Building with Willing Hearts and Holy Rest

What You'll Learn

• The significance of Sabbath rest as a holy command from God.
• The importance of willing, joyful giving and participation in God's work.
• God’s provision of gifted craftsmen filled with His Spirit for His purposes.
• How obedience and generosity unite the community in worship and service.

God calls His people to rest, give willingly, and serve with gifted hearts in building His dwelling place.

Bible Translation Note Scripture Verse-by-Verse Study Chapter Synopsis Prayer Personal Application Weekly Actions Chapter Summary

Bible Translation Note: All Scripture on this page is quoted from the King James Version (KJV) and presented in full without alteration.

Exodus 35:1 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.

Exodus 35:2 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.

Exodus 35:3 Ye shall kindle no fire throughout your habitations upon the sabbath day.

Exodus 35:4 And Moses spake unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying, This is the thing which the LORD commanded, saying,

Exodus 35:5 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,

Exodus 35:6 And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats’ hair,

Exodus 35:7 And rams’ skins dyed red, and badgers’ skins, and shittim wood,

Exodus 35:8 And oil for the light, and spices for anointing oil, and for the sweet incense,

Exodus 35:9 And onyx stones, and stones to be set for the ephod, and for the breastplate.

Exodus 35:10 And every wise hearted among you shall come, and make all that the LORD hath commanded;

Exodus 35:11 The tabernacle, his tent, and his covering, his taches, and his boards, his bars, his pillars, and his sockets,

Exodus 35:12 The ark, and the staves thereof, with the mercy seat, and the vail of the covering,

Exodus 35:13 The table, and his staves, and all his vessels, and the shewbread,

Exodus 35:14 The candlestick also for the light, and his furniture, and his lamps, with the oil for the light,

Exodus 35:15 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,

Exodus 35:16 The altar of burnt offering, with his brasen grate, his staves, and all his vessels, the laver and his foot,

Exodus 35:17 The hangings of the court, his pillars, and their sockets, and the hanging for the door of the court,

Exodus 35:18 The pins of the tabernacle, and the pins of the court, and their cords,

Exodus 35:19 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.

Exodus 35:20 And all the congregation of the children of Israel departed from the presence of Moses.

Exodus 35:21 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.

Exodus 35:22 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.

Exodus 35:23 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.

Exodus 35:24 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.

Exodus 35:25 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.

Exodus 35:26 And all the women whose heart stirred them up in wisdom spun goats’ hair.

Exodus 35:27 And the rulers brought onyx stones, and stones to be set, for the ephod, and for the breastplate;

Exodus 35:28 And spice, and oil for the light, and for the anointing oil, and for the sweet incense.

Exodus 35:29 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.

Exodus 35:30 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;

Exodus 35:31 And he hath filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship;

Exodus 35:32 And to devise curious works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,

Exodus 35:33 And in the cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of wood, to make any manner of cunning work.

Exodus 35:34 And he hath put in his heart that he may teach, both he, and Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan.

Exodus 35:35 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.

Exodus 35:1

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.

Study: Moses serves as the mediator, gathering the entire congregation to communicate God's direct commands. This highlights the importance of communal hearing and obedience to God's instructions, ensuring the people understand their role in His covenant plan.

Exodus 35:2

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.

Study: The Sabbath is established as a sacred day of rest dedicated to the LORD, underscoring God's desire for His people to cease labor and honor Him. The severe penalty for working on this day reflects the holiness of God's law and the seriousness of honoring His appointed times.

Exodus 35:3

Ye shall kindle no fire throughout your habitations upon the sabbath day.

Study: Prohibiting fire kindling on the Sabbath emphasizes complete cessation of work, including daily routines like cooking or heating. This command protects the sanctity of the Sabbath as a day wholly set apart for rest and worship.

Exodus 35:4

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

Study: Moses reiterates that the instructions come directly from the LORD, reinforcing the divine authority behind the commands. This reminds the people that their obedience is not to Moses but to God Himself.

Exodus 35:5

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,

Study: God invites voluntary offerings from those with willing hearts, teaching that true worship flows from generosity and willingness, not compulsion. The variety of materials listed indicates the diverse contributions needed to build the tabernacle, symbolizing the community’s unified effort.

Exodus 35:6

And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats’ hair,

Study: The specific colors and materials—blue, purple, scarlet, fine linen, and goats’ hair—are rich in symbolism and used for the tabernacle’s sacred fabrics. Their inclusion shows God’s attention to beauty and detail in worship.

Exodus 35:7

And rams’ skins dyed red, and badgers’ skins, and shittim wood,

Study: The mention of rams’ skins dyed red, badgers’ skins, and shittim wood points to the durable and precious materials required for the tabernacle’s structure and coverings, reflecting God’s desire for a holy and lasting dwelling.

Exodus 35:8

And oil for the light, and spices for anointing oil, and for the sweet incense,

Study: Oil for light and spices for anointing and incense highlight the sensory elements of worship—light, fragrance, and sanctification—reminding us that worship engages the whole person and honors God’s presence.

Exodus 35:9

And onyx stones, and stones to be set for the ephod, and for the breastplate.

Study: Onyx stones and precious stones for the ephod and breastplate signify the priestly garments’ importance, representing God’s covenant and the mediation role of the priests before Him.

Exodus 35:10

And every wise hearted among you shall come, and make all that the LORD hath commanded;

Study: God calls those with wisdom and skill to actively participate in crafting the tabernacle, showing that spiritual gifts and talents are given for serving God’s purposes in community.

Exodus 35:11

The tabernacle, his tent, and his covering, his taches, and his boards, his bars, his pillars, and his sockets,

Study: The detailed list of tabernacle components—boards, bars, pillars—illustrates the complexity and sacredness of God’s dwelling place, emphasizing obedience to His precise instructions.

Exodus 35:12

The ark, and the staves thereof, with the mercy seat, and the vail of the covering,

Study: The ark and mercy seat represent God’s presence and mercy, central to Israel’s worship and relationship with Him, highlighting the holiness and reverence required in approaching God.

Exodus 35:13

The table, and his staves, and all his vessels, and the shewbread,

Study: The table and shewbread symbolize God’s provision and fellowship with His people, reminding us that worship includes both reverence and relationship.

Exodus 35:14

The candlestick also for the light, and his furniture, and his lamps, with the oil for the light,

Study: The candlestick and its oil signify God as the light in the darkness, calling the community to reflect His light through faithful service.

Exodus 35:15

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,

Study: The incense altar and anointing oil represent prayer and consecration, teaching that worship involves both outward service and inward devotion.

Exodus 35:16

The altar of burnt offering, with his brasen grate, his staves, and all his vessels, the laver and his foot,

Study: The altar of burnt offering and its accessories point to the sacrificial system, underscoring the cost of sin and the need for atonement in approaching a holy God.

Exodus 35:17

The hangings of the court, his pillars, and their sockets, and the hanging for the door of the court,

Study: The court’s hangings and pillars define the sacred space, separating the holy from the common and teaching respect for God’s holiness.

Exodus 35:18

The pins of the tabernacle, and the pins of the court, and their cords,

Study: The pins and cords securing the tabernacle show the care and precision required in worship, symbolizing stability and order in God’s house.

Exodus 35:19

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.

Study: The holy garments for Aaron and his sons emphasize the priestly role and the importance of purity and dedication in serving God.

Exodus 35:20

And all the congregation of the children of Israel departed from the presence of Moses.

Study: The congregation’s departure from Moses’ presence marks a transition from hearing God’s commands to active participation, showing readiness to obey.

Exodus 35:21

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.

Study: The stirring of hearts and willing spirits demonstrate that God’s work is accomplished through voluntary, joyful service, not forced labor.

Exodus 35:22

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.

Study: Men and women alike contribute valuable offerings, highlighting the inclusive nature of worship and the value of each person’s gift to God’s work.

Exodus 35:23

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.

Study: The bringing of specific materials by those who possess them shows personal responsibility and generosity in supporting God’s purposes.

Exodus 35:24

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.

Study: Contributions of silver, brass, and wood reflect the diversity of resources God uses, teaching that all gifts, big or small, are needed and honored.

Exodus 35:25

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.

Study: Women’s skilled spinning of fabrics illustrates the vital role of craftsmanship and dedication in worship, showing that serving God includes using one’s talents.

Exodus 35:26

And all the women whose heart stirred them up in wisdom spun goats’ hair.

Study: The stirring of hearts in wisdom among women spinning goats’ hair reveals that God inspires both men and women to contribute thoughtfully and skillfully.

Exodus 35:27

And the rulers brought onyx stones, and stones to be set, for the ephod, and for the breastplate;

Study: Rulers bringing precious stones for the ephod and breastplate indicates leadership’s responsibility to support and adorn God’s work with excellence.

Exodus 35:28

And spice, and oil for the light, and for the anointing oil, and for the sweet incense.

Study: The offering of spices and oils for light and anointing underscores the ongoing need for consecration and the presence of God’s Spirit in worship.

Exodus 35:29

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.

Study: The willing offerings from every man and woman show a community united in purpose and generosity, fulfilling God’s commands through collective obedience.

Exodus 35:30

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;

Study: God’s naming of Bezaleel highlights divine appointment and empowerment for leadership in the work, showing that God equips those He calls.

Exodus 35:31

And he hath filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship;

Study: The filling of Bezaleel with the Spirit of God in wisdom, understanding, and knowledge reveals that God’s work requires spiritual gifting and divine enablement.

Exodus 35:32

And to devise curious works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,

Study: Bezaleel’s skill in devising artistic works in metals shows that God values creativity and craftsmanship in His service.

Exodus 35:33

And in the cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of wood, to make any manner of cunning work.

Study: The ability to cut stones and carve wood demonstrates the variety of talents God provides for accomplishing His detailed plans.

Exodus 35:34

And he hath put in his heart that he may teach, both he, and Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan.

Study: God’s putting teaching ability in Bezaleel and Aholiab emphasizes the importance of passing on skills and knowledge for sustaining God’s work.

Exodus 35:35

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.

Study: The wisdom given to these craftsmen for engraving, embroidery, and weaving shows that God’s work is done with excellence and beauty, reflecting His glory.

Exodus 35 focuses on God’s instructions for observing the Sabbath and preparing the tabernacle through willing offerings and skilled craftsmanship. Moses communicates God’s commands to the people, who respond with generous hearts and dedicated service. God appoints gifted leaders filled with His Spirit to oversee the work, demonstrating that worship involves obedience, rest, generosity, and the use of God-given talents.

Lord, help us to honor Your holy rest and to give willingly from our hearts as we serve You. Fill us with Your Spirit, granting wisdom and skill to use our gifts for Your glory. Teach us to work together in unity, building Your kingdom with joy and reverence. May our lives reflect Your holiness and grace in all we do. Amen.

• Dedicate one full day this week to Sabbath rest, avoiding work and focusing on worship and prayer.
• Bring a voluntary offering to your church or a ministry, whether it be time, money, or materials.
• Practice a craft or skill you have and consider how it could be used to serve God’s work.
• Pray daily for God’s Spirit to fill you with wisdom and understanding for your tasks.
• Organize a small group or family activity to serve your church or community together.
• Write in a journal about how God is calling you to participate in His kingdom work.
• Spend time worshiping God through song, meditation, or reading Scripture focused on His holiness and provision.

Exodus 35 teaches the importance of obeying God’s commands about rest and worship, highlighting the power of willing hearts and gifted hands in building His holy dwelling. The chapter reveals that God equips and calls His people to serve Him joyfully and with excellence, uniting the community in sacred work and reverence.

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