Exodus 35:25
Every skilled woman spun with her hands and brought what she had spun: blue, purple, or scarlet yarn, or fine linen.
Every skilled woman
This phrase highlights the involvement of women in the construction of the Tabernacle, emphasizing their skills and contributions. In ancient Israelite society, women often engaged in textile work, a vital part of daily life and religious practice. The term "skilled" indicates that these women were not only experienced but also gifted in their craft, suggesting a divine endowment of ability similar to Bezalel and Oholiab (Exodus 31:1-6).

spun with her hands
Spinning was a common domestic task in ancient cultures, requiring dexterity and patience. The act of spinning with their hands signifies personal involvement and dedication. This manual labor reflects the broader biblical theme of working with one's hands as a form of worship and service to God (Proverbs 31:13, 19).

and brought what she had spun
The women not only created the materials but also willingly offered them for the Tabernacle. This act of bringing their work symbolizes a heart of generosity and willingness to contribute to God's dwelling place. It parallels the New Testament teaching of giving joyfully and sacrificially (2 Corinthians 9:7).

blue, purple, or scarlet yarn
These colors were significant in ancient Israelite worship, often associated with royalty, wealth, and divinity. Blue symbolized the heavens and divine revelation, purple was a color of royalty and nobility, and scarlet represented sacrifice and atonement. These colors were used in the Tabernacle's curtains and priestly garments, pointing to the majesty and holiness of God (Exodus 26:1, 28:5-6).

or fine linen
Fine linen was a luxury item in the ancient Near East, known for its quality and purity. It was used in the Tabernacle and priestly garments, symbolizing righteousness and holiness. Linen's association with purity is echoed in Revelation 19:8, where the bride of Christ is clothed in fine linen, representing the righteous acts of the saints.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Skilled Women
These are the women of Israel who possessed the skill and craftsmanship to spin yarn and linen. Their work was essential for the construction of the Tabernacle.

2. Spinning
The act of creating yarn or thread from raw materials. In this context, it was a skilled labor that contributed to the sacred work of building the Tabernacle.

3. Tabernacle
The portable sanctuary constructed by the Israelites during their journey in the wilderness, where God would dwell among His people.

4. Materials (Blue, Purple, Scarlet Yarn, Fine Linen)
These materials were significant in the construction of the Tabernacle, symbolizing royalty, divinity, and purity.

5. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who conveyed God's instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle and organized the contributions of the people.
Teaching Points
The Value of Skill and Craftsmanship
God values the skills and talents He has given us. Like the women who spun yarn for the Tabernacle, we should use our abilities to serve God and His purposes.

The Importance of Contribution
Every contribution, no matter how small it may seem, is significant in the work of God. The women’s spinning was crucial for the Tabernacle, reminding us that our efforts in the church and community matter.

Unity in Diversity
Just as the Tabernacle required various materials and skills, the body of Christ thrives on diverse gifts and talents. We should celebrate and encourage the unique contributions of each member.

Willingness to Serve
The women willingly offered their skills for the Tabernacle. We should be eager to serve God with our talents, recognizing that our work is an act of worship.

Symbolism of Colors and Materials
The specific colors and materials used in the Tabernacle have deep symbolic meanings. Understanding these can enrich our appreciation of biblical symbolism and its application to our lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. How can you identify and use your skills and talents to serve God and your community, similar to the skilled women in Exodus 35:25?

2. In what ways does the diversity of gifts within your church or community reflect the construction of the Tabernacle?

3. How does understanding the symbolism of the materials used in the Tabernacle enhance your appreciation of God's instructions and design?

4. Reflect on a time when you contributed to a project or cause. How did your contribution, no matter how small, impact the overall outcome?

5. How can the example of the skilled women in Exodus 35:25 inspire you to approach your daily work and responsibilities as acts of worship?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Proverbs 31
The virtuous woman is described as one who works with willing hands, similar to the skilled women in Exodus 35:25.

1 Corinthians 12
Paul speaks about the diversity of gifts within the body of Christ, emphasizing that each person's contribution is valuable, much like the skilled work of the women in Exodus.

Colossians 3:23
Encourages believers to work heartily as for the Lord, reflecting the dedication of the women who spun materials for the Tabernacle.
The New StartJ. Orr
People
Aaron, Ahisamach, Aholiab, Bezaleel, Dan, Hur, Israelites, Moses, Shoham, Uri
Places
Sinai
Topics
Ability, Best, Blue, Bring, Byssus, Cloth, Expert, Fine, Hands, Hearted, Linen, Material, Purple, Red, Scarlet, Skilled, Spin, Spun, Stuff, Twined, Wise, Wise-hearted, Women, Yarn
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 35:25

     5156   hand
     5392   linen
     5531   skill
     5551   spinning and weaving
     8437   giving, of talents

Exodus 35:20-29

     7366   freewill offering

Exodus 35:25-26

     8365   wisdom, human

Library
An Old Subscription List
'And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the Lord's offering to the work....' --EXODUS xxxv. 21. This is the beginning of the catalogue of contributions towards the erection of the Tabernacle in the wilderness. It emphasises the purely spontaneous and voluntary character of the gifts. There was plenty of compulsory work, of statutory contribution, in the Old Testament system of worship. Sacrifices and tithes and other things
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Appendix xvii. The Ordinances and Law of the Sabbath as Laid Down in the Mishnah and the Jerusalem Talmud.
The terribly exaggerated views of the Rabbis, and their endless, burdensome rules about the Sabbath may best be learned from a brief analysis of the Mishnah, as further explained and enlarged in the Jerusalem Talmud. [6476] For this purpose a brief analysis of what is, confessedly, one of the most difficult tractates may here be given. The Mishnic tractate Sabbath stands at the head of twelve tractates which together from the second of the six sections into which the Mishnah is divided, and which
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Gifts and Talents.
"And the Spirit of the Lord came upon him."--Judges iii. 10. We now consider the Holy Spirit's work in bestowing gifts, talents, and abilities upon artisans and professional men. Scripture declares that the special animation and qualification of persons for work assigned to them by God proceed from the Holy Spirit. The construction of the tabernacle required capable workmen, skilful carpenters, goldsmiths, and silversmiths, and masters in the arts of weaving and embroidering. Who will furnish Moses
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Early Battles
Six months of joyous service amongst the Welsh miners was cut short by a telegram announcing to the sisters the serious illness of Mrs. Lee. Taking the news to their Divisional Commander, they were instructed to Headquarters. It was found that the illness was due to shock. The income from investments of the little estate left by Mr. Lee had dwindled; it now had disappeared altogether. Captain Lucy faced the matter with her usual practical decision. 'Mother, darling, there are two ways out. Either
Minnie L. Carpenter—The Angel Adjutant of "Twice Born Men"

Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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