The people brought special offerings of gold totaling 2,193 pounds, as measured by the weight of the sanctuary shekel. This gold was used throughout the Tabernacle.

Exodus 38:24

At several earlier points in the narrative of Exodus, we have seen that the people of Israel were eager to donate their treasures for the building of the Tabernacle. Exodus 38:24 reinforces this fact by noting the total weight of the gold given by the people. The New Living Translation’s “2,193 pounds” makes clear to us the meaning of the Hebrew original, which literally reads “29 talents and 730 shekels.”

The people had given generously of their gold, not to mention even greater quantities of silver and bronze (38:25, 29). We must remember that this gold did not come in the form of coinage. Rather, as Exodus 35:22 notes, the people gave “brooches, earrings, rings from their fingers, and necklaces.” No doubt many of the people sacrificed by offering their favorite ring or a family heirloom. Their gifts were both financially and emotionally sacrificial.

When I was the Senior Pastor of Irvine Presbyterian Church, I helped lead four capital campaigns for church building projects. I encouraged people to give generously, even sacrificially, as God led them. I remember the sacrifice of one man I’ll call Don. He was a highly successful professional who decided to give by exchanging his elite luxury car for an ordinary sedan, giving the church the considerable difference. This sacrifice was costly, not only in dollars and comfort, but also in status. Virtually every successful person in Don’s profession in Orange County, California, drove an ostentatiously fancy car as a sign of success. Thus Don was willing to sacrifice far more than the money he saved by downsizing his car. I have no doubt that the Lord was honored, not just by his gift of money, but especially by his willingness to swing against the current of the consumerist culture for the sake of the kingdom.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: When have you sacrificed something for the Lord’s work? What did it cost you? Why did you do this? How did you feel? Is God calling you once again to sacrifice for his kingdom?

PRAYER: Dear Lord, thank you for the honor of being able to participate in the work of your kingdom. We do this in so many ways, including our material gifts. It is truly a privilege, sometimes a costly one, to give to you.

Thank you for the example of the golden generosity of the Israelites. Help us to be inspired by their sacrificial giving. By your Spirit, teach us not to cling to our possessions, our status, our comfort, even our security. May we learn to trust you enough to be generous with all that you have given us.

In the name of Jesus, who gave all for us, Amen.