TRV
Translation
Complete Jewish Bible
Likewise the women whose heart stirred them to use their skill spun the goat's hair.
American Standard Version
And all the women whose heart stirred them up in wisdom spun the goats’ hair.
World English Bible Messianic
All the women whose heart stirred them up in wisdom spun the goats’ hair.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Likewise al the women, whose hearts were moued with knowledge, spun goates heare.
Young's Literal Translation
and all the women whose heart hath lifted them up in wisdom, have spun the goats' hair .
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In the KJVVerse 2,558 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 35:26 vividly portrays the willing and divinely-empowered participation of Israelite women in the construction of the Tabernacle. This verse specifically highlights their skilled contribution of spinning goats' hair, a crucial material for the sacred dwelling's coverings. It underscores that every individual, regardless of gender or specific skill, was called to contribute their gifts with a heart stirred by devotion and God-given wisdom towards the communal worship and dwelling place of the Lord.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs Metonymy through the phrase "whose heart stirred them up," where "heart" stands in for the entire person's inner will, desire, and motivation. This emphasizes the internal, voluntary nature of their contribution, highlighting that their actions stemmed from a deep-seated personal commitment rather than external compulsion. There is also a subtle use of Synecdoche, where the specific act of "spinning goats' hair" represents the broader range of textile work and, by extension, the significant and diverse contributions of women to the Tabernacle's construction. The mention of "wisdom" can be seen as a form of Divine Endowment, highlighting that their skill was not merely human talent but a gift from God, enabling them to perform sacred tasks with excellence. This elevates their seemingly mundane labor to a divinely sanctioned and empowered act of worship, underscoring that all true skill used for God's glory originates from Him.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 35:26 powerfully illustrates the principle that true worship and service to God involve the willing and skilled contribution of every member of the community. It reveals that God values not only grand offerings but also the diligent application of practical skills, especially when offered with a "stirred heart." The women's act of spinning goats' hair, though seemingly humble, was indispensable for the Tabernacle's completion, demonstrating that every gift, no matter how ordinary, becomes extraordinary when consecrated to God's purposes. This verse also implicitly connects to the broader theme of divine enablement, where God provides the necessary wisdom and ability for His people to accomplish His work, transforming human effort into sacred service. It underscores God's holistic design, where every part, every person, and every skill is vital for the flourishing of His kingdom.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 35:26 offers profound lessons for believers today, reminding us that our service to God is not limited to grand gestures or public roles, but encompasses the diligent and joyful application of our unique gifts in seemingly ordinary ways. Just as the Israelite women's spinning was crucial for the Tabernacle, our "humble" skills—whether in administration, hospitality, teaching, creative arts, or even the mundane tasks of daily life—are vital for building up the body of Christ and extending His kingdom. The emphasis on a "stirred heart" challenges us to examine our motivations: are we serving out of obligation, or from a genuine, enthusiastic desire to honor God? Furthermore, the concept of "wisdom" reminds us that our abilities, whether innate or acquired, are ultimately gifts from God, to be stewarded for His glory. This verse calls us to identify our gifts, cultivate them with diligence, and offer them freely and joyfully, knowing that God can use every contribution, no matter how small, to accomplish His divine purposes and manifest His presence in the world through His people.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of "goats' hair" in the Tabernacle construction?
Answer: Goats' hair was a crucial material for the Tabernacle, specifically used for the second layer of coverings, which functioned as the tent over the dwelling (see Exodus 26:7). It was a practical and durable material, providing protection from the elements in the wilderness. Its inclusion highlights that even common materials, when consecrated and skillfully prepared, were essential for the sacred dwelling and were part of God's detailed architectural plan for His presence among His people. The use of such a common, yet vital, material underscores that God's plan incorporates both the precious and the practical.
Does this verse imply that women were only involved in "lesser" tasks?
Answer: Not at all. Exodus 35:26, along with other verses like Exodus 38:8, demonstrates the vital and active role women played in the Tabernacle's construction and service. Spinning and weaving were highly specialized and indispensable crafts in ancient societies, requiring significant skill and "wisdom." The Tabernacle's intricate textiles, from the inner curtains to the outer coverings, could not have been made without these contributions. This verse underscores that every skill and every person's willing heart was valued and necessary for God's work, emphasizing the dignity and spiritual significance of all contributions to God's glory.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 35:26, with its portrayal of willing hearts and divinely-enabled skills contributing to the Tabernacle, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ and the New Covenant community. The Tabernacle, a temporary dwelling for God's presence among His people, powerfully foreshadowed Jesus Christ, who is the true dwelling place of God among humanity, Immanuel, "God with us" (Matthew 1:23). Just as the women's skilled labor prepared the physical dwelling for God in the wilderness, believers today, empowered by the Holy Spirit, are called to build up the spiritual temple, the Church, of which Christ is the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20-22). The "wisdom" granted to the Israelite women for their craft points to the spiritual gifts bestowed by the Holy Spirit upon all believers, enabling them to serve the body of Christ in diverse ways (see 1 Corinthians 12:4-11). Our "stirred hearts" in service are a reflection of Christ's own willing sacrifice, who gave Himself completely for us, demonstrating ultimate humility and obedience (Philippians 2:5-8). Thus, the humble act of spinning goats' hair in Exodus becomes a beautiful prefigurement of the diverse, Spirit-empowered, and willing service of every believer in the New Covenant, all contributing to the building of God's eternal kingdom through Christ, who is the ultimate expression of God's dwelling among His people.