Another matter: “See, the Lord has called by name Betzalel” – that is what is written: “I will heal their waywardness; I will love them gratuitously [nedava]” (Hosea 14:5). What is written previously? “The children of Israel brought it as a freewill offering [nedava] to the Lord” (Exodus 35:29). Thereafter, “See, the Lord has called by name, Betzalel.”15Why does the verse first relate that they brought all the materials and only afterward mention that Betzalel was in charge?
It is, that when they crafted the calf, the Holy One blessed be He said to Moses: “Now let Me be…[and I will eradicate them]” (Exodus 32:10). He said to Him: ‘Test them; have them craft the Tabernacle.’ What is written in that iniquity? “Remove the gold rings” (Exodus 32:2).
What did they bring? They brought rings.16They donated gold rings for the construction of the Golden Calf. When they crafted the Tabernacle they brought it as a freewill offering. What is written?
“Everyone generous of heart brought a bracelet, an earring, a ring, and a girdle” (Exodus 35:22). With rings they sinned and with rings He was reconciled with them. The Divine Spirit called out through Hosea: “It will be that instead of it being said to them: You are not My people, it will be said to them: Children of the living God” (Hosea 2:1). Moses said before the Holy One blessed be He: ‘You wrote: “If a man steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters it or sells it, he shall pay five oxen for the ox” (Exodus 21:37). They brought five: Bracelet, earring, ring, nose ring, and girdle.”’