Exodus 35:2  “…seventh day shall be a holy day for you, a Sabbath of rest to the LORD…”
Sunday is the first day of the week, so the Sabbath is always Saturday.  Have mentioned before about the wisdom of a day off, but the instruction of a Sabbath appears to be just for the Jews, part of the covenant God made with them.

3  “…kindle no fire…”
Don’t start one or don’t even tend one that’s already going?  Some debate in the commentaries.  Some brought in the idea of it pertaining to fires within the Tabernacle or to Tabernacle work, and some had the idea that it was a temporary restriction which wasn’t carried on in future generations.  The idea behind it all was to remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy, not as a restraint on the people.  Jesus Himself said the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.  To kindle a fire suggests building one to perform some purpose, or work.  Keeping one going for necessities or to help someone wouldn’t be a violation of the spirit behind the admonition, just like any other command.  Ox in the ditch as it were.

5  “Take from among you an offering to the LORD…”
Here are the resources which God has provided for Himself.  He’s given them to the people so they can freely offer them back to Him.

10  “All who are gifted artisans among you shall come and make…”
Army of skilled workers who could make everything.  God has already specified a couple of people whom He gifted especially to oversee the work.  They’ll have the special insight needed to make sure all is made to His specifications.

29  “The children of Israel brought a freewill offering to the LORD…
The people did as they were asked or stirred as it were.  As God wants it to be.  Not by compulsion, but from a loving and willing heart.  Same today.  We need to give to provide for His special work and needs, such as salaries and utilities in the local church, as well as the programs to assist others.  But we need to do so from a desire to give, an act of gratitude for what He’s done and for Who He is.  God loves a cheerful giver.  To me it’s always been a recognition of tithes and offerings.  We give it all because we want to.  But we recognize the tithe is for the local church provision, while the offering is whatever else we feel compelled to give.  We know it all belongs to Him so giving becomes an act of obedience and generosity.

30  “…Bezalel the son of Uri…”
One of the special ones God called.

34  “…Aholiab the son of Ahisamach…”
The other one.  All of the artisans had a place to serve, but these two would be in charge of it all and be able to keep everything and everyone on track.  Principle of oversight and delegation.  Two people weren’t tasked to do all the work.  And you couldn’t have all the artisans doing their own thing.  God provided a means of organization so the work could get done and get done just as He wanted.  One important note, the supervisors worked also.  They had talents and used them as well as the others.

I hope you enjoy reading and studying His word.  May it accomplish what He desires.  Please feel free to comment or post questions.  Thanks for reading!

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.