Exodus 25:3

Gold. Three metals were to be used in the tabernacle itself and in its articles of furniture. The “brass” was an alloy of copper and tin, and therefore bronze rather than brass. When the Hebrews left Egypt they had “borrowed” treasure from the Egyptians (see on chapters 3:22; 12:35, 36). The people gave to the Lord the best of what they had. God will not accept a “sacrifice” that is “blind,” “lame,” or “sick” (Malachi 1:8). This does not mean that God expects us to give beyond our ability, but rather, to the best of our ability (2 Corinthians 8:12).

The widow’s “mite” (Mark 12:41-44) is as pleasing to Him as the “alabaster box of very precious ointment” (Matthew 26:6-13), or the “price” of an estate laid at the apostles’ feet (Acts 5:1, 2). This giving to God of our best applies not only to possessions but to our capabilities, time, and strength as well. The best of our powers should be His, our warmest affections, our deepest thoughts, our highest aspirations. Many kinds of gifts are required in Christ’s service, and there is none so poor or lacking in ability that he cannot do his part. We must not lose the lesson taught by the failure of the man with but one talent (Matthew 25:14, 15, 24-30). The Israelites laid up their treasures in heaven by dedicating them to the work and service of God (Matthew 6:19-21). They were not deceived by the “profit motive” of the world, for they did not purpose to “gain” that “in exchange” for the life to come (see Matthew 16:25, 26).