Komentaryong Sumisipi para sa Exodo 35:20

על חלליהם, “with their other slain comrades;” the word על here means: “with,” as for instance in Leviticus 25,31. (Compare what our author explains on that verse). Compare also על עולות התמיד in Numbers 28,15, as well as Exodus 35,20 האנשים על הנשים, “the men with the women,” and numerous other examples.

“The whole community of the Israelites left” [35:20]. Bahya writes. The verse teaches us that the Israelites were very zealous and quick to bring silver and gold to the Tabernacle. However, the women were much quicker to give their silver and gold earrings to the Tabernacle. Therefore it is written, “Men and women brought” [35:22]. That is to say, the men came and they found their wives already at the Tabernacle. This was very meritorious for the women. They did not want to give their gold and silver earrings for the Golden Calf.¹⁷Bahya, Exodus, 35:20–21.

בדעת, “with knowledge;” as is written there in verse 20: בדעתו תהומות נבקעו, “by His knowledge the depths were broken up.” These attributes were used again when Solomon built his Temple as we know from Kings I 7.14. They will be used once more when the third and final Temple will be built as we know from Proverbs 24,3-4: בחכמה יבנה בית ובתבונה יתכונן, ובדעת חדרים ימלאו כל-הון יקר ונעים, “a house will be built by wisdom; it is established through understanding. Its rooms are filled with all kinds of precious and beautiful riches.”