Bible Commentary

Exodus 35:20-29

Matthew Henry on Exodus 35:20-29

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · Matthew Henry · CC0 1.0 Universal

Without a willing mind, costly offerings would be abhorred; with it, the smallest will be accepted. Our hearts are willing, when we cheerfully assist in promoting the cause of God. Those who are diligent and contented in employments considered mean, are as much accepted of God as those engaged in splendid services.

The women who spun the goats' hair were wise-hearted, because they did it heartily to the Lord. Thus the labourer, mechanic, or servant who attends to his work in the faith and fear of God, may be as wise, for his place, as the most useful minister, and he equally accepted of the Lord.

Our wisdom and duty consist in giving God the glory and use of our talents, be they many or few.

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commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 35:4-20EXPOSITION THE PEOPLE INVITED TO BRING GIFTS, AND ASSIST IN THE WORK OF THE TABERNACLE. Having warned the Israelites against breaches of the sabbath, Moses proceeded to enumerate the offerings which God had said that th…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Contributions for the Tabernacle. (b. c. 1491.)THE CONTRIBUTIONS FOR THE TABERNACLE. (B. C. 1491.) Moses having made known to them the will of God, they went home and immediately put in practice what they had heard, Exodus 35:20. O that every congregation would thus…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 35:21-29EXPOSITION THE ZEAL OF THE PEOPLE IN OFFERING. Moses dismissed the people; but they soon began to return, bringing their offerings with them. There was a general, if not a universal, willingness Men and women alike "bro…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 35:21The Lord's offering—i.e; "their offering to Jehovah." For all his service. The use of "his" for "its" causes an unfortunate ambiguity here. The antecedent to the pronoun is not the Lord, but the tabernacle.Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 35:21-29Zeal in offering. Appeals are made to men, in all parts of the world, and in all ages, for material contributions towards the erection of structures in which God is to be worshipped. The spirit in which such appeals are…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 35:22They came, both men and women. That among the Hebrews gold ornaments were worn by men, as well as by women, is indicated by Exodus 3:22, and Exodus 32:2. The Egyptian men at the time of the Exodus wore armlets, bracelet…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 35:23Red skins of rams. The words are the same as those translated "rams' skins dyed red" in Exodus 25:5. The earlier rendering is the better one. Badger skins. Rather, "seal skins." See the comment on Exodus 25:5.Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 35:24Every one that did offer an offering of silver. It would seem that silver was offered by some in the way of a free-will offering, in addition to the compulsory half-shekel (Exodus 30:12-16). Curiously, however, the amou…Joseph S. Exell and contributors