Exodus 35 brings us into a moment of collective purpose, reminding us of how we, as a community of faith, can respond to God’s invitation to serve Him. After receiving the covenant again from the Lord, Moses returns to the people and begins organizing the next crucial steps of their journey: the construction of the Tabernacle. This chapter isn’t just about building something physical; it’s about the heart of worship, about what it means for us to participate in God’s work with joyful and generous spirits.
The chapter opens with a powerful reminder from Moses about the Sabbath. “Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be a holy day for you, a Sabbath of solemn rest to the Lord.” Even as they were preparing to do this monumental task of building the Tabernacle—a work that required intense labor and coordination—they were still commanded to rest. That’s something we need to hold onto, especially when we feel the pressure of responsibilities. God values rest, not as laziness, but as reverence. We’re reminded to pause from our work and set aside time to honor Him. In doing so, we acknowledge that everything we accomplish ultimately comes from His strength and provision.
Following this, Moses calls the whole congregation together, and we sense a stirring of unity. There’s an eagerness in the people as they are given the opportunity to bring offerings for the construction of the Tabernacle. These weren’t taxes or mandatory contributions. Moses says, “Whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it.” That phrase—“willing heart”—echoes through the passage and reaches us even today. God is not after obligation. He’s looking for our willingness, our desire to give and serve joyfully.
What’s beautiful here is that the offerings are not limited to the wealthy. The people bring gold, silver, bronze, blue and purple fabric, fine linen, goat’s hair, ram skins, spices, oils, precious stones—whatever they have that can be used for God’s house. Some contribute raw materials, others bring their skills. We are reminded that God’s work makes space for all kinds of contributions. Our offerings may not always be financial or extravagant. Sometimes it’s our time, our creativity, our craftsmanship, our prayers—each of these has value when given from the heart.
As the chapter unfolds, we see that not only are materials gathered, but skilled individuals step forward too. “All the wise-hearted among you shall come, and make all that the Lord has commanded,” Moses says. It’s encouraging to see that artistry and practical skills are just as spiritual as preaching or teaching. Bezalel and Oholiab are called by name, and God fills them with His Spirit—not just for prophecy or leadership, but for craftsmanship. They are filled with wisdom, understanding, and knowledge to design, to cut stones, to engrave, to weave. This tells us that God honors the creative work of our hands when it’s offered in devotion to Him.
Something particularly moving in this chapter is the way the people respond. It says, “They came, everyone whose heart stirred him up, and everyone whom his spirit made willing.” There’s this incredible wave of generosity that flows through the camp. Men and women alike bring what they have. Women with skill spin yarn and linen. The leaders bring gems and spices. It’s a picture of what happens when our hearts are aligned with God’s purpose—sacrifice becomes joy. No one is forced. They give because they want to participate in something sacred.
This kind of heart posture reminds us of passages like 2 Corinthians 9:7, “Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver.” What we see in Exodus 35 is a reflection of that joy. The Israelites had just come through a season of failure—the golden calf incident—but here they are, restored, revived, and ready to give themselves to the Lord’s plan. That gives us hope too. No matter our past failures, when we turn back to God with willing hearts, He invites us to be part of something holy.
The chapter closes by once again lifting up Bezalel and Oholiab as examples of God-appointed workers, blessed with skill and a heart to teach others. They aren’t just doers; they’re mentors. That’s a powerful model for us—whatever talents we have, we are called not only to use them but to multiply them by teaching and encouraging others.
In this chapter, we see worship expressed through action. The people didn’t just sing or sacrifice animals—they built, they crafted, they offered their best. That’s a picture of holistic worship. It calls us to examine how we’re using what God has given us. Are we giving with willing hearts? Are we finding joy in serving? Are we encouraging others to use their gifts too?
Exodus 35 leaves us with a renewed sense of purpose. It reminds us that no offering is too small, no talent too ordinary, when it’s offered to God. And more importantly, it shows us that God delights in our willing hearts. He didn’t need gold or fine linen; He desired the devotion behind it. In the same way, when we offer what we have with love and sincerity, God builds something beautiful out of it—a Tabernacle, a community, a reflection of His glory.