And all the women that were wise-hearted did spin— Women of the first rank among the Hebrews used in former times to employ themselves in spinning: this too was usual, even with princesses, among the Greeks and Romans, as well as among the Egyptians: Homer and Herodotus supply us with sufficient proofs. (See also Braunius, de Vest. Sacerdot. lib. 1: cap. 17.)
REFLECTIONS.—Their swift obedience to the command was a blessed proof of the sincerity of the repentance which they had professed. They no sooner hear than they obey: delays in duty are dangerous; what we do, we must do quickly: their hearts were willing, and therefore their hands were open; a genuine principle of love makes a cheerful giver. The richest jewels are brought in: they who have tasted of the grace of God, think they can never enough testify their gratitude to him. It was not, indeed, in every man's power to bring gold or diamonds, but if it was a sheep skin, or goat's hair, it was accepted: not the greatness of the gift, so much as the temper of the giver, is precious in God's sight. The idol calf had robbed them of much: it is a shame to reflect how much we have spent upon our sins; yet the spoils of Egypt abundantly supplied them: they had indeed better have left the gold behind than made a god of it; but now they have an opportunity of employing even the unrighteous mammon in the service of the living God. While some are opening their stores, others are at work with their hands: every man has something that he can do for God and his neighbour; and we should remember, that a thread spun for the tabernacle, or two mites cast into the treasury of God, will prove more durable riches than, if we could fill our coffers with diamonds, or adorn our own houses with tapestry of gold.