EW Commentary - Exodus 25:1-9 - Supplies and Directions for the Tabernacle
A. The supplies for this building project.
1. (1-2) God tells Moses to ask for an offering.
Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: "Speak to the children of Israel, that they bring Me an offering. From everyone who gives it willingly with his heart you shall take My offering."
a. Speak to the children of Israel, that they bring Me an offering: Before God told Moses what the offering was for, He told Moses to take an offering. God wanted Israel to be motivated by a willing heart more than by a specific need.
i. Our giving should not be primarily because of need. We should primarily give because our willing heart compels us.
b. Bring Me an offering: God is a rich God and can use any method of providing He wants. Yet He usually uses the willing hearts of His people as the way to support His work.
i. "All the materials for the building of the Tabernacle were to be supplied by the people themselves. This was not because God could not have provided everything in some other way." (Morgan)
ii. This is because God wants to develop giving hearts within us. When we become givers, we become more like God, who is the greatest giver: For God so loved the world, He gave His only begotten Son (John 3:16).
iii. Therefore we must be givers, not so much because God or the church needs our money, but because we must be conformed into the image of God's Son (Romans 8:29).
c. From everyone who gives it willingly with his heart: God only wanted contributions from those who gave willingly. God is not interested in coerced or manipulated giving. In the New Testament this idea is echoed in 2 Corinthians 9:7: So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.
d. You shall take My offering: The offering didn't belong to Moses, it didn't belong to the elders, and it didn't belong to Israel itself. God said you shall take My offering. The offering belonged to God, and was held by Moses and the nation on God's behalf.
2. (3-7) The specific materials to be gathered.
"And this is the offering which you shall take from them: gold, silver, and bronze; blue, purple, and scarlet thread, fine linen, and goats' hair; ram skins dyed red, badger skins, and acacia wood; oil for the light, and spices for the anointing oil and for the sweet incense; onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod and in the breastplate."
a. This is the offering which you shall take from them: Each of these materials were used in building a structure God commanded Moses to build. Each of these materials has a symbolic or a spiritual representation relevant to the building.
i. In the proportion of the finished tabernacle, the present-day value of these materials total more than $13 million (DeWitt). Their combined weight would be almost 19,000 pounds (8,600 kilos).
b. Blue: The dye for this color was extracted from a shellfish, seemingly in several different hues.
c. Purple: The dye for this color came from the murex snail. It was a purple-red color.
d. Scarlet: The dye for this color came from the dried and powdered eggs and bodies of a particular worm (coccus ilicis) which attaches itself to the holly plant.
e. Fine linen: This term translates an Egyptian word. The Egyptians knew (and undoubtedly taught the Jews) how to make fine linen.
i. "Egypt excelled in the production of linen, especially twined linen, where every thread was twisted from many strands." (Cole)
f. Goat hair: Coverings made from this material were typically black and coarse, similar to our modern felt.
g. Rams' skins: This customarily had the wool removed and was like fine leather.
h. Badger skins: This difficult to translate phrase may also refer to the skins of porpoises or manatees (the sea cow).
i. Acacia wood: This wood is harder and darker than oak. It is also very durable because wood-eating insects avoid it.
i. "This acacia is known to have been plentiful in Egypt, and it abounds in Arabia Desert, the very place in which Moses was when he built the tabernacle; and hence it is reasonable to suppose that he built it of that wood, which was every way proper for his purpose." (Clarke)
3. (8-9) The purpose and pattern of the tabernacle.
"And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them. According to all that I show you, that is, the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furnishings, just so you shall make it."
a. Let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them: The purpose of the tabernacle was to be the dwelling place of God. The idea was not that God exclusively lived in that place, but that it was the specific place where men could come and meet God.
i. Sanctuary: "Means 'holy' place or 'the place set apart.' Everything about the tabernacle was holy. The same word in 1 and 2 Chronicles refers to the temple." (Kaiser)
b. The pattern of the tabernacle: This first representation of God's dwelling place would be a tabernacle - a tent - and not a permanent structure.
i. "The word 'tabernacle' (miskan) appears for the first time here of its 139 OT occurrences. It is from the word 'to dwell' (sakan) and is the place where God dwells among his people." (Kaiser)
ii. "The Hebrews were meant to feel that the God of their fathers was a fellow-pilgrim, that where they pitched He pitched, that their enemies, difficulties, and long toilsome marches were His." (Meyer)
c. According to all that I show you, that is, the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furnishings: It is evident that God not only described the tabernacle and its furnishings to Moses, but also did show him something of its structure and arrangement. There was a vision that accompanied the giving of these words.
i. The pattern of the tabernacle was according to a heavenly reality. It was a copy and shadow of the heavenly things (Hebrews 8:5). Therefore, it had to be made according to exact dimensions, being somewhat of a "scale model" of the area around God's throne in heaven.
ii. "The pattern means almost 'architect's model.'" (Cole)
Ex. 31:1-6 - The unique gifts of Bezaleel and Aholiab.
1. (1-6) The call of Bezaleel and Aholiab.
Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: "See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, to design artistic works, to work in gold, in silver, in bronze, in cutting jewels for setting, in carving wood, and to work in all manner of workmanship. And I, indeed I, have appointed with him Aholiab the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and I have put wisdom in the hearts of all who are gifted artisans, that they may make all that I have commanded you:"
a. See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur: Even as God specifically chose Moses and Aaron, He also specifically chose these craftsmen for His service.
b. I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship: God supernaturally enabled Bezalel to do the work of building the Tabernacle. God saw this work as just as spiritual, and just as dependent on the Holy Spirit's power, as the work Moses and Aaron did.
i. This divine empowering wasn't restricted only to Bezalel: I have put wisdom in the hearts of all who are gifted artisans. God wanted every worker's labor to be blessed and prompted by the Holy Spirit.
ii. Yet they were filled with the Holy Spirit not to work unto themselves, but unto the LORD: that they may make all that I have commanded you. God's empowering isn't to be used for our own selfish ends. Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men (Colossians 3:23).
Exodus Chapter 25:1-9 Extra Commentary
Verses 25:1 - 40:38: Most all of the remaining chapters specify the construction, care, and coordination of the tabernacle. Everything from the building materials, to decorations, instruments, regulations, offerings, furniture arrangement, wardrobe and personnel are mentioned. The details of this ornate place of worship, symbolizing the presence of a holy God and typifying Christ's future redemption of humanity, are so important that two complete records of them are given (25-31; 35-40). The tabernacle was not just a place of worship; it was a structure where Yahweh would "meet" (commune), with His people.
The primary focus of attention in the closing chapters is upon the design and construction of the central place of worship for the nation. In preparation for occupation of their Land, they had been given a system of law to regulate individual and national life, to prevent exploitation of the poor and the stranger, and to safeguard against polytheism and idolatry. That these safeguards were needed was confirmed by the idolatrous golden calf incident (32:1-35). The very detailed and divinely given blueprint of the tabernacle removes all speculation about whether it has any comparison with, or was somehow derived from, the little portable sanctuaries belonging to various tribal deities. The origin of the tabernacle was found in God and delivered to Moses by special revelation (25:9, 40; 26:30; Heb. 8:5).
The "Pattern" (design and specifications), and all the regulations for the tabernacle came from "the Lord" Himself; Moses was simply His spokesperson and foreman.
Exodus 25:1 "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
When on the mount, and in the midst of the cloud with him: saying; as follows.
Exodus 25:2 "Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering."
This instruction about "the offering" reflects the type of giving commanded (in 2 Cor. 9:7). Joyful, willing offerings have ever been God's desire.
We see in these two verses above, the type of giving that is pleasing to God. Gifts given with love from the heart are acceptable to God. Those who give grudgingly or of necessity, might as well keep it, because it is unacceptable to God.
2 Cor. 9:7 "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver."
I truly believe that if a person gives because it is expected of him or her and really doesn't want to give, the gift does not benefit God or the giver. A person, who truly loves God, wants to give. In fact, he usually gives much more than is expected of him.
Exodus 25:3 "And this [is] the offering which ye shall take of them; gold, and silver, and brass,"
The Israelites had brought out of Egypt
(1) Their ancestral wealth-the possessions of Abraham and the accumulations of Joseph; and
(2) The rich gifts received from the Egyptians at the moment of their departure.
They had added to their wealth by the plunder of the Amalekites. Thus, they possessed a considerable store of the precious metals. And there is no difficulty in supposing that they furnished the gold needed for the tabernacle without seriously impoverishing themselves. The silver, which was of small amount comparatively, appears ultimately to have been furnished in another way (Exodus 30:12-16; 38:25-28). The brass or rather bronze, for brass seems to have been unknown at this time, was small in amount (Exodus 38:29). And of no great value. It would have constituted no serious drain on the resources of the people.
The "gold" was needed mostly for everything in the Holy of Holies where God dwelt. All items had to be either 24 karat gold or 24 karat gold overlaid. The spiritual meaning of gold has to do with purity associated with God. There is no need for us to try to figure out where all this gold came from. We do know from Scripture that this nearly three million people spoiled the Egyptians and brought gold and other precious metals into the wilderness with them. Perhaps they also had gold and other precious items handed down from other generations.
The spiritual meaning of "silver" is redemption. Items associated with the tabernacle, other than in the Holy place were silver. The people came to be redeemed.
"Brass" has to do with judgment and strength.
Exodus 25:4 "And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' [hair],"
"Blue, and purple, and scarlet": These colors were produced by dying the thread: blue from a shellfish, purple from the secretion of a murex snail, and crimson from powdered eggs and bodies of certain worms, which attached themselves to holly plants. Deriving different colored dyes from different natural sources demonstrates a substantial degree of technical sophistication with textiles and fabrics.
"Fine linen": Egypt had a reputation for excellence in producing finely twined linens.
The "blue", "purple" and "scarlet" probably were the colors of material. These three colors also have spiritual meanings and are known as God's special colors. "Blue" means heavenly, "scarlet", or red means life or blood and "purple" shows royalty. You see, all three have very important spiritual meanings. The spiritual meaning of "fine linen" is moral purity.
The Hebrew women were well-known for their weaving ability. This "goats' hair", probably was chosen for its strength and durability as were the "rams' skins" and "badgers' skins". Perhaps, it was chosen because of its water shedding ability as well.
Exodus 25:5 "And rams' skins dyed red, and badgers' skins, and shittim wood,"
"Rams' skins dyed red": With all the wool removed and then dyed, it resembled Moroccan leather.
"Shittim wood": A hard, durable, close-grained, and aromatic desert wood avoided by wood-eating insects. It was considered good for cabinet making, and could also be found in sufficient quantities in the Sinai Peninsula.
This "rams' skin dyed red" was probably because it could be seen inside the temple.
This "shittim wood" was chosen for its usefulness in making cabinets. Wood has to do with worldliness.
Exodus 25:6 "Oil for the light, spices for anointing oil, and for sweet incense,"
"Spices": For the many years of Bible history, Arabia was highly respected for the variety of balsams she exported.
The "oil for the light" was to be pure olive oil beaten. Olive oil is symbolic of the Holy Spirit of God. Of Course, Jesus is the Light as well.
The "spices" for the anointing oil were myrrh, sweet cinnamon, sweet calamus and cassia.
Exodus 25:7 "Onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod, and in the breastplate."
"Onyx stones": Sometimes thought to be chrysoprase quartz, a product known to the Egyptians and with which Israel was no doubt familiar. The LXX translated it as beryl.
"Onyx" is usually a black stone, today, and not a precious stone. The word that has been translated "onyx" indicates a bright precious stone. On these two stones (one for each side of the shoulder), were written the names of the twelve tribes of Israel.
The "ephod" was part of the garment of the High priest, this was his priestly robe. The color of the robe was blue. The "breastplate" worn over this robe had twelve precious stones set in it representing the twelve tribes of Israel. There was a pocket behind this breastplate next to the heart of the High Priest that contained the Urim and Thummim.
Some believe this was represented by a diamond engraved with the unspeakable name of God Almighty. "Urim" means lights, or fire and "Thummim" means perfections. These twelve stones on the breastplate were mounted in gold and there were four rows of three stones. Many of the precious stones were represented.
Verses 8-9: "Sanctuary ... tabernacle": There are 50 chapters in the Bible devoted to the tabernacle: 13 in Exodus; 18 in Leviticus; 13 in Numbers; two in Deuteronomy; and four in Hebrews. The final 16 chapters in Exodus are primarily devoted to the instructions and fashioning of the tabernacle. The amount of space devoted certainly demonstrates its importance to Israel's experience as a religious community. The above are two of the five different names or titles applied to the tabernacle in the Pentateuch. "Sanctuary" translates the Hebrew "miqdosh". It derives from a root meaning "be holy," and may have come into use because of the two parts into which the facility was divided; the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place.
This reinforces the notion of holiness or separation. The sanctuary testifies to the holiness of God by more than its structure. Aaron, the chief minister of the tabernacle, wore a diadem with the engraving, "Holiness to the Lord" (Exodus 28:36). This term lends an aura of the unapproachable and the distant. Though God was accessible to the people, the engraving reminded them that the tabernacle was no ordinary facility. The tabernacle was set apart and special to Yahweh. The second term, "tabernacle", translates the Hebrew "mishkan", "dwelling place." Notice that Yahweh says, "Let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them." It implies an active sense of dwelling.
When the tabernacle was completed, the signal that Yahweh had come now to inhabit it was the descent of the glory cloud (40:34-38). The ark was significant for more than being the depository for the law. The ark's cover represented the throne of God. Therefore, the ark was placed in the Most Holy Place of the tabernacle and symbolized God's presence. Also, the table of the bread of the presence (verse 30), on which were placed the 12 loaves, symbolized that the tribes were present before the Lord.
Exodus 25:8 "And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them."
The predominate "type" of Christ in the Old Testament is the tabernacle. The New Testament authority for recognizing its typological significance is (Hebrews 9:1-24). Because the pattern for the tabernacle was designed by God, this has led some Bible scholars to conclude that even the minutest details of the tabernacle have a typological significance.
In describing the incarnation (John 1:14), John uses the word for dwelt, which has the idea of pitching a tent or tabernacle. The tabernacle was the sanctuary of God, described as His dwelling place (verse 8). Just as God lived in a tent in the wilderness, so the Son of God lived (and still lives), in a human body as the New Testament "tent." Today, the physical bodies of Christians serve as the temple (dwelling place), of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 16:19-20).
"I may dwell": The tabernacle, a noun derived from the verb "to dwell," was an appropriate designation for that which was to be the place of God's presence with His people. His presence would be between the cherubim and from there He would meet with Moses (verse 22).
"Sanctuary" means hallowed place or holy place. God's desire has always been to fellowship with His creation (mankind). God wanted them to build Him a place so He could be near them.
Exodus 25:9 "According to all that I shew thee, [after] the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make [it]."
"Tabernacle": The Pentateuch records 5 different names for the tabernacle:
(1) "Sanctuary," denoting a sacred place or set apart, i.e., holy place;
(2) "Tent", denoting a temporary or collapsible dwelling;
(3) "Tabernacle," from "to dwell," denoting the place of God's presence (as well as other titles);
(4) "Tabernacle of the congregation, or meeting"; and
(5) "Tabernacle of the testimony."
The original (that the pattern was copied by for the tabernacle), is in heaven. The Lord opened Moses' eyes and allowed him to see this tabernacle. It really doesn't matter whether this was a vision or an actual sighting. The main thing is that the Lord allowed him to see the structure and the furniture. When Moses viewed the tabernacle, the Lord implanted in his mind a lasting picture so that he would make no mistakes in reproducing it here on the earth.
Ex. 31:1-6 Extra
Verses 1-5: "Bezalel", a master craftsman, had a particular skill that was needed for worship. He was "filled ... with the Spirit of God" (a phrase typically used in the Old Testament for prophets and kings). For those who are willing, the Lord can and will use every gift He provides His servants as a means to worship Him.
In (verses 1-11), God identified two men by name as specially chosen and divinely endued with ability, or
Spirit-filled, to make all He had revealed to Moses (28:3; 36:1). None of the craftsmen were left untouched by divinely bestowed understanding in the intricacy of their work. They were called "craftsmen," suggesting previously developed skill. They were to make all that is prescribed (in Exodus chapters 25-30).
Exodus 31:1 "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
After the Lord had given Moses instructions about building a tabernacle, the model of which he had shown him. And what should be the furniture of it, who should minister in it, and what clothes they should wear. He acquaints him that He had provided artificers for this service. Which would prevent doubts and objections that might rise up in the mind of Moses, how and by whom all this should be done. Since the children of Israel had not been brought up, nor used to any curious work in Egypt, out of which they were but just come. Saying; as follows:
Exodus 31:2 "See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah:"
It is a high honor to be called of God by name. He thus calls only those whom He appoints to some great work, as Moses (Exodus 3:4; 33:12), Samuel (1 Sam. 3:10), and Cyrus (Isa. 45:3-4).
"Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur": Hur, the grandfather of Bezaleel is generally supposed to be identical with the Hur who supported Moses's hands (Exodus 17:12). And was left joint regent with Aaron when Moses went up into Mount Sinai (Exodus 24:14). "Of the tribe of Judah": Descended from Judah through Pharez, Hezron, and Caleb (1 Chron. 2:5; 2:18-20).
When God calls anyone "by name", it is to take over a godly task. God Himself had called a man named Bezaleel to work for Him. This was the first mention of this man in the Bible. He was an unknown. Moses or Aaron might never have gone out and searched him out to do this job. He had no background or recommendations.
Bezaleel seemed to drop in out of nowhere to do this job for God. His only claim to fame up until now was that he was the grandson of Hur, who stayed the arm of Moses to help with the battle. You see, God does not always choose someone who the world thinks might do a good job to do work for Him. God chooses whom He will and that was certainly the case here.
Exodus 31:3 "And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,"
"And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom": The basic idea behind the Hebrew word for "wisdom" is skill. To gain wisdom means to develop the ability to live life skillfully and produce something of quality. This is the use here and (in Exodus 36:1): "In whom the Lord put wisdom and understanding to know how to work all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary." (Psalm 107:23-29), provides a good illustration as it relates to skilled mariners who were unable to cope with a severe storm. The phrase (in verse 27), "and are at their wit's end," is literally "their wisdom [chokmah] is swallowed up." Their "skill" or "ability" to get themselves to shore had been reduced.
God had filled Bezaleel with the knowledge and the Spirit of God which it would take to do this job. It seems as though God not only gave him the knowledge, but the skill as well.
Exodus 31:4 "To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,"
The Israelites, who had been masons and bricklayers in Egypt, were not qualified for curious workmanship. But the Spirit who gave the apostles utterance in divers tongues, miraculously gave Bezaleel and Aholiab the skill that was wanting. The honor which comes from God, is always attended with a work to be done; to be employed for God is high honor. Those whom God calls to any service, he will find or make fit for it. The Lord gives different gifts to different persons. Let each do his proper work, diligently remembering that whatever wisdom any one possesses, the Lord put it in the heart, to do his commandments.
All of the details for this magnificent tabernacle would have to be indelibly imprinted in his mind. There was no way he could get all of these details accurate unless it was in his mind. God had miraculously prepared him.
Exodus 31:5 "And in cutting of stones, to set [them], and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship."
That is, in cutting and setting the precious stones, and in graving on them what God commanded.
"In carving of timber": Rather in cutting of timber, as the same word is rendered in the beginning of the verse. For we do not read of any carved work about the tabernacle.
You may be assured that if God calls you to do a job for Him, He will give you whatever you need to finish the job with. You see, in the case of Bezaleel, God didn't stop with giving him just one gift. He filled him with everything he needed to get the job done.
Exodus 31:6 "And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan: and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee;"
It has been observed above that Bezaleel's work was general, Aholiab's was special. Our version, indeed, styles the latter "an engraver, and a cunning workman, and an embroiderer" (Exodus 38:23). From which it might be supposed that, like Bezaleel, he cultivated various branches of art. In the original, however, nothing is said of engraving, and the true meaning seems to be that Aholiab had the charge of the textile fabrics needed for the sanctuary. And directed both the weaving and the embroidery, but did not intermeddle in other matters (see note on Exodus 38:23).
"Of the tribe of Dan.": The tribe of Dan is among the most undistinguished; but it produced two great artists. Aholiab, the skillful maker of the textile fabrics of the tabernacle, and Hiram, the master workman employed in the ornamentation of Solomon's temple (2 Chron. 2:14).
"All that are wise hearted": On the expression "wise hearted" (see note on Exodus 28:3).
We see that God had given Bezaleel a helper. These two, Bezaleel and Aholiab, would supervise all the work. Bezaleel would be over all and Aholiab would be his helper. These men both had natural ability to do this job, which was a gift from God.
We see in these previous verses that God had given them even more wisdom and natural ability than they had before. By the power of the Spirit of God teaching them and anointing from the inside with the power of the Spirit to carry out this job that God had given them. As I said before, if God calls you to do a job, He will equip you supernaturally to do it.
Sermon Notes - Ex. 25:1-9
Over the next few weeks we will be looking at the tabernacle, which will take us more or less to the end of the book of Exodus.
The tabernacle was a movable tent which would be the place of worship, and the place where God would dwell with his people. But first of all they needed the materials to make it, and these materials would be received as offerings from the people.
In the previous chapter, in Exodus 24, God confirmed the covenant with Israel, and what we read resembles a service of worship - there's a call to worship, confession of faith, reading of the word of God, the blood of sacrifice, and a celebration of communion. And all this was done in the presence of God. The only thing they didn't do was to take an offering. But here in chapter 25 the first thing God tells Moses to do is to collect an offering for the tabernacle.
There's the story of a minister who preached on the subject of money and giving, and the following day received a letter: "I was never so disappointed in a service as I was on Sunday. I have an unbelieving friend that I got to come to church with me, and what were you preaching about? Money! I can assure you she was not impressed! And why money, when there are so many beautiful things to say? You'd better reconsider such messages in the future. Leave money to God, and he will handle everything, believe me. I love this church and usually like the sermons, but that was terrible. Yours, a Christian who loves to go to church to hear God's word."
Well, I'm feeling very nervous since I realise we have quite a few visitors here today. But the truth is that if we want to hear God's word, sooner or later we be talking about money and giving. Giving is an important biblical theme and money is something which is relevant to all of our lives. However it is also true that some Christian ministries and churches abuse people in the area of finances. We don't want to abuse anyone, but to learn what the bible teaches on this subject. Exodus 25 is one of those passages which has something to teach about the grace of giving.
This morning, I am delighted to say, I come to this subject not because we are in great need. I come to the subject simply because it's the next passage in Exodus, which is the great advantage of systematic bible teaching. In fact I've been greatly humbled this year but the extraordinarily generous giving in this church - the Lord has wonderfully provided for all our needs. So I'm preaching to the converted! But it's still good to be reminded of these things.
Main Points
1. 1. Our giving is first of all giving to God
Exodus 25: 1,2a The Lord said to Moses, "Tell the Israelites to bring me and offering."
The people were not giving to make Moses rich; their offerings were not for the personal benefit of Aaron and the priests. Their offering was first of all for the glory of God and it was an act of worship.
Sometimes when we give we speak of giving to the church. In some ways this makes sense since most of our giving goes to the local church. But what we are really doing is giving to the Lord. We are giving part of what we own back to the Lord who has blessed us in the first place. God has commissioned for the church to do his work in the world. So when we give to the church we are giving to his work. This is why we collect an offering in our worship service since giving to God is an act of worship. Our giving is an expression of our love and adoration to the Lord.
Brian was on the door this morning, and when you came to church he didn't charge you to come in; there wasn't an admission charge to pay; you aren't asked for a subscription to become a member of the church; our giving is an expression of praise and worship.
Ps 96: , "Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come into his courts."
Whether our giving is from our material goods or in other ways, it is a response to his grace. When we give God gives back to us and blesses us. And we can't out give God.
Jesus said: "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again." [Luke 6:38]
The apostle Paul said: "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously." [2Corinthians 9:6]
1. 2. Our giving comes from the heart
Exodus 25:2b "You are to receive the offering for me from each man whose heart prompts him to give."
One commentator puts it like this: "God makes giving to the building of the tabernacle a voluntary gesture! He does not demand, or command, how much a person must give, or even that a person must give. He leaves it to the heart of the individual member of the covenant community."
This, of course, is why it's called an offering! It's not something God takes; it's something we give.
This teaching is in the New Testament: "Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver" [2Corinthains 9:7]. Giving must come from the heart, not grudgingly, from the overflow of our hearts.
God is more concerned about our attitude in giving than about what or how much we give, such as in the story of the widows mite. The same is true for us when we are given a present. If we find out the person only gave it to us reluctantly, it sort of makes you feel you don't really want the gift anyway. I think God feels the same way.
There were times when God did specify the amount his people should give. It was called a tithe, which literally means a tenth. God expected his people to give regularly and faithfully 10% of their produce back to God. The tithe was used to support the Levites in their work of looking after the temple.
As Christians we generally think it's a good idea to follow the same pattern. 10% serves as a useful guideline. In a congregational church such as ours, all the finances to run everything that happens comes from the congregation, there is no central fund. So for the church to be sustained here with a pastor we need to be living by biblical principles of giving.
1. 3. We give our very best
God had a long list of items he wanted for the tabernacle.
READ Exodus 25:3-7
This list sounds a bit like a list that might go in the bulletin before Holiday Club. "The following items are needed for the craft activities for Holiday Club. If you can help, please see Barbara."
God had a major craft project in mind, but he wasn't just going to use old cereal packets or old clothes, as useful as these might be for Holiday Club. The items he chose were costly items: gold, silver and bronze. They were to give valuable coloured fabrics.
A commentator says this: "The wool was dyed the colour of a dye extracted from a species of shell-fish found in abundance in the sea, by the coasts of the Mediterranean, and especially by the shores of Phoenicia and the Land of Israel. The dyers used to prise open the shell-fish whilst they were still alive, and the transparent liquid secreted from their glands acquired in sunlight a deep violet colour. It took thousands of shells to collect enough dye even for a single robe, and the process was extremely expensive."
There were to give olive oil, fragrant incense, and valuable gems. But where would they get all this from in the desert? The answer is that they got it from the Egyptians when the left Egypt (Exodus 11:2). God had already provided the items for them to give.
Not everyone had gold to give, but those who did could give gold. Not everyone had fine linen or precious gems, but those who did could give them. Some of the items were less expensive such as the acacia wood. So for a poor man, all he had to do to give was to go and cut down a tree and bring the wood as an offering. The important thing was that everyone was invited to give, and people were to bring the best they could to God. The love the Lord means to bring him the best of our time, talents and material blessings as well.
More than that, this was an extraordinary opportunity. God was giving the people the opportunity to participate in building a place of worship for his glory. They had the wonderful privilege of offering the gifts which would go into making the tabernacle. What contribution would you have like to have made if you had been there?
1. 4. Our giving is giving to God's work
Exodus 25:8 "Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them."
When the people gave, the offerings weren't horded up for a rainy day, but they were put to work. We are not interested in the church or its ministers becoming rich; we are interested in God's work.
The chapters which follow (Exodus 25-31) describe in detail how this giving was used to make the tabernacle. As Christians we know that the church is the people not the building. But sometimes we think giving to buildings is unspiritual and we think our money could be better spent on missions. But buildings are important as well. They provide a place a place in the community for preaching, for worship and ministry, youth clubs and so on, all of which are God's work, and wouldn't happen without the building.
