Holly Bible - KJV with Concise Commentaries by Z Selam - HTML preview
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than ordinary for the glory of God, consecrating our gain, in some reasonable proportion of it, to the Lord of the whole earth, Mic 4:3.
[2.] The sanctuary that was to be built was intended for their benefit and comfort, and therefore they must be at the expense of it. They had been unworthy of the privilege if they had grudged at the charge. They might well afford to offer liberally for the honour of God, while they lived at free quarters, having food for themselves and their families rained upon them daily from heaven. We also must own that we have our all from God's bounty, and therefore ought to use all for his glory. Since we live upon him, we must live to him.
3 And this is the offering which ye shall take of them; gold, and
silver, and brass,
4 and blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats’ hair,
This offering must be given willingly, and with the heart, that is,
[1.] It was not prescribed to them what or how much they must give, but it was left to their generosity, that they might show their good-will to the house of God and the offices thereof, and might do it with a holy emulation, the zeal of a few provoking many, 2Co 9:2. We should ask, not only, "What must we do?" but, "What may we do for God?"
[2.] Whatever they gave, they must give it cheerfully, not grudgingly and with reluctance, for God loves a cheerful giver, 2Co 9:7. What is laid out in the service of God we must reckon well bestowed.
The particulars are here mentioned which they must offer (Ex 25:3-7), all of them things that there would be occasion for in the tabernacle, or the service of it. Some observe that here was gold, silver, and brass, provided, but no iron; that is the military metal, and this was to be a house of peace. Every thing that was provided was very rich and fine, and the best of the sort; for God, who is the best, should have the best.
5 and rams’ skins dyed red, and badgers’ skins, and shittim wood,