Definition: And they came, both men and women, as many as were willing hearted, [and] brought bracelets, and earrings, and rings, and tablets, all jewels of gold: and every man that offered [offered] an offering of gold unto the LORD.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 35:22. It’s a really interesting passage about how the Israelites were preparing for their journey into the wilderness after leaving Egypt. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, they were making special items to show their devotion and gratitude to God. Let’s look at each part: “And they came, both men and women, as many as were willing hearted…” – This means everyone who wanted to participate was welcome. It wasn't just a specific group; it was everyone . “[and] brought bracelets, and earrings, and rings, and tablets…” - These are the things they made. They weren’t just random trinkets; they were crafted items – jewelry! Think of it like a symbolic offering to God. “all jewels of gold:” – This is key. "Jewels of gold" refers to precious metals, specifically gold. It shows that these offerings were meant to be incredibly valuable and significant. “and every man that offered [offered] an offering of gold unto the LORD.” - This is the most important part. It means each person who made a piece of jewelry offered a gift – a gold coin or item – to God. The word "offered" suggests they were humbly presenting something to God as a sign of their belief and respect. What's the point of this? This is a symbolic representation of the Israelites’ faith. They weren’t just offering gold; they were demonstrating that they were willing to give up something precious – their own comfort and possessions – to show that they trusted in God’s provision and protection. It was a way for them to express their devotion and commitment to follow God's laws. In short, it's a beautiful picture of a people placing their faith into a tangible offering. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you some historical context about this event?