Exodus 25:2

Context

In Exodus 19–24, Israel enters into a covenant with God at Mount Sinai. Chapters 25–31 then record the instructions Moses received after ascending the mountain. The directions for building the tabernacle (a portable sanctuary) begin at 25:1, and this verse opens them with God's command to Moses to collect offerings from the people: "Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering" (Exodus 25:2). Verses 3–7 list the required materials (gold, silver, and brass; yarn; skins; oil; spices; and precious stones). Verse 8 states the purpose: "let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them." These instructions are carried out in chapters 35–36. When the people brought more offerings than were needed, Moses commanded them to bring no more (Exodus 36:5-7).

The Hebrew word terumah, rendered "offering," means "something set apart and offered." The phrase translated "giveth it willingly with his heart" literally means "whose heart moves him," an expression that emphasizes willing intent rather than emotion. The word for "freewill offering" derives from the same root.

Interpretation

• As a principle of voluntary giving: This reading notes that although God called for offerings, He directed that nothing be collected by compulsion and that only the gifts of the willing be accepted. This stands in contrast to the half-shekel census payment of Exodus 30:11-16, a fixed amount required of everyone.
• In connection with New Testament teaching on giving: This reading places the verse alongside 2 Corinthians 9:6-8, where Paul says of the collection that one should give "not grudgingly, or of necessity" (2 Corinthians 9:7). Sermons in many denominations treat the two passages together.
• Typological reading: Interpretations that view the tabernacle as a shadow of Christ and the church place weight on God's desire to dwell among His people. Typology here refers to an interpretive method that sees Old Testament objects and events as foreshadowing New Testament realities.
• Jewish tradition: In the synagogue's cycle of weekly Torah readings, the portion beginning at Exodus 25:1 is called Terumah, after a word in this verse.

Questions of Application

Opinions differ on using this verse in appeals for church building funds.

• Those who cite it see it as a model of willing giving for a place where God dwells.
• Critics point out that the tabernacle cannot be directly equated with today's church buildings. They also argue that the emphasis of the text lies on willingness and that the verse should be read together with the scene in chapter 36, in which collection stopped once enough had been gathered.

The verse is also mentioned in the tithing debate. Those who teach tithing as an obligation understand the offerings in this verse as additional gifts distinct from the tithe. Opponents cite the verse as evidence that the essence of giving lies in its voluntary nature.

In the Korean Church

The verse is frequently cited, together with Exodus 35–36, when members pledge building-fund offerings, at dedication services, and in sermons on the meaning of giving. It is also used as a verse of exhortation during the offering in worship.

Related Passages

• Exodus 35:21
• Exodus 36:5-7
• 1 Chronicles 29:9
• 2 Corinthians 8:12
• 2 Corinthians 9:7