Exodus 35:20-29

Willing Hearts Bring Their Gifts

Read the passage

20Then the whole congregation of Israel withdrew from the presence of Moses.

21And everyone whose heart stirred him and whose spirit prompted him came and brought an offering to the LORD for the work on the Tent of Meeting, for all its services, and for the holy garments.

22So 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.

23Everyone who had blue, purple, or scarlet yarn, or fine linen, goat hair, ram skins dyed red, or articles of fine leather, brought them.

24And 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.

25Every skilled woman spun with her hands and brought what she had spun: blue, purple, or scarlet yarn, or fine linen.

26And all the skilled women whose hearts were stirred spun the goat hair.

27The leaders brought onyx stones and gemstones to mount on the ephod and breastpiece,

28as well as spices and olive oil for the light, for the anointing oil, and for the fragrant incense.

29So all the men and women of the Israelites whose hearts prompted them brought a freewill offering to the LORD for all the work that the LORD through Moses had commanded them to do.

Berean Standard Bible

Read aloud

After hearing Moses, the congregation leaves, and those whose hearts move them return with offerings to the LORD. Men and women bring gold jewelry, yarn, linen, skins, silver, bronze, and acacia wood. The gifts are for the tent, its service, and the priests' garments.

Some offerings include work already done by the giver. Skilled women spin yarn and linen with their own hands; others spin goat hair. The leaders bring stones, spices, and oil. The passage takes time to name both the materials and the people who prepare or bring them.

The repeated description is willingness. The men and women give because their hearts are stirred, and their gifts answer the work God commanded through Moses. Generosity here has a clear destination. A piece of jewelry, a bundle of spun yarn, and oil for a lamp can each serve the sanctuary.

God's people are contributing from what they have and what they can do. We need not rank those gifts as though the most expensive one were the only offering worth noticing.

Questions

1 Who brings offerings after the congregation leaves Moses?

AnswerMen and women whose hearts stir them return with gifts. The passage repeatedly describes their offerings as willing and directed to the LORD's work.

2 What do the skilled women contribute?

AnswerThey spin colored yarn, fine linen, and goat hair and bring what they have prepared. Their offerings include practiced skill and time as well as materials.

3 How do the leaders help supply the sanctuary?

AnswerThey bring onyx stones and gemstones for the ephod and breastpiece, along with spices and olive oil. These gifts meet particular needs in worship and priestly service.

4 What could we offer when we have little money to give?

AnswerTime and a useful skill can help meet a real need. We might prepare a meal, mend something, or help with a task, after asking what would actually be useful.

What This Means for Us

Notice the hands that spun the yarn, not only the finished fabric. A useful gift may include hours of patient preparation. Thank people for that effort rather than comparing gifts by their price.

When your family wants to help, begin with what is needed and what you can responsibly offer. Willingness grows into practical care when the gift fits the need.

Prayer

Generous God, thank you for what you have placed in our hands. Make us willing to share our time, skill, and possessions. Help us notice the care others give and use our gifts where they are needed. Amen.

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