Exodus 36

Exodus 36 chronicles the beginning of the physical construction of the Tabernacle by the craftsmen Bezalel and Oholiab, emphasizing the willing, overflowing generosity of the Israelites in providing materials and the precision with which the work was executed.

• Verses 1-7: Authorization of the work and the transition from receiving to restraining the people's overflowing offerings.
• Verses 8-13: Construction of the inner curtains of the Tabernacle.
• Verses 14-19: Construction of the outer covering of the tent.
• Verses 20-34: Construction of the wooden boards, silver sockets, and bars for the framework.
• Verses 35-38: Construction of the veil and the hanging for the door.

• Bezalel and Oholiab
• Wise-hearted men
• Ten curtains of fine twined linen
• Eleven curtains of goats' hair
• Shittim wood boards
• Silver and brass sockets
• The people restrained from giving

This passage serves as the bridge between the divine blueprint given on Sinai and the tangible reality of God's presence among His people, fulfilling the command to build a sanctuary.

God provides the specific wisdom required for His work, and when hearts are stirred by His Spirit, the provision for His kingdom service is abundant.

The chapter moves from the gathering of the labor force and resources to the sequential assembly of the structural components of the sanctuary, affirming that God's dwelling place is built by human hands acting in accordance with divine instruction.

• Moses commanded the people to stop bringing offerings because the supplies were sufficient (Exodus 36:6).

• The setting is the wilderness of Sinai, shortly after the restoration of the covenant following the incident of the golden calf.

• The use of specialized materials (fine linen, blue/purple/scarlet wool, gold, silver, brass) reflects the resources the Israelites brought out of Egypt, now being repurposed for the worship of Yahweh.

• This chapter functions as the realization of the instructions given in Exodus 26 regarding the dimensions and construction of the tabernacle.

• The construction of the Tabernacle as a 'tent of meeting' serves as a type for the presence of God dwelling among His people. Hebrews 8:5 references this pattern as a shadow of the heavenly reality.

• The 'wise hearted' builders (Exodus 36:1) link directly to the selection process described in Exodus 31:6 and 35:30.

• חׇכְמָה [H2451] (wisdom): In this context, it signifies the technical mastery or 'craftsmanship' endowed by God.
• תָּבוּן [H8394] (intelligence): Refers to the capacity for understanding the blueprint or design.
• מְלָאכָה [H4399] (work): Refers here to the ministry or service of construction, distinct from servile labor.
• מִשְׁכָּן [H4908] (tabernacle): Literally 'dwelling place,' emphasizing the purpose of the structure.

• The significant transition from the people being asked to contribute to the people being commanded to stop contributing, indicating a radical shift in their willingness to support the work of God.
• Matthew Henry observes that the zeal with which these builders set about their work is worthy of imitation, noting that the 'tabernacle of witness' stands as a visible testimony of God's love to a fallen race.