Definition: 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 of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 35:21. It's a really important passage about how God wanted to establish a special place for Him and His people. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: God is telling the Israelites (the people he chose) to prepare a beautiful and significant offering for him – a temple – specifically for his work and for their spiritual lives. It’s like saying, “We want to show you how much we trust in and appreciate God.” Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up…” - This means God is calling them to be active and focused . He’s asking them to be thoughtful and engaged. It wasn’t just a passive observation; they needed to feel something – a sense of importance and connection to the divine. “…and every one whom his spirit made willing…” - This is key! "His spirit" refers to God's will or purpose. He wants them to do what He instructs, even if it’s not something they fully understand at first. It means they were ready and eager to participate in this important task. “[…and] they brought the LORD’s offering to the work of the tabernacle…” - The "tabernacle" was a special building where God lived among his people, and it was used for rituals and worship. This verse says they were bringing a specific offering – something significant – to this place. “…of all his service, and for the holy garments.” - This is about how the offering would be used. It wasn’t just any offering; it was meant to support God's work in the world. The "holy garments" might have been special robes or clothing that symbolized purity and reverence. In short: The Israelites were tasked with preparing a magnificent offering – a symbol of their devotion and trust in God – specifically for his purpose and for their spiritual well-being. It was a big deal to show how much they valued Him. Why is this important? This verse establishes the foundation for the entire story of the Tabernacle – a place where God would interact with His people, providing them with a tangible way to worship and connect with him. It’s a powerful image of God’s presence and his desire for a close relationship with his chosen people. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or event in the Bible? Discuss what the “tabernacle” was like?