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New Defender's Study Bible Notes
35:2 six days. The institution of the six-day work week and the subsequent day of rest is referred to specifically at least ten times in the Scriptures (Exodus 16:26; 20:9-11; 23:12; 31:15-17; 35:2; Leviticus 23:3; Deuteronomy 5:13; 16:8; Ezekiel 46:1; Luke 13:14). This was specifically said by God to be in commemoration of creation week (Exodus 20:8-11), and was considered by Him to be so important that failure to observe it by His elect nation was a capital crime, punishable by death. Surely this fact demonstrates the infinite importance placed by God on the fact of His recent, fiat, completed creation, as well as His displeasure with those who deny it.
35:21 And they came. The children of Israel had prospered greatly in Egypt (Genesis 47:27; Exodus 1:7), and even continued to do so after the Egyptians began afflicting them. (Exodus 1:12). Furthermore, when they left Egypt, the Egyptian people gave them valuable jewelry and other gifts (Exodus 12:35,36). Consequently the Israelites all had significant wealth with them as they fled. Thus Moses did not ask those who were able to give to do so, for they were all able, but only those who were willing. The record does not indicate how many were not willing, but great numbers did make offerings, and it was undoubtedly these who received the greatest personal blessing when they finally could see the beautiful tabernacle in the midst of the camp.
35:35 that do any work. Not only did many give of their substance, but many participated in the work, each according to his or her (note Exodus 35:25) own God-given skills, under the able leadership of Bezaleel and Aholiab. These also taught others who perhaps did not have the needed skills to begin with, but were willing to learn and work (Exodus 35:34).