Tell the Israelites to bring Me an offering.This command is given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai, as part of the instructions for building the Tabernacle. The Israelites, having recently been delivered from Egypt, are now being asked to contribute to the construction of a sacred space where God will dwell among them. This offering is not just a material contribution but a spiritual act of worship and obedience. The concept of offerings is deeply rooted in the ancient Near Eastern culture, where offerings were made to deities as acts of devotion and appeasement. In the biblical context, offerings are a way for the Israelites to acknowledge God's sovereignty and express gratitude for His deliverance and provision.
You are to receive My offering from every man whose heart compels him.
This phrase emphasizes the voluntary nature of the offering. Unlike other ancient cultures where offerings might be demanded or coerced, God desires offerings that come from a willing heart. This reflects the principle that true worship and service to God must be motivated by love and devotion, not obligation. The phrase "whose heart compels him" suggests an internal prompting, aligning with the biblical theme that God values the heart's intention over mere external compliance (1 Samuel 16:7). This voluntary giving foreshadows the New Testament teaching on cheerful giving (2 Corinthians 9:7). It also points to the nature of Christ's sacrifice, which was given willingly and out of love for humanity (John 10:18).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were delivered from slavery in Egypt and are now in the wilderness.
2.
MosesThe leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His people from Egypt and to receive His laws and instructions, including the building of the Tabernacle.
3.
The TabernacleThe portable sanctuary that God instructed the Israelites to build as a place of worship and His dwelling among them.
4.
God (Yahweh)The one true God who delivered the Israelites from Egypt and is now giving them instructions for worship and community life.
5.
The OfferingA voluntary contribution from the Israelites, consisting of materials needed for the construction of the Tabernacle, given by those whose hearts are moved to give.
Teaching Points
Voluntary GivingGod desires offerings that come from a willing heart, not out of compulsion. This principle encourages believers to give freely and joyfully.
Heartfelt WorshipTrue worship involves the heart. Our offerings, whether time, talents, or resources, should be motivated by love and devotion to God.
Community ContributionThe building of the Tabernacle required the collective effort of the community. Similarly, the church today thrives when each member contributes according to their ability and willingness.
God's Dwelling Among UsThe Tabernacle was a symbol of God's presence with His people. Today, believers are called to be living temples, offering themselves to God.
Spiritual GenerosityThe act of giving is not just about material offerings but also about being generous in spirit, reflecting God's generosity towards us.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Exodus 25:2?
2.How does Exodus 25:2 encourage voluntary giving in our church community today?
3.What does "willing heart" in Exodus 25:2 reveal about God's expectations for giving?
4.How can we connect Exodus 25:2 with New Testament teachings on generosity?
5.How can we cultivate a "willing heart" to give as described in Exodus 25:2?
6.Why is it important to give offerings "from every man whose heart compels him"?
7.What is the significance of voluntary offerings in Exodus 25:2 for modern believers?
8.How does Exodus 25:2 reflect God's relationship with His people?
9.Why does God request offerings from the Israelites in Exodus 25:2?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 25?
11.Exodus 25:2 – How could a nomadic people realistically possess or acquire so much gold and other precious materials in the wilderness?
12.Exodus 28:2–5: Where did nomadic Israelites supposedly in the desert acquire the costly fabrics, precious stones, and gold for such elaborate garments?
13.In Exodus 36:3–5, how is it possible for a nomadic people in the wilderness to possess and contribute such abundant resources?
14.Amos 5:25 - How can Amos assert that Israel did not offer sacrifices in the wilderness when Exodus and Leviticus detail extensive sacrificial ordinances?What Does Exodus 25:2 Mean
Tell the IsraelitesGod Himself initiates the conversation, showing that worship begins with His revelation, not human ideas (Exodus 20:1;Deuteronomy 6:4).
• By addressing “the Israelites,” the command is corporate—faith is lived in community (Hebrews 10:24-25).
• Yet He speaks through Moses, reminding us that God uses appointed leaders to transmit His Word (Hebrews 13:7).
to bring Me an offeringThe gift is “to Me,” centering every act of giving on the Lord, not on projects or people (1 Chronicles 29:14;Malachi 3:10).
• Offerings acknowledge God’s ownership of all things (Psalm 24:1).
• They express gratitude for redemption already received—Israel had just been freed from Egypt (Exodus 20:2;Romans 12:1).
You are to receive My offeringMoses and the elders function as stewards, not owners (Numbers 18:8;1 Corinthians 4:1-2).
• Spiritual leaders facilitate worship by collecting and distributing resources for God’s house (2 Kings 12:9-10).
• Accountability is implied: offerings are “My” property, so they must be handled with integrity (2 Kings 22:4-7).
from every man whose heart compels himGiving is voluntary, springing from inward desire rather than external pressure (Exodus 35:5, 21;2 Corinthians 9:7).
• A “compelled” heart reveals genuine love and gratitude (Psalm 54:6).
• God values the motive above the amount (Mark 12:41-44).
• Voluntary generosity foreshadows the New Covenant pattern where believers give as led by the Spirit (Acts 4:34-35).
summaryExodus 25:2 teaches that offerings originate with God’s clear call, are directed entirely to Him, are managed responsibly by His leaders, and flow willingly from hearts moved by gratitude and love. The verse invites us to participate in worshipful giving—corporately, joyfully, and with full assurance that every gift belongs to the Lord and serves His dwelling among His people.
XXV.
THE GIFTS WHICH MIGHT BE GIVEN FOR THE TABERNACLE AND THE PRIESTS' DRESSES.
(2)Speak unto the children of Israel that theybringme an offering.--God, being about to command the construction of a dwelling for Himself, such as the circumstances of the case allowed, prefaced His directions concerning its materials and form by instructing Moses to invite the people to contribute from their stores, as an offering to Himself, the various substances which were suitable for the dwelling and its appurtenances. The erection of sanctuaries is one of the fittest occasions for man to shew his gratitude to God by giving to Him of His own, largely and liberally.
Of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart.--Heb.,of every man whose heart impels him.Unless gifts come from the heart, they are an offence to God. He "loveth a cheerful giver." When the time came, a noble and liberal spirit was not wanting. (SeeExodus 35:21-29;Exodus 36:3-7.)
My offering.--Literally,my heave-offering.But the word seems to be intended in a generic sense.
Verse 2. -
Speak unto the children of Israel that they bring me an offering. The word translated "offering" is that commonly rendered" heave-offering;" but it seems to be used here (as in
Exodus 30:13;
Exodus 35:5, etc.) in a generic sense. The propriety of the people, when God was about establishing his habitation among them, presenting to God all the materials needed, is self-evident and requires no comment.
Of every man that giveth it willingly. Literally, "of every man whose heart drives him." God will have no gifts but such as are freely offered. He "loveth a cheerful giver. If a man gives grudgingly or of necessity," God rejects the gift. On the noble spirit which the people showed when the appeal was made to them, see
Exodus 35:21-29; and
Exodus 36:37
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
“Tellדַּבֵּר֙(dab·bêr)Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 1696:To arrange, to speak, to subduethe Israelitesבְּנֵ֣י(bə·nê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121:A sonto bringוְיִקְחוּ־(wə·yiq·ḥū-)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3947:To takeMeלִ֖י(lî)Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's Hebrewan offering.תְּרוּמָ֑ה(tə·rū·māh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8641:Contribution, offering (for sacred uses)You are to receiveתִּקְח֖וּ(tiq·ḥū)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 3947:To takeMy offeringתְּרוּמָתִֽי׃(tə·rū·mā·ṯî)Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 8641:Contribution, offering (for sacred uses)from everyכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everymanאִישׁ֙(’îš)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376:A man as an individual, a male personwhoseאֲשֶׁ֣ר(’ă·šer)Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order thatheartלִבּ֔וֹ(lib·bōw)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3820:The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centrecompels him.יִדְּבֶ֣נּוּ(yid·də·ḇen·nū)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5068:To impel, to volunteer, to present spontaneously
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OT Law: Exodus 25:2 Speak to the children of Israel that (Exo. Ex) 
