Exodus 25:2

Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering.

Speak {H1696} unto the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, that they bring {H3947} me an offering {H8641}: of every man {H376} that giveth it willingly {H5068} with his heart {H3820} ye shall take {H3947} my offering {H8641}.

"Tell the people of Isra'el to take up a collection for me -accept a contribution from anyone who wholeheartedly wants to give.

โ€œTell the Israelites to bring Me an offering. You are to receive My offering from every man whose heart compels him.

Speak unto the children of Israel, that they take for me an offering: of every man whose heart maketh him willing ye shall take my offering.

Commentary

Exodus 25:2 marks the beginning of God's detailed instructions to Moses for constructing the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary where He would dwell among the children of Israel. This verse lays down the foundational principle for the contributions needed: the offerings must come from a willing heart.

Context

Following the monumental event of receiving the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai, God immediately moves to establish a tangible place for His presence among His newly redeemed people. The instructions for the Tabernacle, detailed from Exodus 25 through Exodus 31, begin not with a command for specific materials, but with a crucial directive about the spirit of the givers. This highlights that while the physical structure was vital, the heart attitude behind its creation was paramount to God.

Key Themes

  • Voluntary Giving: The phrase "every man that giveth it willingly with his heart" is central. This was not a tax or a forced levy, but an invitation for the people to participate joyfully and freely in building God's dwelling place. It emphasizes the importance of motive over mere compliance.
  • Divine Initiative and Human Response: God initiates the project, but He requires a heartfelt response from His people. Their offerings were a tangible expression of their devotion and obedience.
  • Preparation for Fellowship: The purpose of the offerings was to gather resources for the Tabernacle, which was to be a place of meeting and fellowship with God. The willingness of their hearts was a prerequisite for acceptable worship and communion.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "willingly" here is nadav (ื ื“ื‘), which denotes a spontaneous, freewill offering, a noble impulse. It is distinct from offerings that might be obligatory. The inclusion of "with his heart" (lev, ืœื‘) further emphasizes the internal disposition. In biblical thought, the lev (heart) is not merely the seat of emotions, but the center of one's intellect, will, and moral character. Thus, a "willing heart" implies a gift given with full intention, desire, and moral integrity, not out of compulsion or for show.

Practical Application

The principle of Exodus 25:2 remains profoundly relevant today. Whether in financial contributions, service, or time, God continues to value the attitude of the giver more than the size of the gift. The New Testament echoes this sentiment, reminding believers that "God loveth a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7). This verse teaches us that true generosity stems from a heart devoted to God, eager to participate in His work, and willing to give not out of obligation, but out of love and gratitude.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Corinthians 9:7 (11 votes)

    Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, [so let him give]; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

  • Ezra 2:68 (8 votes)

    And [some] of the chief of the fathers, when they came to the house of the LORD which [is] at Jerusalem, offered freely for the house of God to set it up in his place:

  • Nehemiah 11:2 (7 votes)

    And the people blessed all the men, that willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem.

  • Ezra 1:6 (7 votes)

    And all they that [were] about them strengthened their hands with vessels of silver, with gold, with goods, and with beasts, and with precious things, beside all [that] was willingly offered.

  • Ezra 7:16 (7 votes)

    And all the silver and gold that thou canst find in all the province of Babylon, with the freewill offering of the people, and of the priests, offering willingly for the house of their God which [is] in Jerusalem:

  • Ezra 3:5 (5 votes)

    And afterward [offered] the continual burnt offering, both of the new moons, and of all the set feasts of the LORD that were consecrated, and of every one that willingly offered a freewill offering unto the LORD.

  • 1 Chronicles 29:1 (4 votes)

    ยถ Furthermore David the king said unto all the congregation, Solomon my son, whom alone God hath chosen, [is yet] young and tender, and the work [is] great: for the palace [is] not for man, but for the LORD God.