Exodus 35:22

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they came {H935}, both {H5921} men {H582} and women {H802}, as many as {H3605} were willing {H5081} hearted {H3820}, and brought {H935} bracelets {H2397}, and earrings {H5141}, and rings {H2885}, and tablets {H3558}, all jewels {H3627} of gold {H2091}: and every man {H376} that offered {H5130} offered an offering {H8573} of gold {H2091} unto the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Both men and women came, as many as had willing hearts; they brought nose-rings, earrings, signet-rings, belts, all kinds of gold jewelry - everyone bringing an offering of gold to ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

So all who had willing hearts, both men and women, came and brought brooches and earrings, rings and necklaces, and all kinds of gold jewelry. And they all presented their gold as a wave offering to the LORD.

American Standard Version

And they came, both men and women, as many as were willing-hearted, and brought brooches, and ear-rings, and signet-rings, and armlets, all jewels of gold; even every man that offered an offering of gold unto Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 35:22 vividly portrays the spontaneous and abundant generosity of the Israelites as they responded to Moses' call for contributions to the Tabernacle. Driven by a truly willing heart, both men and women brought a wide array of valuable gold items—including bracelets, earrings, rings, and various personal ornaments—as freewill offerings to the LORD, demonstrating their profound collective devotion and eagerness to participate in the sacred project of constructing God's dwelling place among them in the wilderness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the detailed narrative of the Tabernacle's construction, specifically detailing the phase of gathering materials. Following God's meticulous instructions to Moses on Mount Sinai regarding the design and components of the sanctuary (beginning in [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle")), Moses convened the entire congregation of Israel to relay the divine command. [Exodus 35:4-9](/exodus/35-4-9 "Exodus 35:4-9 - Call for Offerings") outlines the specific materials required, emphasizing that contributions should come from "everyone whose heart makes him willing." Verses [Exodus 35:20-29](/exodus/35-20-29 "Exodus 35:20-29 - The People's Generous Response") then describe the people's immediate and overwhelming response, with Exodus 35:22 serving as a prime example of their enthusiastic participation. This section stands in stark contrast to the recent sin of the golden calf in [Exodus 32](/exodus/32 "Exodus 32 - The Golden Calf"), highlighting a profound shift towards renewed commitment and devotion to the LORD.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the Israelite encampment in the wilderness, a pivotal period shortly after the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. The Tabernacle was designed to be a portable sanctuary, representing God's tangible presence among His people as they journeyed to the Promised Land, fulfilling the divine command in [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - God's Command to Build the Sanctuary"). In ancient Near Eastern cultures, valuable metals and elaborate jewelry often served as primary indicators of wealth, social status, and personal adornment. The act of bringing such personal treasures as offerings was a significant sacrifice, demonstrating profound devotion and trust, especially within a nomadic context where material possessions were highly valued and often limited. This system of freewill offerings was distinct from mandatory tithes or sacrifices, placing emphasis on the internal disposition of the giver over mere external compliance, a principle that resonates throughout the Law and prophetic literature.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 35:22 powerfully contributes to several major theological and narrative themes within the book of Exodus and beyond. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Presence and Dwelling**, as the offerings directly facilitate the construction of God's sanctuary among His people. It also highlights the theme of **Covenant Renewal and Fidelity**, demonstrating Israel's renewed commitment to the LORD after the golden calf incident, underscoring their desire to walk in obedience. The verse exemplifies **Voluntary and Heartfelt Giving**, establishing a foundational principle that God values the disposition of the giver as much as, if not more than, the gift itself. This theme is echoed in later biblical texts, emphasizing that true worship involves a willing and joyful offering of oneself and one's resources. The communal nature of the giving also speaks to **Corporate Worship and Unity**, showing the entire community participating in a shared sacred endeavor.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Willing (Hebrew, _nâdîyb'_):** From the root meaning to be spontaneous or generous, this word signifies a noble, free, and uncoerced inclination. When combined with "hearted," it describes a disposition of profound generosity that arises from an internal, uncompelled desire to give. It underscores that the value of the offering was not in its material worth alone, but profoundly in the spirit of devotion and cheerful liberality with which it was presented.
* **Hearted (Hebrew, _lêb'_):** This term, often translated as "heart," encompasses not only emotions but also the will, intellect, and the very core of one's being. In the context of "willing hearted," it emphasizes that the generosity was not superficial but originated from the deepest part of the individual's inner self, signifying genuine love, commitment, and devotion to the LORD.
* **Offering (Hebrew, _tᵉnûwphâh'_):** While often translated as "offering," this word specifically denotes a "wave offering" or "heave offering." It comes from a root meaning "to quiver" or "to wave," referring to the ritual act of lifting up and waving a portion of the sacrifice before the LORD. In this context, it signifies the act of presenting or dedicating something valuable to God, emphasizing the solemn and intentional act of setting apart these precious items for sacred use, acknowledging God's ultimate ownership and provision.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they came, both men and women":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the universal participation of the Israelite community. The call for contributions was inclusive, and the response was equally broad, demonstrating that the responsibility and privilege of contributing to God's sacred work extended across all demographics, irrespective of gender or social standing. This communal effort underscored the shared ownership and collective enthusiasm for the Tabernacle project.
* **"as many as were willing hearted":** This pivotal clause highlights the voluntary nature of the giving. The contributions were not coerced, mandated by law, or given under duress, but flowed from an internal desire and readiness to give. This "willing heart" (as further explored in Key Word Analysis) was the true measure of their devotion, indicating genuine love, commitment, and joyful participation in the LORD's work.
* **"[and] brought bracelets, and earrings, and rings, and tablets, all jewels of gold":** This detailed enumeration specifies the valuable nature of the offerings. These were not mere trinkets but significant personal adornments, representing considerable wealth and status in ancient society. The list of items—bracelets, earrings, rings, and other gold ornaments (including the "tablets" or _kûwmâz_, likely a type of necklace or body ornament)—underscores the extent of their generosity, as people were giving up their most cherished and valuable possessions for the Tabernacle's construction. The phrase "all jewels of gold" further emphasizes the preciousness and uniformity of the material.
* **"and every man that offered [offered] an offering of gold unto the LORD.":** This final clause reiterates the individual and collective act of giving. It reinforces that each person who contributed did so with gold, the most precious metal, and that these offerings were directed specifically "unto the LORD." This signifies that the ultimate purpose was for His glory, the establishment of His tangible presence among them, and the fulfillment of His divine commands, highlighting the sacred dedication of their gifts.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 35:22 employs several effective literary devices to convey its powerful message of generous giving. **Repetition** of the concept of "offering" and the material "gold" throughout the verse and the surrounding passage ([Exodus 35:21](/exodus/35-21 "Exodus 35:21 - Willing Hearted Offerings") and [Exodus 35:29](/exodus/35-29 "Exodus 35:29 - Freewill Offerings from Israel")) serves to **emphasize** the abundance, preciousness, and spiritual significance of the contributions. The phrase "willing hearted" functions as a powerful **motif**, recurring throughout the chapter ([Exodus 35:5](/exodus/35-5 "Exodus 35:5 - Call for Willing Contributions"), [Exodus 35:21](/exodus/35-21 "Exodus 35:21 - Willing Hearted Offerings"), [Exodus 35:26](/exodus/35-26 "Exodus 35:26 - Willing Women Spin Linen"), [Exodus 35:29](/exodus/35-29 "Exodus 35:29 - Freewill Offerings from Israel")) to underscore the essential spiritual disposition required for true worship and service. The detailed enumeration of specific gold items—bracelets, earrings, rings, and tablets—uses vivid **imagery** and **synecdoche** (where a part represents the whole) to help the reader visualize the tangible sacrifices made, transforming abstract generosity into concrete acts of profound devotion. This detailed description creates a palpable sense of the overwhelming quantity and intrinsic value of the offerings, highlighting the Israelites' collective enthusiasm and personal sacrifice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 35:22 profoundly illustrates the principle of freewill giving, establishing a foundational theological truth that God values the heart of the giver above the gift itself. The spontaneous, uncoerced generosity of the Israelites for the Tabernacle's construction serves as a timeless model for all subsequent acts of worship and service within the covenant community. Their willingness to part with highly valuable personal possessions for a communal sacred purpose underscores their renewed covenant fidelity and deep desire for God's tangible presence among them, especially following the recent sin of the golden calf. This act of giving was not merely about meeting a material need but about expressing profound devotion, fostering unity, and demonstrating a shared commitment to God's dwelling place. It powerfully demonstrates that true spiritual engagement is characterized by a joyful, eager, and willing participation in God's redemptive purposes.

* [Exodus 25:2](/exodus/25-2 "Exodus 25:2 - Call for Freewill Offerings")
* [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - God Loves a Cheerful Giver")
* [1 Chronicles 29:9](/1_chronicles/29-9 "1 Chronicles 29:9 - People Rejoice in Willing Giving")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in Exodus 35:22 offers a timeless and profound blueprint for authentic Christian living and giving. It challenges us to deeply examine the motivation behind our contributions—whether of time, talent, or treasure—to God's kingdom and His church. Is our giving born out of obligation, grudging necessity, or a truly "willing heart" that delights in the opportunity to serve God? Just as the Israelites brought their most precious gold for the Tabernacle, we are called to offer our very best to the LORD, recognizing that everything we possess is ultimately a gracious gift from Him. This verse encourages a spirit of proactive, joyful generosity, reminding us that our participation in God's work should be characterized by eagerness, enthusiasm, and a deep desire to see His presence manifested in our midst and His redemptive purposes fulfilled in the world. It stands as a powerful reminder that God delights in cheerful givers whose hearts are fully devoted to Him and whose offerings flow from a place of love and gratitude.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "willing hearted" giving look like in my life today, extending beyond financial contributions to encompass my time, talents, and spiritual gifts?**
* **How does the Israelites' communal generosity for the Tabernacle inspire my personal and collective participation in my local church or Christian community?**
* **Are there "jewels of gold"—valuable possessions, cherished time, or significant talents—that I am holding back from the LORD, and what might a truly "willing heart" prompt me to do with them?**
* **In what practical ways can I cultivate a more spontaneous, joyful, and consistent spirit of generosity in my daily walk with God and in my interactions with others?**

### FAQ
**What does "tablets" refer to in this verse?**

Answer: In the King James Version, "tablets" translates the Hebrew word _kûwmâz_ (H3558). While its exact form has been a subject of scholarly debate, it is generally understood to refer to a specific type of gold ornament, likely a necklace, pendant, or possibly a body ornament such as a golden girdle or armlet. It was a valuable piece of personal jewelry, indicating the preciousness and personal sacrifice involved in the contributions made by the Israelites for the Tabernacle. This item, alongside bracelets, earrings, and rings, highlights the significant personal cost of their freewill offerings, as they willingly gave up their most cherished adornments for the construction of God's sacred dwelling place, as described in [Exodus 35:22](/exodus/35-22 "Exodus 35:22 - Israel's Gold Offerings for the Tabernacle").

**Why was the "willing heart" so important for these offerings?**

Answer: The emphasis on a "willing heart" (Hebrew: _nâdîyb lêb_, H5081 + H3820) was crucial because it underscored that the true value of the offering was not merely in the material goods themselves, but profoundly in the spirit and motivation of the giver. God desires genuine devotion and love, not grudging compliance or forced contributions. This principle is foundational to biblical giving, demonstrating that true worship stems from an internal disposition of generosity, joy, and sincere desire to honor God. It contrasts sharply with the idea of giving out of obligation, for personal gain, or under duress. This emphasis on the willing heart foreshadows New Testament teachings on cheerful giving, such as those found in [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - God Loves a Cheerful Giver"), where Paul states that "God loves a cheerful giver." The willing heart ensured that the offerings for the Tabernacle were acts of sincere worship, covenant fidelity, and a joyful response to God's grace.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 35:22, with its vivid portrayal of the Israelites' willing and abundant offerings for the Tabernacle, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle itself, a temporary dwelling place for God among His people, was a profound type and shadow of Christ, who is Emmanuel, "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Emmanuel, God With Us")), and the true meeting place between God and humanity. Just as the Israelites willingly offered their most precious gold to build a sanctuary for God's presence, Christ, with an infinitely "willing heart" and perfect obedience, offered Himself as the ultimate and perfect sacrifice. He did not give from His possessions but gave His very life, His divine glory, and His human body as the true temple ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection and the True Temple")). His giving was not merely generous but total, born out of perfect love for the Father and for humanity, securing for us eternal redemption and reconciliation. Through His singular, sufficient sacrifice, we, as believers, are transformed from mere recipients into active participants in God's ongoing work. We become living stones built into a spiritual house ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House")), a holy priesthood, and a dwelling place for God's Spirit ([Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21-22 "Ephesians 2:21-22 - Built into a Holy Temple in the Lord")). Our New Covenant giving, therefore, is not primarily about gold or material possessions for a physical structure, but about offering our entire lives as "living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")), in grateful response to the immeasurable gift of Christ, whose own willing heart made possible our intimate access to God's eternal presence.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Chronicles 24:9

And they made a proclamation through Judah and Jerusalem, to bring in to the LORD the collection [that] Moses the servant of God [laid] upon Israel in the wilderness.

2 Chronicles 24:14

And when they had finished [it], they brought the rest of the money before the king and Jehoiada, whereof were made vessels for the house of the LORD, [even] vessels to minister, and to offer [withal], and spoons, and vessels of gold and silver. And they offered burnt offerings in the house of the LORD continually all the days of Jehoiada.

Matthew 2:11

And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

1 Chronicles 29:6

Then the chief of the fathers and princes of the tribes of Israel, and the captains of thousands and of hundreds, with the rulers of the king's work, offered willingly,

1 Chronicles 29:7

And gave for the service of the house of God of gold five thousand talents and ten thousand drams, and of silver ten thousand talents, and of brass eighteen thousand talents, and one hundred thousand talents of iron.

Nehemiah 7:70

And some of the chief of the fathers gave unto the work. The Tirshatha gave to the treasure a thousand drams of gold, fifty basons, five hundred and thirty priests' garments.

Nehemiah 7:72

And [that] which the rest of the people gave [was] twenty thousand drams of gold, and two thousand pound of silver, and threescore and seven priests' garments.