John Calvin Commentary Exodus 35:22

"And they came, both men and women, as many as were willing-hearted, [and] brought brooches, and ear-rings, and signet-rings, and armlets, all jewels of gold; even every man that offered an offering of gold unto Jehovah." — Exodus 35:22 (ASV)

And they came, both men and women. Specific mention is made of the women, not only for their generosity but also for their labors, which, as it soon afterwards appears, God designed to use in the work of the sanctuary. Moses emphasizes the fervor of their pious desires because they did not hold back their ornaments. People, and especially women, are generally so fond of these that they would rather endure cold, hunger, or thirst than part with them.²⁹⁴ It was, therefore, a sign of extraordinary zeal for them to give up their rings and bracelets, which many are very reluctant to part with, even when they are dying of hunger.

Furthermore, the contribution of those who gave brass, iron, shittim-wood, and rams’ skins is also praised. This ensured that the poor would not doubt that, although their ability might not match their desires, the offering they willingly presented in their poverty was no less acceptable to God than when the rich man, out of his abundance, gave what was a hundred times more valuable.

²⁹⁴ Addition in Fr., “Pour s’en defaire;” to deprive themselves of them.., “Pour s’en defaire;” to deprive themselves of them.