Exodus
Teachers
Lesson Summary
In the December 12, 2021 class, the teacher examined Exodus 35, focusing on the transition of Israel from wandering to purposeful worship. He described the communal excitement as Moses gathered the people to receive God’s commands: work six days, keep the seventh as a holy Sabbath (Exodus 35:2‑3), and bring voluntary offerings of materials for the Tabernacle (Exodus 35:8, 35:10). The lesson highlighted Moses’ development as a strong, fair leader after his mountain encounters with God, and emphasized the importance of willing generosity over compulsory tithes. The class detailed the specific items the Israelites were to donate—gold, silver, bronze, fine linen, acacia wood, oil, spices, and more—mirroring the earlier list in Exodus 25:3‑7. By illustrating the buzz of skilled workers preparing to construct the Ark, the altar, the lampstand, and the priestly garments, the teacher connected the ancient building project to today’s call for believers to offer their talents and resources. He concluded that a heart‑led offering reflects true worship and that keeping the Sabbath remains a sign of covenant devotion, even as its application shifts in the New Covenant context.
Key Scriptures
You shall keep the Sabbath, to observe it as a holy day. Everyone who does any work on it shall be put to death. On the Sabbath day, no one shall do any work.
Then Moses gathered the whole Israelite community together and said to them, 'These are the things the Lord has commanded you to do. From what you have, everyone who is willing should bring an offering to the Lord.'
Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work... For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but on the seventh day he rested. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.