Exodus 25:1-2

OFFERINGS FOR THE SANCTUARY, Exodus 25:1-9.

2. Bring me an offering Hebrews, take for me a terumah . The terumah ( תרומה ) was thought of as a gift or offering that was lifted up to the honour of God . The word is often translated heave offering, as in the margin . Comp . Exodus 29:27-28; Leviticus 7:14; Leviticus 7:32; Numbers 15:19-20; Deuteronomy 12:6; Deuteronomy 12:11; Deuteronomy 12:17. Here it is used in the general sense of offering, or oblation, and what every man contributed toward the sanctuary was to be given willingly with his heart. No compulsory oblations were to be accepted for this new house of Jehovah, but only such as each man’s heart impelled him to bestow. And so in typical form it was indicated that God builds his spiritual house of willing souls. Comp. Rom 12:1 ; 1 Peter 2:5. How willingly the people responded is seen in Exodus 35:21-29; Exodus 36:5-7.