“And the spice merchants, and the incense merchants, and the frankincense, and the sweet spices, and the oil, and the fine flour, and the wheat, and the beasts, and the sheep, shall bring to the place of which the Lord hath spoken.”
Context:Exodus 35 is part of the account of the construction of the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary that the Israelites built under the guidance of Moses in the wilderness. This chapter describes the contributions and offerings made by the Israelites to support the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings.
Offerings and Contributions:In the verse you mentioned, various merchants and individuals are mentioned, each contributing specific materials or items for the construction of the Tabernacle. These offerings include spices, incense, frankincense, sweet spices, oil, fine flour, wheat, and livestock such as beasts and sheep.
Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons:
Willingness to Give:The voluntary nature of these contributions is significant. The people offered these items willingly and cheerfully, as earlier verses in Exodus 35 emphasize. This highlights the importance of a willing heart when giving to the Lord’s work or supporting His Kingdom.
Quality of Offerings:Notice that the offerings are not just any materials, but high‑quality items such as fine flour, sweet spices, and frankincense. This demonstrates the principle of offering our best to God rather than giving Him the leftovers or the least significant things in our lives.
Worship and Devotion:The offerings of spices and incense are closely connected to the worship practices in the Tabernacle. Incense was used during worship to symbolize prayers rising to God (Psalm 141:2), while the sweet spices and frankincense represented the pleasing aroma of devotion to God (Leviticus 2:2). This reminds us of the importance of genuine worship and devotion in our lives, offering ourselves as a living sacrifice to God (Romans 12:1).
Provision from God:The fact that these items were brought to the place where the Lord had spoken shows that God was guiding and providing for the construction of the Tabernacle. It is a reminder that all we have comes from God, and when we give back to Him, we acknowledge His provision in our lives.
Application:As we study Exodus 35:28, there are several practical applications for our lives:
Generous Giving:We should be willing to give of our resources, talents, and time for the work of God, supporting ministries and those in need.
Offering our Best:Just as the Israelites brought high‑quality offerings, we should offer our best to God in all aspects of our lives, not just in material possessions but also in our attitudes, actions, and relationships.
Sincere Worship:Worship is not limited to songs and prayers but extends to every area of our lives. Our daily actions should reflect a heart that is devoted to God and seeks to please Him.
Acknowledging God’s Provision:When we give back to God, we acknowledge that all we have comes from Him. Gratitude for His provision should fuel our generosity.
In conclusion, Exodus 35:28 serves as a reminder of the importance of willing and cheerful giving, offering our best to God, and engaging in sincere worship while acknowledging God’s provision in our lives. These principles are timeless and can be applied to our lives as we seek to honor and serve the Lord in all that we do.
