(25) All the women that were wise-hearted--i.e., "all who had sufficient skill." Spinning was probably a very general accomplishment of the Hebrew women. It was effected in early times by means of a wheel and spindle, with or without a distaff. The only materials used for the fabrics of the sanctuary appear to have been flax and goats' hair. The flax was dyed before it was spun into thread, as sometimes by the Greeks (Horn. Od. iv. 135).

Of fine linen.--Rather, of white. Most of the Egyptian linen is of a yellowish white, being made from flax imperfectly blanched.

Verse 25. - All the women that were wise-hearted - i.e., "skilful." See the comment on Exodus 28:3. Brought that which they had spun, both of blue, etc. The flax itself was dyed, so that the thread produced was already coloured. Of fine linen - i.e. "white." All the threads were flaxen.

35:20-29 Without a willing mind, costly offerings would be abhorred; with it, the smallest will be accepted. Our hearts are willing, when we cheerfully assist in promoting the cause of God. Those who are diligent and contented in employments considered mean, are as much accepted of God as those engaged in splendid services. The women who spun the goats' hair were wise-hearted, because they did it heartily to the Lord. Thus the labourer, mechanic, or servant who attends to his work in the faith and fear of God, may be as wise, for his place, as the most useful minister, and he equally accepted of the Lord. Our wisdom and duty consist in giving God the glory and use of our talents, be they many or few.And all the women that were wise hearted,.... That were ingenious, and had a good hand at spinning particularly, these were of the common and lower sort; the more honourable and richer sort of women are before mentioned, as bringing jewels or ornaments of gold of different sorts: but these were such who

did spin with their hands; in which way they got their living: some were more dexterous at it than others:

and brought that which they had spun, both of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine linen; that is, yarn of these several colours, and flaxen thread, of which fine linen was made, all ready for the weaver, whether in woollen or linen.