Context No. 3689 of 4322 · Exodus

Exodus 35:1-9: in context

1Moses assembled all the congregation of the children of Israel, and said to them, “These are the words which the LORD has commanded, that you should do them. 2‘Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be a holy day for you, a Sabbath of solemn rest to the LORD: whoever does any work in it shall be put to death. 3You shall kindle no fire throughout your habitations on the Sabbath day.’” 4Moses spoke to all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying, “This is the thing which the LORD commanded, saying, 5‘Take from among you an offering to the LORD. Whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it as the LORD’s offering: gold, silver, bronze, 6blue, purple, scarlet, fine linen, goats’ hair, 7rams’ skins dyed red, sea cow hides, acacia wood, 8oil for the light, spices for the anointing oil and for the sweet incense, 9onyx stones, and stones to be set for the ephod and for the breastplate.

Moses gathers the people and gives two commands together: first, keep the Sabbath, a day of holy rest to the LORD; and then, bring a freewill offering for the building of the tabernacle from everyone whose heart is willing.

Two things stand together that we might not expect. God asks first for rest, and only then for work and giving. Even in the great project of building his own dwelling place, God insists that the rhythm of Sabbath rest be honored; the work of God does not override the command to rest in him. And the offering is not compelled but freewill, from a willing heart. God does not want grudging labor or forced gifts for his house, but the glad offering of hearts that genuinely want to give. There is wisdom here for serving God: keep the rhythm of rest even amid good work, and give and serve from a willing, glad heart rather than mere obligation. God treasures the willing heart above the size of the gift.

Do I keep the rhythm of rest even amid good work for God, and do I give and serve from a willing, glad heart rather than grudging obligation?

Sources

Exodus 35:5: "Take from among you an offering to the LORD. Whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it."
Exodus 35:2: "On the seventh day there shall be a holy day for you, a Sabbath of solemn rest to the LORD."
2 Corinthians 9:7: "Let each man give... not grudgingly, or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."