Let every skilled craftsman among youThis phrase highlights the importance of skilled labor in the construction of the Tabernacle. In the ancient Near East, craftsmanship was highly valued, and artisans were often trained from a young age. The call for skilled craftsmen underscores the need for excellence and precision in the work of God. This also reflects the biblical principle that God equips individuals with specific talents and skills for His purposes, as seen in the gifting of Bezalel and Oholiab (
Exodus 31:1-6).
come and make
The invitation to "come and make" indicates active participation and willingness. It suggests that God desires voluntary service from His people, not coerced labor. This mirrors the New Testament teaching of serving God with a willing heart (2 Corinthians 9:7). The act of making or creating is a reflection of God's own creative nature, as humans are made in His image (Genesis 1:27).
everything that the LORD has commanded:
This phrase emphasizes obedience to God's specific instructions. The construction of the Tabernacle was not left to human imagination but was to follow the divine blueprint given to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 25:9). This obedience to God's command is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, highlighting the importance of following God's will precisely. The Tabernacle itself is a type of Christ, as it was the dwelling place of God's presence among His people, foreshadowing Jesus as Immanuel, "God with us" (Matthew 1:23).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe leader of the Israelites, who conveyed God's instructions to the people regarding the construction of the Tabernacle.
2.
Skilled CraftsmenIndividuals among the Israelites endowed with specific skills and talents necessary for the construction of the Tabernacle.
3.
The TabernacleThe portable sanctuary that the Israelites built according to God's instructions, serving as a place of worship and the dwelling place of God's presence among His people.
4.
IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, who were called to contribute their skills and resources for the construction of the Tabernacle.
5.
The LORD (Yahweh)The God of Israel, who commanded the construction of the Tabernacle and provided the design and instructions for its completion.
Teaching Points
God's Call to ServiceGod calls each of us to use our unique skills and talents for His purposes. Just as the craftsmen were called to build the Tabernacle, we are called to contribute to the building of God's kingdom.
Diversity of GiftsThe construction of the Tabernacle required a variety of skills, reflecting the diversity of gifts within the body of Christ. Each person's contribution is valuable and necessary for the fulfillment of God's plans.
Obedience to God's CommandsThe craftsmen were to make everything as the LORD commanded, emphasizing the importance of obedience and faithfulness in our service to God.
Working for God's GloryOur work, whether in ministry or daily life, should be done with excellence and dedication, as an offering to God, reflecting His glory and character.
Community and CooperationThe building of the Tabernacle was a communal effort, reminding us of the importance of working together in unity and cooperation within the church and community.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Exodus 35:10?
2.How can we apply "skilled among you" to our church community today?
3.What does Exodus 35:10 teach about using our talents for God's work?
4.How does Exodus 35:10 connect with the New Testament teachings on spiritual gifts?
5.In what ways can we encourage others to contribute their skills to God's service?
6.How does this verse challenge us to identify and use our God-given abilities?
7.What does Exodus 35:10 reveal about God's expectations for craftsmanship and skill in worship?
8.How does Exodus 35:10 emphasize the importance of community involvement in religious practices?
9.Why is the call for skilled artisans significant in the context of Exodus 35:10?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 35?
11.(Exodus 35) How did recently freed slaves, presumably untrained, develop the advanced craftsmanship needed for building such elaborate sanctuary items?
12.Exodus 28:6–14: How plausible is it that detailed and specialized craftsmanship for the ephod existed among a recently freed slave population?
13.Exodus 31:2 - Where is the historical or archeological evidence that confirms the existence of Bezalel or supports this specific claim of divine empowerment?
14.Why create humans in our image?What Does Exodus 35:10 Mean
LetThe opening word sets a tone of permission and invitation, not coercion. God’s plan for building His dwelling place rests on willing hearts (Exodus 35:5: “Whoever has a willing heart, let him bring an offering”). Like Paul later urges in2 Corinthians 9:7, the Lord looks for cheerful givers and volunteers, not reluctant conscripts.
everyNo one with relevant ability is excluded. All are welcome to serve. This echoesNumbers 4:49, where each Levite receives an assigned task, and1 Peter 4:10, which calls believers to use “whatever gift he has received to serve others.” The scope is inclusive, encouraging broad participation in God’s work.
skilled craftsmanGod values craftsmanship. The Spirit had already filled Bezalel and Oholiab “with skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship” (Exodus 35:31).Psalm 33:3 praises playing skillfully;Colossians 3:23 urges that “whatever you do, work at it with all your heart.” Skill is not secular; it is sacred when dedicated to the Lord.
among youThe resources needed for God’s project are already present in the community. CompareActs 4:34–35, where believers distribute goods so none lack. Ministry is supplied from within, not outsourced. The phrase also highlights shared responsibility; everyone has a part in the worshiping body (1 Corinthians 12:4–7).
comeMovement is required. Good intentions must translate into action.James 1:22 reminds us to be doers, not merely hearers. The craftsman’s first step is to show up where God is working, echoingIsaiah 6:8—“Here am I. Send me!”
and makeService involves production, not passivity.Romans 12:6–8 lists gifts that result in tangible ministry. InNehemiah 4:6, the wall rises because “the people worked with all their heart.” God’s vision becomes visible through obedient hands.
everythingThe call is comprehensive. Partial obedience is insufficient. Jesus affirms inJohn 14:15, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” Likewise, Moses reminds Israel inDeuteronomy 4:2 not to add or subtract from God’s directives.
that the LORD has commandedThe blueprint originates with God, not human imagination.Exodus 25:40 (quoted inHebrews 8:5) stresses building “according to the pattern” shown on the mountain. By following divine instruction, the tabernacle will reveal God’s holiness and glory, prefiguring Christ, the true dwelling of God among men (John 1:14).
summaryExodus 35:10 is a gracious summons: everyone gifted by God is invited to step forward, offer skilled labor, and carry out every detail of His design. Willing hearts, capable hands, and total submission to the Lord’s commands unite to transform raw materials into a sanctuary where God meets His people.
(10-19)
And every wise hearted among you.--The first appeal is to all; all may contribute something towards the
materialsof the sacred structure. But the second appeal is to some only. The "wise-hearted" alone can take part in the actual construction, and "make all that the Lord hath commanded." On the expression "wise ? hearted," see Note on
Exodus 28:3. It includes skill of various kinds and degrees, even that of poor women, who "did spin with their hands, and brought that which they had spun, both of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine linen" (
Exodus 35:25). In enumerating the things to be constructed, Moses follows, not the order of the revelations made to him, but what may be called the natural order: first, the Tabernacle as a whole; then its various parts (
Exodus 35:11); after this, its contents--those of the Holy of Holies (
Exodus 35:12), of the Holy Place (
Exodus 35:13-15), and of the Court (
Exodus 35:16-18); finally, the dress to be worn by those who conducted the services (
Exodus 35:19). On the Tabernacle and its parts, see
Exodus 26:1-37; on the Ark, the staves, and
themercy-seat,
Exodus 25:10-15; on the "veil of the covering,"
Exodus 26:31; on the table and the candlestick,
Exodus 25:23-30; on the incense altar,
Exodus 30:1-10; on the anointing oil,
Exodus 30:23-25; on the sweet incense,
Exodus 30:34-35; on the hanging for the door,
Exodus 26:36; on the altar of burnt offering,
Exodus 27:1-8; on the laver and its foot,
Exodus 30:17-21; on the hangings of the Court, its pillars, sockets, pins, &c.
,Exodus 27:9-19; and on "the cloths of service,"
Exodus 28:2-42. (On the true meaning of the expression, "cloths of service," see Note on
Exodus 31:10.) . . .
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Let everyוְכָל־(wə·ḵāl)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everyskilled craftsmanחֲכַם־(ḥă·ḵam-)Adjective - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2450:Wiseamong youבָּכֶ֑ם(bā·ḵem)Preposition | second person masculine plural
Strong's Hebrewcomeיָבֹ֣אוּ(yā·ḇō·’ū)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, goand makeוְיַעֲשׂ֔וּ(wə·ya·‘ă·śū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 6213:To do, makeeverythingכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everythatאֲשֶׁ֥ר(’ă·šer)Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order thatthe LORDיְהוָֽה׃(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelhas commanded:צִוָּ֖ה(ṣiw·wāh)Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6680:To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order
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OT Law: Exodus 35:10 Let every wise-hearted man among you come (Exo. Ex) 
