Exodus 35:0 - Homilies By J. Orr

Gifts and workers.

Learn from this section that the Lord's work requires—

I. LIBERAL GIVERS . Almost everything needed for the sanctuary was provided by the free gifts of the people. What was required was readily forthcoming. The only exception to the voluntariness of the givings was the half-shekel of atonement money ( Exodus 30:11-17 ; Exodus 38:25 , Exodus 38:26 ). These givings, which may well be made the model of our own, were:

1 . Willing—"Every one whose heart stirred him up, and whom his spirit made willing" ( Exodus 36:21 ). The Lord "loveth a cheerful giver" ( 2 Corinthians 9:7 ).

2 . According to ability. Each gave as he was able ( Exodus 36:23-29 ). The princes gave costly gifts. Others brought silver and brass. Others gave wood. Those who could not give anything else gave work ( Exodus 36:25 , Exodus 36:26 ).

3 . Universal. All classes gave. The princes, the people, young and old, men and women.

4 . Overflowing. So zealous was the spirit of the people, and so abundant were their gifts, that they had in the end to be restrained ( Exodus 36:5-7 ). When will a like liberality be manifested in the cause of Christ? Liberal givings are needed . There is still much land to be possessed at home. Heathen lands are opening to the Gospel.

5 . It sufficed for the work ( Exodus 36:7 ). Thus would God teach us that it is his will that his work should be supported by the voluntary contributions of his people.

6 . The giving was made an act of worship—" Every man that offered, offered an offering ( lit . a wave -offering) of gold unto the Lord" ( Exodus 36:22 ). "Every one that did offer an offering of silver and brass brought the Lord's offering" ( Exodus 36:24 ). This is the true spirit of religious giving. The humblest offering, thus presented, will not fail of acceptance. Cf. the widow with her two mites ( Mark 12:41-44 ).

II. WILLING WORKERS ( Exodus 36:1 , Exodus 36:2 ). The work, like the giving, was hearty . Those only were asked to engage in this work whose hearts stirred them up to do it. God desires no other kind of workers.

III. DIVERSE GIFTS . These were needed for the different parts of the work. The man who made the "pin" ( Exodus 36:18 ) was as truly a worker in God's service, as Bezaleel, who drew the plans. He had his own gift and use.

IV. THE WISDOM OF THE SPIRIT . "He hath filled him with the spirit of God" ( Exodus 36:31 ). "Them hath he filled with wisdom of heart," etc. ( Exodus 36:35 ).— J . O .