Exodus 35

Exodus 35:1-35

: MUch of this Chapter is to be found in the twentie fifth, and the Exposition in the Annot. upon it.

Exodus 35:2

• sixe days] * Chap. 20. 9. Leviticus 23:3. Deut. 5. 1 Luk 13:14.

an holy day] * Hebr. holinesse.

put to death] The Sabbath is so often remembred, and upon such severt penalties imposed, because of the great importance of it to Gods glory, and mans good, and the pronenesse of our corrupt nature, either to forget it, or to profane it.

Exodus 35:3

kindle no fire] For any handy-worke, though for the framing of the Tabernacle: or, (as some expound) for dressing of meat, wherein the Sabbath was more strictly observed, then the first and last day of the Feast of unleavened bread, Exodus 12:16. though (in other respects) they were kept as precisely as the Sabbath: for though (according to our Saviours Argument in another case) that which is extraordinary, is usually more solemnly, reverendly, and respectively entertained, and there is more cost bestowed upon it, then on that which is ordinary, in this the case is otherwise; for, for the ordinary weekly Sabbath, there is a Commandement in the Decalogue, plainly and fully expressed, and by many Arguments pressed upon the conscience of the people, all written twice over by Gods own writing in the Tables of Stone, which cannot be said of any of the Anniversary Feasts: and when the chiefest of them, (which was the Passeover) light upon the weekly Sabbath, it was to be kept with more restraint, then if it had happened on another day, and then the libertie of dressing meat, or of kindling of a fire, to such a purpose, was to be forborne. Yet because the Sabbath was all the yeare long, and therefore (in Winter as well as in Summer,) and that in Winter little children, sicke or weake persons, yea and such as are reasonable strong could not comfortably persist, in the celebration of the Sabbath, without fire. It is not probable that all kinde of kindling of fire, to light a candle or to dresse meat, was forbidden on the Sabbath, but that such a kindling of fire as the duties of mercy and exigencies of necessitie required, was allowed; and though the Tabernacle were of much use for the solemne service of God, and there was very great cause, to hasten the worke: yet for that God would not give any allowance for any labour upon it; no not so much as for kindling of any fire to heat any toole, or melt any metall; and therefore is this strict prohibition brought in, as an Introduction of Caution, immediately before the preparation for the Tabernacle be presented.

Exodus 35:5

willing heart] God careth not for that which is given with grudging, 2 Corinthians 9:7.

Exodus 35:10

wise hearted *] Who was a skilfull and expert Artificer, especially for the curious worke, required for the framing of the Tabernacle. Vers. 25. 26. 31. 34. 35. & Chap. 31. 6. & 36. 1, 2.

Exodus 35:11

the Tabernacle] His Tent; and by Tabernacle is meant the whole, by Tent the curious and glorious part of it, and by Covering that which was spread upon it to preserve it: yet (sometimes) the covering over the principall Fabrick is called a Tent, Chap. 36. vers. 14. which is the covering of Camels haire put upon the Tabernacle.

Exodus 35:12

The vaile of the covering] Which hanged before the Mercy-seat, that it could not be seene. See Note on vers. 35.

Exodus 35:15

incense Altar] Chap. 30. 1.

Exodus 35:18

pinnes] These were sharpened in the lower part, and fastened in the ground, and they were to keepe the curtaines from whifling to and fro with the wind: the Pillars (which some Translations call Pinnes) also might be sharpened in like sort, that piercing deepe into the ground, they might support the Tabernacle with more firmnesse.

Exodus 35:22

and brought bracelets and earerings] If these were the some who before gave their golden earerings, to the making of the golden Calf, Ch. 32. 3. they now shewed themselves cordiall and reall converts, by this bountie to a better worke If they were not the same, they were more religious towards God, and more wise in honouring him with their substance, and esteeming his service worthy of their most precious jewels.

Exodus 35:26

in wisdome] That were skilfull in spinning.

Exodus 35:28

and spice] Chap. 30. 23.

Exodus 35:29

by the hands of Moses] That is, the Lord gave a Commandement to Moses, concerning the framing of the Tabernacle, as it were delivering the worke into his hands, to be ordered by his appointment.

Exodus 35:34

may teach] So cunning and skilfull as to be Masters of their Art, able to instruct and teach others.

Exodus 35:35

availe of] That was the inward Vaile of the Tabernacle, dividing betwixt the Holy of Holies, (where the Arke was) and the other part called the Sanctuary