Exodus 35:21-22 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. 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.
The people responded to the Gospel of Deliverance at the Exodus, and they responded to the Law of the Covenant by coming and bringing offerings to the Lord for the building of the Tabernacle and its service, it’s furnishings and vestments. This response was generous and abundant, as these nomads offered to the Lord from what they could carry, like gold, silver, jewels and cloth. This offering was excessive as it would seem to have depleted their personal wealth. They literally gave themselves to the Lord. It was really a miraculous massive outpouring of love and trust.
The offering was not forced or taxed, but donated freely from a stirred up heart and a willing spirit. Some foreigners wonder how American churches support themselves without government taxation. They don’t realize that when God touches a heart the free will giving exceeds what taxes demand. Churches and pastors are supported totally by free will donations, just like Israel supplied support for the tabernacle and the priests. God is more generous than human government.
God is extravagant in His gifts and mercies, and the people who receive them repond such extravagance, and give. The free will tithes and offerings of God’s people may only be 10%, but with less waste and abuse the 10% goes further than the government’s coerced 20% or so. Regardless, the church and its believers give more from a willing heart than the forced unwilling taxation of humans. This willing generosity cannot be explained any other way than by a heart stirred up by the Spirit to respond to God’s extravagant love. Jesus is worthy of our generous response.