Exodus 25:2 - Exposition

Speak unto the children of Israel that they bring me an offering . The word translated "offering" is that commonly rendered" heave-offering;" but it seems to be used here (as in Exodus 30:13 ; Exodus 35:5 , etc.) in a generic sense. The propriety of the people, when God was about establishing his habitation among them, presenting to God all the materials needed, is self-evident and requires no comment. Of every man that giveth it willingly . Literally, "of every man whose heart drives him." God will have no gifts but such as are freely offered. He "loveth a cheerful giver. If a man gives grudgingly or of necessity," God rejects the gift. On the noble spirit which the people showed when the appeal was made to them, see Exodus 35:21-29 ; and Exodus 36:3 7.