Ex. 35 The command to observe the sabbath, Ex. 35:1–3; and to bring a free-will offering to the Lord, Ex. 35:4–5. The furniture of the tabernacle, Ex. 35:6–19. Men and women bring their jewels for the same, Ex. 35:20–24. Understanding women spin, Ex. 35:25–26.

This command of the sabbath is repeated here, as also Ex. 31:13, together with the instructions for the building of the tabernacle, and its utensils, to show that they were made for no other use than the service of God, which was to be performed, as every day, so in an eminent and peculiar manner…

This command seems to be only temporary and extraordinary during the present season and condition, and not extending to succeeding generations. For, 1. There are instances of temporary precepts both in the Old and New Testament, which yet are not in their places said to be so.

Whosoever is of a willing heart, for God values not forced or grudged services, 2 Cor. 9:7.

i.e. Every skilful artist; for though God had prescribed the things, yet it required wisdom and skill to execute what God commanded.

The tabernacle, i.e. the boards or structure of the tabernacle, as it appears, because it is distinguished here from its tent and curtains; whereas elsewhere the tabernacle is put for all together. His tent; the inward and finer curtains which covered the boards of it.

i.e. Which was hanged before the ark and mercy-seat.

But neither did God prescribe the making of the shewbread amongst the other utensils, Ex. 25:0, nor was this made by the workmen here spoken of, but by others. How then comes this to be mentioned here? Answ. 1.

Whose heart stirred him up, i.e. whose heart being desirous and ready to serve God, engaged his hand to offer what he had to his service.

Earrings. Object. Aaron had got these from them for the making of the calf, Ex. 32:0. Answ. Though the generality of the people did then part with their earrings, yet there was a considerable number who did not, as being unsatisfied with that idolatrous design; and it may seem that the women would…

In wisdom: this word seems better to agree with the following than with the foregoing word, they spun with wisdom, i.e. with skill and art.

That he may teach, to wit, others to work under him; for the work required many hands; and it is a peculiar gift of God to be apt to teach, which every skilful man hath not.