(The Lord speaking is red text)
And rams' skins dyed red, and badgers' skins, and shittim wood,
tanned ram skins and fine leather; acacia-wood;
ram skins dyed red and fine leather; acacia wood;
and rams’ skins dyed red, and sealskins, and acacia wood,
And rams{H352}' skins{H5785} dyed red{H119}, and badgers{H8476}' skins{H5785}, and shittim{H7848} wood{H6086},
**Exodus 35:7** is part of the detailed instructions given by God to Moses for the construction of the Tabernacle, which was to serve as a portable dwelling place for God's presence among the Israelites during their journey in the wilderness.
**Themes:**
1. **Offerings for the Tabernacle:** The verse lists specific materials that the Israelites were to contribute for the construction of the Tabernacle. These materials were to be offered willingly and were considered sacred.
2. **Preparation for Worship:** The Tabernacle was central to Israelite worship, and the provision of these materials was essential for creating a space where God could dwell among His people and where they could offer sacrifices and worship Him according to His prescribed way.
3. **Craftsmanship and Artistry:** The detailed list of materials indicates the importance of craftsmanship and the use of high-quality resources in the service of God. It reflects the value placed on beauty and skill in the construction of sacred spaces.
**Historical Context:**
- **The Exodus from Egypt:** Exodus 35:7 comes after the Israelites have been freed from slavery in Egypt and are in the process of establishing themselves as a nation under God's guidance.
- **The Covenant at Sinai:** This verse is part of the broader context of the covenant established at Mount Sinai, where God gave the Law to Moses, including the Ten Commandments and extensive instructions for worship and community life.
- **The Role of Bezalel and Oholiab:** God had chosen Bezalel and Oholiab to oversee the construction of the Tabernacle, and the materials listed in this verse would have been used by them and other skilled craftsmen to build and furnish the Tabernacle.
- **The Tabernacle's Significance:** The Tabernacle was a precursor to the Temple in Jerusalem and represented God's dwelling place on earth. Its construction was a communal effort, reflecting the collective commitment of the Israelites to their covenant with God.
In summary, Exodus 35:7 reflects the themes of communal offering, preparation for worship, and the celebration of divine-inspired craftsmanship within the historical context of the Israelites' journey from slavery to nationhood under God's guidance.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)