An online post once asked, “If money is the root of all evil, why do they ask for it at church?” If the statement were true, it would be a good question. Paul told Timothy, “The LOVE of money is the root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10). When money becomes an object of affection or even worship, it leads people to all kinds of evil and unwise choices.
As Israel made their way through the desert, Yahweh told Moses to ask the people for an offering. Only those who were willing to give were to offer their possessions (25:2). From where did most of these metals, linens, jewels, and other items come? The Egyptians had given these things to the Israelites when they left. These were not things for which they had labored. These were not family heirlooms. These were gifts from Egypt through the grace of Yahweh that Yahweh was asking them to consider giving to Him.
Yahweh was giving the people the option to worship Him and serve Him by giving away expensive things that could become objects of worship if they kept them. Their giving would demonstrate to themselves and to Him that He was more valuable than these things. In turn, they would use these items to make a place where all would worship Yahweh.
What a privilege Yahweh gave them. Their worship improved their relationship with Him and prevented their worship of lesser things. Praise God for His goodness and the privilege of worship through giving.
