Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Exodus Ch.35 / 40 Ch.s
EX:35
* The sabbath to be observed. (1-3) The free gifts for the
tabernacle. (4-19) The readiness of the people in general.
(20-29) Bezaleel and Aholiab called to the work. (30-35)
#1-3 The mild and easy yoke of Christ has made our sabbath
duties more delightful, and our sabbath restraints less irksome,
than those of the Jews; but we are the more guilty by neglecting
them. Surely God's wisdom in giving us the sabbath, with all the
mercy of its purposes, are sinfully disregarded. Is it nothing
to pour contempt upon the blessed day, which a bounteous God has
given to us for our growth in grace with the church below, and
to prepare us for happiness with the church above?
#4-19 The tabernacle was to be dedicated to the honour of God,
and used in his service; and therefore what was brought for it,
was an offering to the Lord. The rule is, Whosoever is of a
willing heart, let him bring. All that were skilful must work.
God dispenses his gifts; and as every man hath received, so he
must minister, #1Pe 4:10|. Those that were rich, must bring in
materials to work on; those that were skilful, must serve the
tabernacle with their skill: as they needed one another, so the
tabernacle needed them both, #1Co 12:7-21|.
#20-29 Without a willing mind, costly offerings would be
abhorred; with it, the smallest will be accepted. Our hearts are
willing, when we cheerfully assist in promoting the cause of
God. Those who are diligent and contented in employments
considered mean, are as much accepted of God as those engaged in
splendid services. The women who spun the goats' hair were
wise-hearted, because they did it heartily to the Lord. Thus the
labourer, mechanic, or servant who attends to his work in the
faith and fear of God, may be as wise, for his place, as the
most useful minister, and he equally accepted of the Lord. Our
wisdom and duty consist in giving God the glory and use of our
talents, be they many or few.
#30-35 Here is the Divine appointment of the master-workmen,
that there might be no strife for the office, and that all who
were employed in the work might take direction from, and give
account to them. Those whom God called by name to his service,
he filled with the Spirit of God. Skill, even in worldly
employments, is God's gift, and comes from above. But many are
ready enough in cutting out work for other people, and can tell
what this man or that man should do; but the burdens they bind
on others, they themselves will not touch with one of their
fingers. Such will fall under the character of slothful
servants. These men were not only to devise and to work
themselves, but they were to teach others. Those that rule
should teach; and those to whom God has given knowledge, should
be willing to make it known for the benefit of others.