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Colors
Today, we have four chapters, and one thing that stands out is the reference to the colors. Imagine walking into the Tabernacle, surrounded by hues of scarlet, purple, blue, bronze, silver, and gold. For those interested, here’s a count of the colors mentioned:
- gold – 33
- silver – 17
- bronze -22
- blue – 10
- purple – 9
- scarlet – 9
Sabbath - Fire
Exo 35:3 “Do not kindle a fire in any of your dwellings on the Sabbath day.”
The command to observe the Sabbath has been reiterated since the very beginning of Creation, and each time it is mentioned, something new is added or clarified. It appears that the central issue is simply that people forget to rest and end up working instead! Is work really that effortless for us?
In ancient times, fire was an essential tool for labor—it provided light, enabled cooking, kept people warm, helped make tools, and offered protection. Today, we mostly use fire for things like barbecues, braais, or picnics. However, the reasons we have fire now differ from those of the past, where it was primarily a means of work. Does this mean they couldn’t use fire for light or warmth in their homes? Each person must come to their own conclusion, but the ongoing discussion around these Sabbath rules seems to center on one main principle: Do no work. That is the essence of the Sabbath—rest. So, if making a fire is going to lead you to work, then it’s clear you should avoid it.
The Heart
Another theme that stands out in today’s chapters is the heart. Notice the following phrases used: heart stirred, spirit prompted, heart lifted up, spirit caused him, wise-hearted, hearts moved them.
The Hebrew word for “heart” is LEB (H3820), which also encompasses meanings like mind, understanding, wisdom, kindness, care, and stoutheartedness. The heart is deeply connected to our inner being—our mind, will, understanding, thoughts, memories, emotions, and even our courage and encouragement.
The first time “heart” is mentioned in Scripture is in Genesis 6:5-6, where YHVH observes the wickedness of human hearts and minds, and His own Heart is grieved. Later, in Genesis 8:21, after Noah makes an offering, YHVH smells the pleasing aroma and speaks to Himself/His own Heart.
In today’s world, music is often used as a tool to influence emotions—our hearts—at places like stores, churches, events, and even through TV shows and movies. Words, gifts, aromas and beautiful things also have the power to manipulate our emotions. From a young age, we are encouraged to “listen to your heart” and “follow your heart” through stories and songs. But as we saw before the flood, when people followed their own hearts, the result was disastrous. Our hearts can deceive us, and we cannot fully trust it. Consider these scriptures:
- Psalm 26:2: “Test me, YHVH, and try me; examine my heart and mind.”
- Psalm 34:18: “YHVH is near the brokenhearted; he saves those crushed in spirit.”
- Psalm 37:4: “Take delight in YHVH, and he will give you your heart’s desires.”
- Psalm 37:31: “The instruction of YHVH is in his heart; his steps do not falter.”
- Psalm 44:21: “Wouldn’t YHVH have found this out, since he knows the secrets of the heart?”
- Psalm 66:18: “If I had been aware of malice in my heart, YHVH would not have listened.”
- Psalm 78:37: “Their hearts were insincere toward him, and they were unfaithful to his covenant.”
- Psalm 10:8: “A wise heart accepts commands.”
- Psalm 16:5: “Everyone with a proud heart is detestable to YHVH; be assured, he will not go unpunished.”
- Psalm 16:9: “A person’s heart plans his way, but YHVH determines his steps.”
We must examine our hearts and motives daily, questioning our true honesty. Ask YHVH to reveal anything unrighteous within us. And when He does, know that it may hurt, but through atonement, confession, and remorse, we can heal and grow closer to our Father. If we don’t take this step, He may allow us to follow our own desires, as we read in Psalm 81:12: “So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts to follow their own plans.”
Spirit of YHVH
Exodus 35:31,34 – YHVH filled him with His Spirit, in wisdom, understanding, knowledge, work, ability to teach, skilled work. We have seen so far in Scripture many times mentioned where the Spirit of YHVH was with someone. Pharaoh also saw that Joseph had His Spirit. The same with Abraham. His Spirit also moved over the waters before Creation (Genesis 1:2). So the Spirit wasn’t just reserved for Pentecost – but it is reserved since the beginning for those who walk in the ways of YHVH.
The Hebrew word for Spirit is RUACH H7307 – rûaḥ – And YHVH’s “holy”/set-apart Spirit is called the Ruach HaKodesh.
Ruach means : wind/breath/mind of heaven/air.
Teach
Exodus 35:34 “the ability to teach others.”
The Hebrew word for Teach is YARA H3384 – yārâ – which carries different meanings in Hebrew.
- To shoot (like an arrow)
- To sow (like seed)
- Lay (like a foundation)
- Pour (like water)
- Throw (water like rain)
That gives one a different perspective of what teaching really is.. it is like the seed that the sower casts out..
See in 1 Samuel where David uses the same word : 1Sa 20:20 “I will shoot three arrows beside it as if I’m aiming at a target.”
IMPORTANT SCRIPTURES / PROPHECIES:
| Exo 35:1 Sabbath Sabbath is a complete rest TO YHVH. Do not light a fire. |
