Exodus 35 is the chapter where Moses relays God’s commands about the Sabbath and then describes how the people of Israel gave gifts and skilled labor to build the tabernacle. These questions suit a small group, a Sunday class, or personal study, and they move from what the text says to what it means and how to live it.
Exodus 35 at a Glance
The chapter opens with Moses gathering the whole congregation to repeat the Sabbath command before he invites contributions for the tabernacle. He lists the materials and craftsmanship God requires, from precious metals and fabrics to wood, stone, and incense.
The people respond with generosity, both men and women bringing what they have, and the chapter ends with God’s appointment of Bezalel and Oholiab, whose skill and Spirit-given wisdom equip them to lead the work. A leader can follow this sequence: rest, invitation, response, and then the gifting of the craftspeople.
Observation Questions
Use these questions to slow the group down and read the text closely before anyone offers an interpretation. Ask one question at a time and let people point to specific words in the chapter.
Exodus 35:1-3
1 Moses 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. 3 You shall kindle no fire throughout your habitations on the Sabbath day.’”
(WEB)
Read this opening passage at the start of the session to set the tone of holy rest before the group talks about giving and building. It frames everything that follows in the chapter.
Exodus 35:5
‘Take from among you an offering to the LORD. Whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, the LORD’s offering: gold, silver, brass…
(WEB)
This verse contains the invitation itself, with the phrase about a willing heart. Reading it aloud lets the group hear the call before discussing its meaning.
Exodus 35:21-22
21 They came, everyone whose heart stirred him up, and everyone whom his spirit made willing, and brought the LORD’s offering, for the work of the Tent of Meeting, and for all of its service, and for the holy garments. 22 They came, both men and women, as many as were willing-hearted, and brought brooches, earrings, signet rings, and armlets, all jewels of gold; even every man who offered an offering of gold to the LORD.
(WEB)
These verses describe the people’s response in their own words, and reading them slowly helps the group picture the gathering. Pause after reading to let people notice the repeated language of the heart.
Exodus 35:30-31
30 Moses said to the children of Israel, “Behold, the LORD has called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. 31 He has filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all kinds of workmanship…
(WEB)
Moses names Bezalel and describes the Spirit’s work in him, which anchors the chapter’s emphasis on God as the giver of skill. Reading this aloud highlights where the craftsmanship comes from.
Exodus 35:35
He has filled them with wisdom of heart, to work all kinds of workmanship, of the engraver, of the skillful workman, and of the embroiderer, in blue, in purple, in scarlet, and in fine linen, and of the weaver, even of those who do any workmanship, and of those who make skillful works.
(WEB)
This closing verse summarizes the gifts of wisdom and workmanship given to the whole community of craftspeople. It makes a fitting final reading before the group prays.
Memory Verse for Exodus 35
A Closing Prayer for the Group
Father, we thank you that you are the giver of every good gift, including the wisdom and skill we bring to your work. Stir our hearts to be willing, and help us to offer what we have without holding back or comparing ourselves to others. Teach us to honor your day of rest and to trust that you are at work in what we build together. Keep us attentive to the people around us whose contributions often go unseen. We ask this in the name of Jesus, who gave himself fully for us. Amen.
