TRV
See on the biblical-era map
Study This Verse
Commentary on Exodus 35 verses 1–19
It was said in general (Exo 34:32), Moses gave them in commandment all that the Lord has spoken with him. But, the erecting and furnishing of the tabernacle being the work to which they were now immediately to apply themselves, there is particular mention of the orders given concerning it.
I. All the congregation is summoned to attend (Exo 35:1); that is, the heads and rulers of the congregation, the representatives of the several tribes, who must receive instructions from Moses as he had received them from the Lord, and must communicate them to the people. Thus John, being commanded to write to the seven churches what had been revealed to him, writes it to the angels, or ministers, of the churches.
II. Moses gave them in charge all that (and that only) which God had commanded him; thus he approved himself faithful both to God and Israel, between whom he was a messenger or mediator. If he had added, altered, or diminished, he would have been false to both. But, both sides having reposed a trust in him, he was true to the trust; yet he was faithful as a servant only, but Christ as a Son, Heb 3:5, Heb 3:6.
III. He begins with the law of the sabbath, because that was much insisted on in the instructions he had received (Exo 35:2, Exo 35:3): Six days shall work be done, work for the tabernacle, the work of the day that was now to be done in its day; and they had little else to do here in the wilderness, where they had neither husbandry nor merchandise, neither food to get nor clothes to make: but on the seventh day you must not strike a stroke, no, not at the tabernacle-work; the honour of the sabbath was above that of the sanctuary, more ancient and more lasting; that must be to you a holy day, devoted to God, and not be spent in common business. It is a sabbath of rest. It is a sabbath of sabbaths (so some read it), more honourable and excellent than any of the other feasts, and should survive them all. A sabbath of sabbatism, so others read it, being typical of that sabbatism or rest, both spiritual and eternal, which remains for the people of God, Heb 4:9. It is a sabbath of rest, that is, in which a rest from all worldly labour must be very carefully and strictly observed. It is a sabbath and a little sabbath, so some of the Jews would have it read; not only observing the whole day as a sabbath, but an hour before the beginning of it, and an hour after the ending of it, which they throw in over and above out of their own time, and call a little sabbath, to show how glad they are of the approach of the sabbath and how loth to part with it. It is a sabbath of rest, but it is rest to the Lord, to whose honour it must be devoted. A penalty is here annexed to the breach of it: Whosoever doeth work therein shall be put to death. Also a particular prohibition of kindling fires on the sabbath day for any servile work, as smith's work, or plumbers, etc.
IV. He orders preparation to be made for the setting up of the tabernacle. Two things were to be done: -
1.All that were able must contribute: Take you from among you an offering, Exo 35:5. The tabernacle was to be dedicated to the honour of God, and used in his service; and therefore what was brought for the setting up and furnishing of that was an offering to the Lord. Our goodness extends not to God, but what is laid out for the support of his kingdom and interest among men he is pleased to accept as an offering to himself; and he requires such acknowledgements of our receiving our all from him and such instances of our dedicating our all to him. The rule is, Whosoever is of a willing heart let him bring. It was not to be a tax imposed upon them, but a benevolence or voluntary contribution, to intimate to us, (1.) That God has not made our yoke heavy. He is a prince that does not burden his subjects with taxes, nor make them to serve with an offering, but draws with the cords of a man, and leaves it to ourselves to judge what is right; his is a government that there is no cause to complain of, for he does not rule with rigour. (2.) That God loves a cheerful giver, and is best pleased with the free-will offering. Those services are acceptable to him that come from the willing heart of a willing people, Psa 110:3.
2.All that were skilful must work: Every wise-hearted among you shall come, and make, Exo 35:10. See how God dispenses his gifts variously; and, as every man hath received the gift, so he must minister, Pe1 4:10. Those that were rich must bring in materials to work on; those that were ingenious must serve the tabernacle with their ingenuity; as they needed one another, so the tabernacle needed them both, Co1 12:7-21. The work was likely to go on when some helped with their purses, others with their hands, and both with a willing heart. Moses, as he had told them what must be given (Exo 35:5-9), so he gives them the general heads of what must be made (Exo 35:11-19), that, seeing how much work was before them, they might apply themselves to it the more vigorously, and every hand might be busy; and it gave them such an idea of the fabric designed that they could not but long to see it finished.
Continue studying Exodus 35:10 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
Exodus 35:10 serves as a profound divine summons, calling the community of Israel to actively participate in the monumental construction of the Tabernacle. Following God's meticulously detailed blueprints, Moses extends an invitation to those uniquely endowed with "wise hearts"—individuals possessing both spiritual discernment and practical skill—to step forward. Their mission is to apply their God-given abilities to meticulously craft every component of the sacred dwelling, ensuring that all is made precisely according to the Lord's explicit commands. This verse powerfully underscores the indispensable interplay of divine enablement and human obedience in accomplishing God's redemptive purposes and establishing His presence among His people.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Exodus 35:10 employs several potent literary devices. The phrase "wise hearted" is a striking example of Metonymy, where "heart" (the seat of inner disposition and intellect) stands for the entire person and their practical capabilities. This emphasizes that the required wisdom is not merely intellectual but deeply integrated into one's being and practical ability. The verse also functions as a Divine Mandate and a call to Communal Participation, as Moses, acting as God's authoritative representative, issues a direct summons for the entire community, particularly the skilled, to contribute to a sacred, divinely ordained project. The repetitive emphasis on "all that the LORD hath commanded" (which echoes throughout the Tabernacle instructions from Exodus 25 onwards) functions as a form of Anaphora and Emphasis, underscoring the absolute necessity of precise obedience to divine specifications. This meticulous precision in construction is itself a profound form of Symbolism, as the Tabernacle's exact design and execution were meant to symbolize God's holiness, His perfect order, and His desire for a precise, covenantal relationship with His people.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 35:10 profoundly illustrates the theological principle that God not only calls His people to service but also sovereignly equips them with the necessary gifts and abilities for the tasks He assigns. The "wise hearted" are not merely naturally talented individuals; rather, their skills are divinely imparted or enhanced for sacred purposes, demonstrating God's meticulous and comprehensive provision for the accomplishment of His will. This highlights the profound intertwining of divine grace and human responsibility, where God graciously enables, and humanity responds in willing and obedient service. The Tabernacle, as the physical manifestation of God's presence among His people, required a community-wide effort, emphasizing that every gift and every individual's contribution, no matter how seemingly small or specialized, is vital for building God's kingdom and facilitating His dwelling among His people. This ancient call to service resonates deeply with the New Testament understanding of spiritual gifts, where each member of the body of Christ is uniquely gifted for the common good.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 35:10 offers profound and enduring insights for believers today, reminding us that God continues to call and equip His people with diverse talents, natural abilities, and spiritual gifts for the advancement of His kingdom. Just as He needed skilled artisans for the construction of His earthly dwelling, He needs individuals today who are "wise hearted"—possessing both God-given ability and a willing, consecrated spirit—to serve in various capacities within the church and the world. This verse challenges us to recognize that our abilities, whether intellectual, creative, practical, relational, or administrative, are not merely for personal gain or self-expression but are divine endowments intended for God's glory and the good of His people. It calls us to diligently identify our unique gifts, cultivate them with excellence, and, most importantly, offer them in willing, obedient, and humble service to "make all that the LORD hath commanded" in our spheres of influence. Our service should be motivated by a deep desire to honor God and obey His calling, not by compulsion, pride, or personal ambition, thereby echoing the New Testament concept of the body of Christ where each member contributes according to their unique gifting for the edification of the whole.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "wise hearted" truly mean in this context?
Answer: "Wise hearted" (Hebrew: ḥakam lev) refers to individuals who possess not only intellectual understanding and discernment but also practical skill, ingenuity, and an inner disposition to apply that wisdom expertly for a divine purpose. It signifies a divinely imparted aptitude for craftsmanship and skilled labor, particularly for sacred tasks. It is more than just natural talent; it implies a spiritual endowment that enables one to execute God's commands with precision and excellence, as powerfully exemplified by Bezalel and Aholiab, who were filled with the Spirit of God for this very purpose, in Exodus 31:1-6.
Why was it so important to "make all that the LORD hath commanded"?
Answer: The meticulous adherence to God's commands in building the Tabernacle was paramount for several profound reasons. Firstly, the Tabernacle was to be the earthly dwelling place of a holy God, and its design reflected His perfect character, order, and holiness. Any deviation would imply human presumption, a lack of reverence, or a failure to grasp the divine nature. Secondly, the Tabernacle and its intricate furnishings were rich in profound symbolism, meticulously designed to foreshadow future realities and the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Precision ensured that these divine symbols conveyed their intended truths accurately and powerfully. Thirdly, it served as a tangible demonstration of Israel's obedience and faithfulness to the covenant, a vital and foundational aspect of their unique relationship with Yahweh, as reiterated throughout the detailed instructions in Exodus 25-31.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 35:10, with its profound emphasis on divinely gifted individuals building a consecrated dwelling place for God, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle, meticulously crafted by the "wise hearted" according to God's precise blueprint, was a temporary and symbolic dwelling for God's holy presence among His people. In Christ, God's presence is no longer confined to a physical tent but is fully, perfectly, and eternally embodied in a person. As John 1:14 so profoundly declares, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us," the Greek word for "made his dwelling" (eskēnōsen) directly echoes the idea of pitching a tent or tabernacling. Jesus is the ultimate "wise-hearted" one, perfectly equipped by the Holy Spirit to accomplish all that the Father commanded, not merely by building a physical structure, but by embodying the very presence of God and establishing His eternal kingdom. Furthermore, through Christ, believers themselves become living stones in a spiritual temple, the church, where God now dwells by His Holy Spirit (Ephesians 2:20-22). We, as members of His body, are now the "wise hearted" ones, equipped with diverse spiritual gifts by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:4-7) to build up this spiritual house, continuing the work of "making all that the LORD hath commanded" through the spread of the gospel and the edification of the saints, all centered on our Lord Jesus Christ, who is both the architect and the cornerstone of this new, living temple.