(10-19) And every wise hearted among you.--The first appeal is to all; all may contribute something towards the materials of 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 the mercy-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.)
35:4-19 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.
And every wise hearted among you shall come,.... Every ingenious man, that is skilful in any mechanic art and business, who has a peculiar turn of mind, and employs his thoughts to improve, in a curious manner, in whatsoever manufactory he is concerned, every such an one is invited by Moses to come to him:
and make all the Lord hath commanded, the particulars of which follow.
and make all the Lord hath commanded, the particulars of which follow.