provided protective coverings. The red-dyed rams' skins evoke substitutionary sacrifice—rams throughout Scripture symbolize sacrificial atonement (Genesis 22, Leviticus 16). The outer covering of badger/dugong skins was plain and protective, concealing the glory within, much...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**7-14. the Lord said unto Moses, Go, get thee down--**Intelligence of the idolatrous scene enacted at the foot of the mount was communicated to Moses in language borrowed from human passions and feelings, and the judgment of a justly offended God was pronounced in terms of just indignation against the gross violation of the so recently promulgated laws.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 4-19** The tabernacle was to be dedicated to the honour of God, and used in his service; and therefore what was brought for it, was an offering to the Lord. The rule is, Whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring. All that were skilful must work. God dispenses his gifts; and as every man hath received, so he must minister, 1Pe 4:10. Those that were rich, must bring in materials to...
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And oil for the light, and spices for anointing oil, and for the sweet incense,

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KJV Study Commentary

Acacia wood (shittim wood, עֲצֵי שִׁטִּים, atzei shittim) was the primary structural material, valued for its durability, hardness, and resistance to decay—fitting for furniture representing eternal truths. Though desert-grown and thorny, when overlaid with gold it pictures humanity (wood) united with divinity (gold), foreshadowing the incarnation. Only imperishable materials could represent the e...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**15-18. Moses turned, and went down from the mount--**The plain, Er-Raheh, is not visible from the top of Jebel Musa, nor can the mount be descended on the side towards that valley; hence Moses and his companion, who on duty had patiently waited his return in the hollow of the mountain's brow, heard the shouting some time before they actually saw the camp.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 4-19** The tabernacle was to be dedicated to the honour of God, and used in his service; and therefore what was brought for it, was an offering to the Lord. The rule is, Whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring. All that were skilful must work. God dispenses his gifts; and as every man hath received, so he must minister, 1Pe 4:10. Those that were rich, must bring in materials to...
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And onyx stones, and stones to be set for the ephod, and for the breastplate.

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KJV Study Commentary

Oil for the light (שֶׁמֶן לַמָּאוֹר, shemen la-ma'or) kept the golden lampstand burning continually, symbolizing God's perpetual presence and the Spirit's illumination. Spices for anointing oil (שֶׁמֶן הַמִּשְׁחָה, shemen ha-mishchah) set apart priests and furnishings as holy unto the LORD—the same root as 'Messiah' (מָשִׁיחַ, mashiach, 'anointed one'). Sweet incense (קְטֹרֶת הַסַּמִּים, ketoret h...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**15-18. Moses turned, and went down from the mount--**The plain, Er-Raheh, is not visible from the top of Jebel Musa, nor can the mount be descended on the side towards that valley; hence Moses and his companion, who on duty had patiently waited his return in the hollow of the mountain's brow, heard the shouting some time before they actually saw the camp.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 4-19** The tabernacle was to be dedicated to the honour of God, and used in his service; and therefore what was brought for it, was an offering to the Lord. The rule is, Whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring. All that were skilful must work. God dispenses his gifts; and as every man hath received, so he must minister, 1Pe 4:10. Those that were rich, must bring in materials to...
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And every wise hearted among you shall come, and make all that the LORD hath commanded;

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KJV Study Commentary

Onyx stones and stones for setting (אַבְנֵי־שֹׁהַם וְאַבְנֵי מִלֻּאִים, avnei-shoham ve'avnei millu'im) would bear the names of Israel's twelve tribes on the high priest's ephod and breastplate. These precious stones represented God's people carried constantly before Him—on the priest's shoulders (strength) and over his heart (love). This foreshadows Christ our High Priest who bears His people's n...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(10-19) **And every wise hearted among you.**—The first appeal is to all; all may contribute something towards the *materials *of the sacred structure. But the second appeal is to some only. The “wise-hearted” alone can take part in the actual construction, and “make all that the Lord hath commanded.” On the expression “wise – hearted,” see Note on Exodus 28:3. It includes skill of various kinds a...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**15-18. Moses turned, and went down from the mount--**The plain, Er-Raheh, is not visible from the top of Jebel Musa, nor can the mount be descended on the side towards that valley; hence Moses and his companion, who on duty had patiently waited his return in the hollow of the mountain's brow, heard the shouting some time before they actually saw the camp.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 4-19** The tabernacle was to be dedicated to the honour of God, and used in his service; and therefore what was brought for it, was an offering to the Lord. The rule is, Whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring. All that were skilful must work. God dispenses his gifts; and as every man hath received, so he must minister, 1Pe 4:10. Those that were rich, must bring in materials to...
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The tabernacle, his tent, and his covering, his taches, and his boards, his bars, his pillars, and his sockets,

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KJV Study Commentary

The repetition 'every wise hearted among you shall come' (כָּל־חֲכַם־לֵב בָּכֶם, kol-chakham-lev bakhem) emphasizes that skill for God's work comes not from training alone but from wisdom—a heart-level competence given by God's Spirit. The call is inclusive ('all… among you') yet specific (requiring Spirit-given wisdom). This establishes that tabernacle construction requires both willing hearts (v...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**15-18. Moses turned, and went down from the mount--**The plain, Er-Raheh, is not visible from the top of Jebel Musa, nor can the mount be descended on the side towards that valley; hence Moses and his companion, who on duty had patiently waited his return in the hollow of the mountain's brow, heard the shouting some time before they actually saw the camp.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 4-19** The tabernacle was to be dedicated to the honour of God, and used in his service; and therefore what was brought for it, was an offering to the Lord. The rule is, Whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring. All that were skilful must work. God dispenses his gifts; and as every man hath received, so he must minister, 1Pe 4:10. Those that were rich, must bring in materials to...
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The ark, and the staves thereof, with the mercy seat, and the vail of the covering,

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KJV Study Commentary

The tabernacle itself (הַמִּשְׁכָּן, ha-mishkan, 'dwelling place') heads the construction list, emphasizing God's primary purpose: dwelling with His people (25:8). The tent (אֹהֶל, ohel) and covering (מִכְסֵהוּ, mikhsehu) distinguish the inner dwelling from outer protective layers. This structure—sacred space surrounded by successive coverings—illustrates degrees of holiness and progressive revela...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**19. Moses' anger waxed hot, and he cast the tables out of his hands--**The arrival of the leader, like the appearance of a specter, arrested the revellers in the midst of their carnival, and his act of righteous indignation when he dashed on the ground the tables of the law, in token that as they had so soon departed from their covenant relation, so God could withdraw the peculiar privileges tha...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 4-19** The tabernacle was to be dedicated to the honour of God, and used in his service; and therefore what was brought for it, was an offering to the Lord. The rule is, Whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring. All that were skilful must work. God dispenses his gifts; and as every man hath received, so he must minister, 1Pe 4:10. Those that were rich, must bring in materials to...
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The table, and his staves, and all his vessels, and the shewbread ,

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KJV Study Commentary

Taches (קְרָסִים, kerasim, 'clasps' or 'hooks'), boards (קְרָשִׁים, kerashim), bars (בְּרִיחִים, berichim), pillars (עַמֻּדִים, amudim), and sockets (אֲדָנִים, adanim) represent the structural integrity holding God's dwelling together. Each component, though individually simple, contributes to the whole—illustrating the body of Christ where each member, though diverse, is essential (1 Corinthians ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**20. he took the calf which they had made, and burnt it in the fire, &c.--**It has been supposed that the gold was dissolved by natron or some chemical substance. But there is no mention of solubility here, or in De 9:21; it was "burned in the fire," to cast it into ingots of suitable size for the operations which follow--"grounded to powder"; the powder of malleable metals can be ground so f...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 4-19** The tabernacle was to be dedicated to the honour of God, and used in his service; and therefore what was brought for it, was an offering to the Lord. The rule is, Whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring. All that were skilful must work. God dispenses his gifts; and as every man hath received, so he must minister, 1Pe 4:10. Those that were rich, must bring in materials to...
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The candlestick also for the light, and his furniture, and his lamps, with the oil for the light,

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KJV Study Commentary

The veil (פָּרֹכֶת, parokhet) separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place represents the barrier between sinful humanity and God's holiness. Made of fine linen with cherubim embroidered in blue, purple, and scarlet, it symbolizes heaven's guarded entrance (Genesis 3:24). Only the high priest could pass through once yearly with atoning blood. At Christ's death, this veil tore top to bottom (...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 4-19** The tabernacle was to be dedicated to the honour of God, and used in his service; and therefore what was brought for it, was an offering to the Lord. The rule is, Whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring. All that were skilful must work. God dispenses his gifts; and as every man hath received, so he must minister, 1Pe 4:10. Those that were rich, must bring in materials to...
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And the incense altar, and his staves, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the hanging for the door at the entering in of the tabernacle,

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KJV Study Commentary

The ark of testimony (אֲרוֹן הָעֵדֻת, aron ha-edut) was the covenant chest containing the law tablets, representing God's throne on earth and the foundation of His dwelling among Israel. The mercy seat (כַּפֹּרֶת, kapporet, from כָּפַר, kaphar, 'to atone') covered the law with blood once yearly, demonstrating that mercy triumphs over judgment through substitutionary sacrifice. This is the purest O...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**22. And Aaron said, Let not the anger of my lord wax hot--**Aaron cuts a poor figure, making a shuffling excuse and betraying more dread of the anger of Moses than of the Lord (compare De 9:20).

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 4-19** The tabernacle was to be dedicated to the honour of God, and used in his service; and therefore what was brought for it, was an offering to the Lord. The rule is, Whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring. All that were skilful must work. God dispenses his gifts; and as every man hath received, so he must minister, 1Pe 4:10. Those that were rich, must bring in materials to...
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The altar of burnt offering, with his brasen grate, his staves, and all his vessels, the laver and his foot,

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KJV Study Commentary

The table (שֻׁלְחָן, shulchan) for showbread represented God's provision and fellowship with His people through the bread of His presence (לֶחֶם הַפָּנִים, lechem ha-panim, 'bread of the faces/presence'). Twelve loaves, one per tribe, sat continually before God, symbolizing Israel's perpetual presentation before Him and His constant provision for them. This anticipates Christ, the bread of life (J...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 4-19** The tabernacle was to be dedicated to the honour of God, and used in his service; and therefore what was brought for it, was an offering to the Lord. The rule is, Whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring. All that were skilful must work. God dispenses his gifts; and as every man hath received, so he must minister, 1Pe 4:10. Those that were rich, must bring in materials to...
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The hangings of the court, his pillars, and their sockets, and the hanging for the door of the court,

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KJV Study Commentary

The candlestick (מְנוֹרָה, menorah) provided the only light in the Holy Place, symbolizing God as the source of all illumination and truth. Its design—one central shaft with six branches—represents God's perfect light radiating through His people (Israel as seven branches, the complete number). Beaten from one piece of gold (31:8), it pictures unity and purity. Christ declared Himself the light of...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 4-19** The tabernacle was to be dedicated to the honour of God, and used in his service; and therefore what was brought for it, was an offering to the Lord. The rule is, Whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring. All that were skilful must work. God dispenses his gifts; and as every man hath received, so he must minister, 1Pe 4:10. Those that were rich, must bring in materials to...
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The pins of the tabernacle, and the pins of the court, and their cords,

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KJV Study Commentary

Oil for lighting (שֶׁמֶן לַמָּאֹר, shemen la-ma'or) had to be pure, beaten olive oil—the finest quality requiring crushing the olives rather than pressing them. This oil kept the menorah burning continually (תָּמִיד, tamid, 'perpetually'), symbolizing the Holy Spirit's unceasing work in providing light and illumination. The requirement for 'beaten' oil parallels Christ's suffering ('beaten' for ou...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**25. naked--**either unarmed and defenseless, or ashamed from a sense of guilt. Some think they were literally naked, as the Egyptians performed some of their rites in that indecent manner.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 4-19** The tabernacle was to be dedicated to the honour of God, and used in his service; and therefore what was brought for it, was an offering to the Lord. The rule is, Whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring. All that were skilful must work. God dispenses his gifts; and as every man hath received, so he must minister, 1Pe 4:10. Those that were rich, must bring in materials to...
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The cloths of service, to do service in the holy place, the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest's office.

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KJV Study Commentary

Cloths of service (בִּגְדֵי־הַשְּׂרָד, bigdei-haserad) and holy garments for Aaron distinguish between practical vestments for ministry and sacred garments signifying the high priest's mediatorial role. The high priest's attire—including ephod, breastplate, robe, tunic, turban, and sash—communicated holiness, glory, and beauty (28:2). These garments enabled Aaron to 'minister in the priest's offic...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**26-28. Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said--**The camp is supposed to have been protected by a rampart after the attack of the Amalekites. **Who is on the Lord's side? let him come unto me--**The zeal and courage of Moses was astonishing, considering he opposed an intoxicated mob. The people were separated into two divisions, and those who were the boldest and most obstinate in vindi...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 4-19** The tabernacle was to be dedicated to the honour of God, and used in his service; and therefore what was brought for it, was an offering to the Lord. The rule is, Whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring. All that were skilful must work. God dispenses his gifts; and as every man hath received, so he must minister, 1Pe 4:10. Those that were rich, must bring in materials to...
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And all the congregation of the children of Israel departed from the presence of Moses.

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KJV Study Commentary

Sweet incense for the altar (קְטֹרֶת הַסַּמִּים, ketoret ha-sammim) symbolizes prayers ascending to God (Psalm 141:2, Revelation 5:8), offered morning and evening on the golden altar before the veil. The specific recipe (30:34-38) was sacred—forbidden for common use under penalty of death—demonstrating that approaching God requires coming His way, not ours. The incense altar's position before the ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**26-28. Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said--**The camp is supposed to have been protected by a rampart after the attack of the Amalekites. **Who is on the Lord's side? let him come unto me--**The zeal and courage of Moses was astonishing, considering he opposed an intoxicated mob. The people were separated into two divisions, and those who were the boldest and most obstinate in vindi...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 20-29** Without a willing mind, costly offerings would be abhorred; with it, the smallest will be accepted. Our hearts are willing, when we cheerfully assist in promoting the cause of God. Those who are diligent and contented in employments considered mean, are as much accepted of God as those engaged in splendid services. The women who spun the goats' hair were wise-hearted, because ...
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And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the LORD'S offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments.

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KJV Study Commentary

Moses concludes the list of needed items, having comprehensively detailed everything from the grandest (ark, menorah) to the most practical (pins, cords). This thoroughness demonstrates that God cares about every aspect of His dwelling—nothing is too small for His attention, and nothing should be omitted or improvised. The phrase 'all that the LORD hath commanded' emphasizes that tabernacle constr...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

THE ZEAL OF THE PEOPLE IN OFFERING AND ASSISTING IN THE WORK. (21) **They came, every one whose heart stirred him up.**—All classes came, “men and women” (Exodus 35:22), rich and poor, “rulers” (Exodus 35:27), and those whose only skill was to “spin with their hands” (Exodus 35:25). And the great majority gave freely—to the utmost of their power. Still it is implied, both here and in Exodus 35:22;...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**26-28. Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said--**The camp is supposed to have been protected by a rampart after the attack of the Amalekites. **Who is on the Lord's side? let him come unto me--**The zeal and courage of Moses was astonishing, considering he opposed an intoxicated mob. The people were separated into two divisions, and those who were the boldest and most obstinate in vindi...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 20-29** Without a willing mind, costly offerings would be abhorred; with it, the smallest will be accepted. Our hearts are willing, when we cheerfully assist in promoting the cause of God. Those who are diligent and contented in employments considered mean, are as much accepted of God as those engaged in splendid services. The women who spun the goats' hair were wise-hearted, because ...
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And they came, both men and women, as many as were willing hearted, and brought bracelets, and earrings, and rings, and tablets, all jewels of gold: and every man that offered offered an offering of gold unto the LORD.

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KJV Study Commentary

The response to Moses' call is immediate and wholehearted: 'the children of Israel departed from the presence of Moses'—not in reluctance but in eager obedience. The narrative structure (call in v. 4-21, response in v. 22-29) emphasizes willing response to divine invitation. This departure 'from the presence of Moses' to gather offerings demonstrates that true worship moves from hearing God's word...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(22) **Both men and women . . . brought bracelets . . . —**It is not quite certain what the personal ornaments here mentioned are. The LXX. render σφραγῖδας καὶ ἐνώτια καὶ δακτυλίους καὶ ἐμπλόκια καὶ περιδέξια, “signets, and earrings, and rings, and chains, and armlets,” substituting five terms for four. Rosenmüller thinks the *khâkh *was a “nose ring;” others make it a “brooch” or “buckle.” The l...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**29. Consecrate yourselves to-day to the Lord--**or, "Ye have consecrated yourselves to-day." The Levites, notwithstanding the dejection of Aaron, distinguished themselves by their zeal for the honor of God and their conduct in doing the office of executioners on this occasion; and this was one reason that they were appointed to a high and honorable office in the service of the sanctuary.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 20-29** Without a willing mind, costly offerings would be abhorred; with it, the smallest will be accepted. Our hearts are willing, when we cheerfully assist in promoting the cause of God. Those who are diligent and contented in employments considered mean, are as much accepted of God as those engaged in splendid services. The women who spun the goats' hair were wise-hearted, because ...
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And every man, with whom was found blue, and purple, and scarlet , and fine linen, and goats' hair, and red skins of rams, and badgers' skins, brought them.

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KJV Study Commentary

The Hebrew intensifies the willing heart theme: 'every one whose heart stirred him up' (כָּל־אֲשֶׁר נְשָׂאוֹ לִבּוֹ, kol-asher nasa'o libbo, literally 'lifted up his heart') and 'whose spirit made him willing' (אֲשֶׁר נָדְבָה רוּחוֹ, asher nadva rucho, 'whose spirit impelled him'). This double emphasis—heart and spirit both moving the person—shows genuine worship springs from internal transformati...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(23) **Red skins of rams.**—Rather, *rams’ skins dyed red, *as the same words are translated in Exodus 25:5; Exodus 35:7. **Badgers’ skins.**—See Note 2 on Exodus 25:5.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**30-33. Moses said unto the people, Ye have sinned a great sin--**Moses labored to show the people the heinous nature of their sin, and to bring them to repentance. But not content with that, he hastened more earnestly to intercede for them.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 20-29** Without a willing mind, costly offerings would be abhorred; with it, the smallest will be accepted. Our hearts are willing, when we cheerfully assist in promoting the cause of God. Those who are diligent and contented in employments considered mean, are as much accepted of God as those engaged in splendid services. The women who spun the goats' hair were wise-hearted, because ...
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Every one that did offer an offering of silver and brass brought the LORD'S offering: and every man, with whom was found shittim wood for any work of the service, brought it.

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KJV Study Commentary

Both men and women ('every man and woman') participate equally in bringing offerings, demolishing any notion that tabernacle construction was masculine domain alone. The Hebrew phrase 'willing hearted' (נְדִיב לֵב, nadiv lev) applies to all, emphasizing that spiritual devotion transcends gender. This inclusivity reflects the New Testament truth that in Christ there is neither male nor female (Gala...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(24) **An offering of silver.**—Silver had been enumerated among the offerings which would be accepted (Exodus 25:3; Exodus 35:5), and it was therefore brought; but it is difficult to say what was done with it. All the silver actually employed in the sanctuary came from the half-shekels paid when the people were numbered. (See Exodus 38:25-28.) Perhaps the silver free-will offerings were returned ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**30-33. Moses said unto the people, Ye have sinned a great sin--**Moses labored to show the people the heinous nature of their sin, and to bring them to repentance. But not content with that, he hastened more earnestly to intercede for them.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 20-29** Without a willing mind, costly offerings would be abhorred; with it, the smallest will be accepted. Our hearts are willing, when we cheerfully assist in promoting the cause of God. Those who are diligent and contented in employments considered mean, are as much accepted of God as those engaged in splendid services. The women who spun the goats' hair were wise-hearted, because ...
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And all the women that were wise hearted did spin with their hands, and brought that which they had spun, both of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet , and of fine linen.

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KJV Study Commentary

The people bring bracelets (חָח, chach), earrings (נֶזֶם, nezem), rings (טַבַּעַת, tabba'at), and tablets (כּוּמָז, kumaz)—personal jewelry and ornamentation. These intimate possessions, worn on the body, represent giving one's very self to God. The willingness to part with personal adornment for God's dwelling contrasts sharply with Aaron's earlier collection of gold earrings to make the golden c...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(25) **All the women that were wise-hearted**—*i.e., *“all who had sufficient skill.” Spinning was probably a very general accomplishment of the Hebrew women. It was effected in early times by means of a wheel and spindle, with or without a distaff. The only materials used for the fabrics of the sanctuary appear to have been flax and goats’ hair. The flax was dyed before it was spun into thread, a...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**30-33. Moses said unto the people, Ye have sinned a great sin--**Moses labored to show the people the heinous nature of their sin, and to bring them to repentance. But not content with that, he hastened more earnestly to intercede for them.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 20-29** Without a willing mind, costly offerings would be abhorred; with it, the smallest will be accepted. Our hearts are willing, when we cheerfully assist in promoting the cause of God. Those who are diligent and contented in employments considered mean, are as much accepted of God as those engaged in splendid services. The women who spun the goats' hair were wise-hearted, because ...
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And all the women whose heart stirred them up in wisdom spun goats' hair.

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KJV Study Commentary

The repetition 'every man that offered' emphasizes individual, personal participation—not collective abstraction but specific choices by specific people. The offering of gold (זָהָב, zahav) as a 'wave offering' (תְּנוּפָה, tenuphah) presents a paradox: wave offerings typically involved lighter items (sheaves, etc.), but here heavy gold is 'waved' before the LORD—perhaps indicating lifting it high ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(26) **All the women whose heart stirred them up in wisdom spun goats’ hair**.—It would seem to have been more difficult to produce a thread from goats’ hair than from flax. Only the most skilful undertook the more difficult task.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**30-33. Moses said unto the people, Ye have sinned a great sin--**Moses labored to show the people the heinous nature of their sin, and to bring them to repentance. But not content with that, he hastened more earnestly to intercede for them.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 20-29** Without a willing mind, costly offerings would be abhorred; with it, the smallest will be accepted. Our hearts are willing, when we cheerfully assist in promoting the cause of God. Those who are diligent and contented in employments considered mean, are as much accepted of God as those engaged in splendid services. The women who spun the goats' hair were wise-hearted, because ...
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And the rulers brought onyx stones, and stones to be set, for the ephod, and for the breastplate;

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KJV Study Commentary

Blue, purple, and scarlet materials with fine linen represent colors requiring expensive dyes and skilled labor. Those who possessed these materials 'with whom they were found' (נִמְצָא אִתּוֹ, nimtza ito) brought them—emphasizing stewardship: recognizing that what we 'find with us' belongs ultimately to God and should be consecrated to His purposes. The phrase 'all the work of the service' (כָּל־...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(27) **The rulers brought onyx stones, and stones to be set.—**The “rulers” here intended are probably the *“*princes of the tribes” of Israel (Numbers 1:16; Numbers 3:3; Numbers 3:5, &c.). The twelve stones required for the breastplate would naturally be contributed by the twelve chiefs of the tribes whose names they were to bear (Exodus 28:21). The two onyx stones for the ephod (Exodus 28:9-12),...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 20-29** Without a willing mind, costly offerings would be abhorred; with it, the smallest will be accepted. Our hearts are willing, when we cheerfully assist in promoting the cause of God. Those who are diligent and contented in employments considered mean, are as much accepted of God as those engaged in splendid services. The women who spun the goats' hair were wise-hearted, because ...
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And spice, and oil for the light, and for the anointing oil, and for the sweet incense.

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KJV Study Commentary

Animal skins—rams' skins dyed red (עֹרֹת אֵילִם מְאָדָּמִים, orot eilim me'addamim) and badgers' skins (עֹרֹת תְּחָשִׁים, orot techashim)—provided durable, protective coverings. Red-dyed rams' skins evoke sacrifice and substitution, while the outer skins' plain appearance concealed inner glory, paralleling Isaiah 53:2's description of the Suffering Servant with 'no beauty that we should desire him...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(28) Spice.-See Exodus 30:23-24; Exodus 30:34.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**35. the Lord plagued the people, because they made the calf--**No immediate judgments were inflicted, but this early lapse into idolatry was always mentioned as an aggravation of their subsequent apostasies.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 20-29** Without a willing mind, costly offerings would be abhorred; with it, the smallest will be accepted. Our hearts are willing, when we cheerfully assist in promoting the cause of God. Those who are diligent and contented in employments considered mean, are as much accepted of God as those engaged in splendid services. The women who spun the goats' hair were wise-hearted, because ...
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The children of Israel brought a willing offering unto the LORD, every man and woman, whose heart made them willing to bring for all manner of work, which the LORD had commanded to be made by the hand of Moses.

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KJV Study Commentary

Shittim wood (acacia, עֲצֵי שִׁטִּים, atzei shittim) brought by the people would form the structural framework overlaid with gold—combining human (wood) with divine (gold) in the furnishings. The participatory phrase 'offered an offering' (הֵבִיאוּ תְרוּמָה, hevi'u terumah) emphasizes the active presenting of gifts, not passive compliance. Bringing structural materials demonstrates understanding t...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 20-29** Without a willing mind, costly offerings would be abhorred; with it, the smallest will be accepted. Our hearts are willing, when we cheerfully assist in promoting the cause of God. Those who are diligent and contented in employments considered mean, are as much accepted of God as those engaged in splendid services. The women who spun the goats' hair were wise-hearted, because ...
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Bezalel and Oholiab Called

And Moses said unto the children of Israel, See, the LORD hath called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah;

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KJV Study Commentary

Rulers bring onyx stones (אַבְנֵי הַשֹּׁהַם, avnei ha-shoham) and stones for setting (אַבְנֵי הַמִּלֻּאִים, avnei ha-millu'im) for the ephod and breastplate—precious gems bearing tribal names before God. The specific mention of rulers (נְשִׂיאִים, nesi'im, 'princes' or 'leaders') bringing these costliest items demonstrates leadership through sacrificial example. These stones would rest on the high...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

BEZALEEL AND AHOLIAB SET OVER THE WORK. (30-35) This passage is the sequel to Exodus 31:1-6, where Bezaleel and Aholiab were designated for their respective offices, and follows closely the order, and even the wording, of that passage. The verbal resemblance is even greater in the original than in the Authorised Version. The only additions made are in Exodus 35:34-35. (34) **He hath put in his hea...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 33 Ex 33:1-23. The Lord Refuses to Go with the People. **1. the Lord said--**rather "had" said unto Moses. The conference detailed in this chapter must be considered as having occurred prior to the pathetic intercession of Moses, recorded at the close of the preceding chapter; and the historian, having mentioned the fact of his earnest and painful anxiety, under the overwhelming pressure ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 30-35** Here is the Divine appointment of the master-workmen, that there might be no strife for the office, and that all who were employed in the work might take direction from, and give account to them. Those whom God called by name to his service, he filled with the Spirit of God. Skill, even in worldly employments, is God's gift, and comes from above. But many are ready enough in c...
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And he hath filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship;

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KJV Study Commentary

Spices (הַבְּשָׂמִים, ha-besamim) for anointing oil and incense represent the fragrant ascending worship and consecration of priests and furnishings. The oil (שֶׁמֶן, shemen) for light maintained the menorah's continual flame—symbolic of the Spirit's illumination. These aromatic and luminous materials demonstrate that worship engages the senses (sight, smell) while pointing beyond physical percept...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 30-35** Here is the Divine appointment of the master-workmen, that there might be no strife for the office, and that all who were employed in the work might take direction from, and give account to them. Those whom God called by name to his service, he filled with the Spirit of God. Skill, even in worldly employments, is God's gift, and comes from above. But many are ready enough in c...
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And to devise curious works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,

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KJV Study Commentary

The summary statement 'the children of Israel brought a willing offering unto the LORD' uses the technical term for freewill offering (נְדָבָה, nedavah)—emphasizing spontaneous generosity flowing from love, not legal obligation. The comprehensive scope—'every man and woman, whose heart made them willing'—stresses that this movement of generosity pervaded the entire community. This willing offering...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**3. I will not go up ... lest I consume thee--**Here the Lord is represented as determined to do what He afterwards did not. (See on Ex 32:7).

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 30-35** Here is the Divine appointment of the master-workmen, that there might be no strife for the office, and that all who were employed in the work might take direction from, and give account to them. Those whom God called by name to his service, he filled with the Spirit of God. Skill, even in worldly employments, is God's gift, and comes from above. But many are ready enough in c...
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And in the cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of wood, to make any manner of cunning work.

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KJV Study Commentary

Moses introduces Bezaleel (בְּצַלְאֵל, 'in the shadow/protection of God') of Judah's tribe as the chief artisan, immediately establishing both his divine calling and tribal identity. This formal announcement by Moses emphasizes that leadership in building God's house comes through divine appointment, not self-promotion. Bezaleel's name itself testifies to God's protective presence—the one building...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**4. when the people heard these evil tidings--**from Moses on his descent from the mount.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 30-35** Here is the Divine appointment of the master-workmen, that there might be no strife for the office, and that all who were employed in the work might take direction from, and give account to them. Those whom God called by name to his service, he filled with the Spirit of God. Skill, even in worldly employments, is God's gift, and comes from above. But many are ready enough in c...
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And he hath put in his heart that he may teach, both he, and Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan.

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KJV Study Commentary

Aholiab (אָהֳלִיאָב, 'father's tent') of Dan's tribe partners with Bezaleel, establishing collaborative leadership in sacred construction. Dan, one of the northern tribes, partnering with Judah (southern kingdom's primary tribe) demonstrates that building God's house requires unity across tribal and regional boundaries. This collaboration prefigures the New Testament reality that Christ builds His...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**5. put off thy ornaments--**In seasons of mourning, it is customary with Eastern people to lay aside all gewgaws and divest themselves of their jewels, their gold, and every thing rich and splendid in their dress. This token of their sorrow the Lord required of His offending people. **that I may know what to do unto thee--**The language is accommodated to the feeble apprehensions of men. God j...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 30-35** Here is the Divine appointment of the master-workmen, that there might be no strife for the office, and that all who were employed in the work might take direction from, and give account to them. Those whom God called by name to his service, he filled with the Spirit of God. Skill, even in worldly employments, is God's gift, and comes from above. But many are ready enough in c...
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Them hath he filled with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of work, of the engraver, and of the cunning workman, and of the embroiderer, in blue, and in purple, in scarlet , and in fine linen, and of the weaver, even of them that do any work, and of those that devise cunning work.

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KJV Study Commentary

The chapter concludes emphasizing that God filled these craftsmen 'with wisdom of heart' (בְּחָכְמַת־לֵב, be-chakhmat-lev) for 'all manner of workmanship'—from engraving to embroidering, from designing to executing. This divine wisdom transcends mere technical skill; it's heart-level competence given by God's Spirit (31:3). The comprehensive scope ('all manner of workmanship') demonstrates that Go...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 30-35** Here is the Divine appointment of the master-workmen, that there might be no strife for the office, and that all who were employed in the work might take direction from, and give account to them. Those whom God called by name to his service, he filled with the Spirit of God. Skill, even in worldly employments, is God's gift, and comes from above. But many are ready enough in c...
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