Translation
King James Version
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.
Complete Jewish Bible
Everyone contributing silver or bronze brought his offering for ADONAI, and everyone who had acacia-wood suitable for any of the work brought it.
Berean Standard Bible
And all who could present an offering of silver or bronze brought it as a contribution to the LORD. Also, everyone who had acacia wood for any part of the service brought it.
American Standard Version
Every one that did offer an offering of silver and brass brought Jehovah’s offering; and every man, with whom was found acacia wood for any work of the service, brought it.
World English Bible Messianic
Everyone who offered an offering of silver and brass brought the LORD’s offering; and everyone, with whom was found acacia wood for any work of the service, brought it.
Geneva Bible (1599)
All that offered an oblation of siluer and of brasse, brought the offring vnto the Lord: and euery one, that had Shittim wood for any maner worke of the ministration, brought it.
Young's Literal Translation
every one lifting up a heave-offering of silver and brass have brought in the heave-offering of Jehovah; and every one with whom hath been found shittim wood for any work of the service brought it in.
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In the KJVVerse 2,556 of 31,102
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Commentary on Exodus 35 verses 20–29
20 ¶ And all the congregation of the children of Israel departed from the presence of Moses.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
26 And all the women whose heart stirred them up in wisdom spun goats' hair.
27 And the rulers brought onyx stones, and stones to be set, for the ephod, and for the breastplate;
28 And spice, and oil for the light, and for the anointing oil, and for the sweet incense.
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.
Moses having made known to them the will of God, they went home and immediately put in practice what they had heard, Exo 35:20. O that every congregation would thus depart from the hearing of the word of God, with a full resolution to be doers of the same! Observe here,
I. The offerings that were brought for the service of the tabernacle (Exo 35:21, etc.), concerning which many things may be noted. 1. It is intimated that they brought their offerings immediately; they departed to their tents immediately to fetch their offering, and did not desire time to consider of it, lest their zeal should be cooled by delays. What duty God convinces us of, and calls us to, we should set about speedily. No season will be more convenient than the present season. 2. It is said that their spirits made them willing (Exo 35:21), and their hearts, Exo 35:29. What they did they did cheerfully, and from a good principle. They were willing, and it was not any external inducement that made them so, but their spirits. It was from a principle of love to God and his service, a desire of his presence with them in his ordinances, gratitude for the great things he had done for them, faith in his promise of what he would further do (or, at least, from the present consideration of these things), that they were willing to offer. What we give and do for God is then acceptable when it comes from a good principle in the heart and spirit. 3. When it is said that as many as were willing-hearted brought their offerings (Exo 35:22), it should seem as if there were some who were not, who loved their gold better than their God, and would not part with it, no, not for the service of the tabernacle. Such there are, who will be called Israelites, and yet will not be moved by the equity of the thing, God's expectations from them, and the good examples of those about them, to part with any thing for the interests of God's kingdom: they are for the true religion, provided it be cheap and will cost them nothing. 4. The offerings were of divers kinds, according as they had; those that had gold and precious stones brought them, not thinking any thing too good and too rich to part with for the honour of God. Those that had not precious stones to bring brought goats' hair, and rams' skins. If we cannot do as much as others for God, we must not therefore sit still and do nothing: if the meaner offerings which are according to our ability gain us not such a reputation among men, yet they shall not fail of acceptance with God, who requires according to what a man hath, and not according to what he hath not, Co2 8:12; Kg2 5:23. Two mites from a pauper were more pleasing than so many talents from a Dives. God has an eye to the heart of the giver more than to the value of the gift. 5. Many of the things they offered were their ornaments, bracelets and rings, and tablets or lockets (Exo 35:22); and even the women parted with these. Can a maid forget her ornaments? Thus far they forgot them that they preferred the beautifying of the sanctuary before their own adorning. Let this teach us, in general, to part with that for God, when he calls for it, which is very dear to us, which we value, and value ourselves by; and particularly to lay aside our ornaments, and deny ourselves in them, when either they occasion offence to others or feed our own pride. If we think those gospel rules concerning our clothing too strict (Ti1 2:9, Ti1 2:10; Pe1 3:3, Pe1 3:4), I fear we should scarcely have done as these Israelites did. If they thought their ornaments well bestowed upon the tabernacle, shall not we think the want of ornaments well made up by the graces of the Spirit? Pro 1:9. 6. These rich things that they offered, we may suppose, were mostly the spoils of the Egyptians; for the Israelites in Egypt were kept poor, till they borrowed at parting. And we may suppose the rulers had better things (Exo 35:27), because, having more influence among the Egyptians, they borrowed larger sums. Who would have thought that ever the wealth of Egypt should have been so well employed? but thus God has often made the earth to help the woman, Rev 12:16. It was by a special providence and promise of God that the Israelites got all that spoil, and therefore it was highly fit that they should devote a part of it to the service of that God to whom they owed it all. Let every man give according as God hath prospered him, Co1 16:2. Extraordinary successes should be acknowledged by extraordinary offerings. Apply it to human learning, arts and sciences, which are borrowed, as it were, from the Egyptians. Those that are enriched with these must devote them to the service of God and his tabernacle: they may be used as helps to understand the scriptures, as ornaments or handmaids to divinity. But then great care must be taken that Egypt's gods mingle not with Egypt's gold. Moses, though learned in all the learning of the Egyptians, did not therefore pretend, in the least instance, to correct the pattern shown him in the mount. The furnishing of the tabernacle with the riches of Egypt was perhaps a good omen to the Gentiles, who, in the fulness of time, should be brought into the gospel tabernacle, and their silver and their gold with them (Isa 60:9), and it should be said, Blessed be Egypt my people, Isa 19:25. 7. We may suppose that the remembrance of the offerings made for the golden calf made them the more forward in these offerings. Those that had then parted with their ear-rings would not testify their repentance by giving the rest of their jewels to the service of God: godly sorrow worketh such a revenge, Co2 7:11. And those that had kept themselves pure from that idolatry yet argued with themselves, "Were they so forward in contributing to an idol, and shall we be backward or sneaking in our offerings to the Lord?" Thus some good was brought even out of that evil.
II. The work that was done for the service of the tabernacle (Exo 35:25): The women did spin with their hands. Some spun fine work, of blue and purple; others coarse work, of goats' hair, and yet theirs also is said to be done in wisdom, Exo 35:26. As it is not only rich gifts, so it is not only fine work that God accepts. Notice is here taken of the good women's work for God, as well as of Bezaleel's and Aholiab's. The meanest hand for the honour of God, shall have an honourable recompence. Mary's anointing of Christ's head shall be told for a memorial (Mat 26:13); and a record is kept of the women that laboured in the gospel tabernacle (Phi 4:3), and were helpers to Paul in Christ Jesus, Rom 16:3. It is part of the character of the virtuous woman that she layeth her hands to the spindle, Pro 31:19. This employment was here turned to a pious use, as it may be still (though we have no hangings to make for the tabernacle) by the imitation of the charity of Dorcas, who made coats and garments for poor widows, Act 9:39. Even those that are not in a capacity to give in charity may yet work in charity; and thus the poor may relieve the poor, and those that have nothing but their limbs and senses may be very charitable in the labour of love.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 20–29. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Exodus 35:24 meticulously details the specific material contributions of silver, brass, and shittim wood brought by the Israelites for the construction of the Tabernacle. This verse highlights the widespread, willing, and diverse participation of the community in providing the essential raw materials for God's sacred dwelling place in the wilderness. It underscores their collective devotion, obedience to the divine directives given through Moses, and the tangible expression of their consecrated wealth and available resources, ensuring that all necessary components were readily at hand for the monumental task of building the sanctuary.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Exodus 35:24 employs several literary devices that enhance its meaning and underscore the significance of the communal contributions. The Repetition of the verb "brought" (Hebrew: bôwʼ, H935) and the concept of "offering" (Hebrew: tᵉrûwmâh, H8641) throughout Exodus 35, and specifically within this verse, powerfully emphasizes the people's eager, widespread, and collective response to the divine command. The phrases "Every one" and "every man" utilize Synecdoche, where a part (each individual) stands for the whole (the entire Israelite community), underscoring the universal participation and unity in this sacred endeavor. The materials themselves, particularly shittim wood, function as potent Symbolism. Its inherent durability, hardness, and resistance to decay and insects symbolize the enduring nature of God's covenant, the permanence of His presence among His people, and the lasting quality required for sacred objects dedicated to Him. Furthermore, the entire act of contribution, encompassing diverse materials and the willing hearts of the givers, serves as a powerful Metonymy for the people's devotion, their obedience, and their communal commitment to establishing God's sanctuary as the central element of their national identity and worship.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 35:24 profoundly illustrates the theological principle of voluntary and communal giving as an essential act of worship and obedience to God. It reveals that the building of God's dwelling place is a shared responsibility, requiring diverse contributions from every member of the community, regardless of their status or the type of resource they possess. The dedication of valuable and practical resources to "the LORD'S offering" underscores the foundational biblical truth that all possessions ultimately belong to God, and believers are stewards called to use them for His purposes and glory. This willingness to give generously and cheerfully for the advancement of God's kingdom establishes a foundational pattern for all subsequent acts of worship and service, demonstrating that true spiritual engagement is often expressed through tangible sacrifice and active participation in God's redemptive work.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 35:24 offers a timeless and profound model for contemporary believers regarding our participation in God's ongoing work in the world. It challenges us to deeply consider our own resources—whether financial, material, or in terms of our time, talents, and spiritual gifts—and honestly assess how we are dedicating them to the Lord's service. The emphasis on "every one" and "every man" reminds us that no contribution is too small or insignificant when given with a willing, cheerful, and obedient heart. Just as the Israelites brought what they had, whether precious metals or durable wood, we are called to contribute our unique gifts to the spiritual building of God's kingdom and the support of His church, which is His body on earth. This verse encourages a spirit of radical generosity, communal responsibility, and joyful participation, recognizing that our offerings are not merely donations but sacred acts of worship that enable God's presence and redemptive work to flourish in our midst and impact the world. It prompts us to reflect on the attitude of our giving: is it coerced, grudging, or is it a spontaneous overflow of a heart stirred by God's call and love?
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why were silver, brass, and shittim wood specifically chosen for the Tabernacle?
Answer: These materials were chosen for their specific properties, symbolic significance, and practical availability, making them ideal for the Tabernacle's construction and furnishings. Silver and brass (bronze) were valuable metals, likely obtained by the Israelites from the Egyptians during the Exodus (Exodus 12:35-36), symbolizing God's provision and the dedication of acquired wealth to Him. Silver was used for sockets, hooks, and various vessels, while brass was crucial for the altar of burnt offering, the laver, and the courtyard pillars due to its strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion. Shittim wood, from the acacia tree, was abundant in the Sinai wilderness. It was highly valued for its extreme durability, hardness, and resistance to decay and insects, making it perfect for the Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Showbread, the altars, and the framework of the Tabernacle, ensuring the longevity and stability of these sacred objects and structures in the harsh desert environment.
What does it mean that these were "the LORD'S offering"?
Answer: The phrase "the LORD'S offering" signifies that these contributions were not merely for human use or benefit, but were specifically designated and dedicated to God and His sacred purposes. It emphasizes divine ownership and the holy nature of the gifts. By designating them as "the LORD'S offering," the Israelites acknowledged that all they possessed ultimately belonged to God, and their act of giving was an act of worship, devotion, and obedience. This concept reinforces the idea that the Tabernacle was not merely a human construction but a divinely commissioned dwelling place for God among His people, built with materials consecrated to Him. It highlights the sacredness of the entire project and the people's willing participation in it as an act of faith and reverence.
How does the willingness to contribute in Exodus 35:24 relate to modern Christian giving?
Answer: The willingness to contribute in Exodus 35:24 provides a foundational and enduring principle for modern Christian giving. Just as the Israelites gave freely, generously, and cheerfully for the physical Tabernacle, believers today are called to give with a cheerful and willing heart for the spiritual building of God's kingdom and the support of His church (2 Corinthians 9:7). This verse teaches that every contribution, regardless of its size or type (whether financial, material, time, or talent), is valuable and significant when offered with a sincere heart to the Lord. It underscores the communal responsibility of believers to provide the necessary resources for ministry, outreach, and the care of God's people, ensuring that the "work of the service" continues to flourish in the world and that God's presence is made manifest through His people.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 35:24, with its profound focus on the diverse and willing contributions for God's dwelling place, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The meticulously constructed Tabernacle, fashioned from silver, brass, and durable shittim wood, served as the physical embodiment of God's presence among His people, a temporary structure foreshadowing a greater, eternal reality. Christ is the true and eternal Tabernacle, the ultimate dwelling place of God with humanity. As John 1:14 declares, "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us," literally "tabernacled" or "pitched His tent" among us, bringing God's presence into the world in a way the physical Tabernacle could only hint at. The precious materials brought by the Israelites, though essential for the Old Covenant sanctuary, point to the infinitely more precious and perfect offering of Christ Himself. His body was the true temple, destroyed and raised in three days, as He prophesied in John 2:19-21, signifying the end of the need for an earthly, temporary dwelling. Furthermore, the diverse contributions of the community for the physical Tabernacle prefigure the spiritual temple, the Church, which is built upon the foundation of Christ Jesus, where believers are living stones being built into a spiritual house for God's dwelling by the Spirit (1 Peter 2:5 and Ephesians 2:19-22). Just as every Israelite contributed to the earthly sanctuary, every believer, by grace through faith in Christ, becomes an integral part of this spiritual dwelling where God's Spirit eternally resides. The "work of the service" for which the shittim wood was brought finds its ultimate purpose in Christ's perfect priestly ministry, who entered the true, heavenly Tabernacle not with the blood of animals, but with His own precious blood, securing eternal redemption for all who believe (Hebrews 9:11-12). Thus, the willing offerings of Exodus 35:24 ultimately point to the perfect, once-for-all offering of Christ, who is the substance of all shadows, the true dwelling of God, and the foundation of His eternal kingdom.