God's Blessing

Exodus 36 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

1 “Bezalel and Oholiab and every craftsman in whom the Lord has put skill and intelligence to know how to do any work in the construction of the sanctuary shall work in accordance with all that the Lord has commanded.”
2 And Moses called Bezalel and Oholiab and every craftsman in whose mind the Lord had put skill, everyone whose heart stirred him up to come to do the work.
3 They still kept bringing him freewill offerings every morning,
4 So all the skilled men who were doing all the work on the sanctuary came, each from the work that he was doing,
5 and they said to Moses, “The people bring much more than enough for doing the work that the Lord has commanded us to do.”
6 So Moses gave command, and word was proclaimed throughout the camp, “Let no man or woman do anything more for the contribution for the sanctuary.” So the people were restrained from bringing.
7 For the material they had was sufficient to do all the work, and more.
8 And all the craftsmen among the workmen made the tabernacle with ten curtains. They were made of fine twined linen and blue and purple and scarlet yarns, with cherubim skillfully worked.
9 The length of each curtain was twenty-eight cubits, and the breadth of each curtain four cubits. All the curtains were the same size.
10 And he coupled five curtains to one another, and the other five curtains he coupled to one another.
11 And he made loops of blue on the edge of the outermost curtain in the first set.
12 And for the east side the hangings were fifty cubits,
13 And he made fifty clasps of gold, and coupled the curtains one to the other with clasps. So the tabernacle was a single whole.
14 He made curtains of goats’ hair for a tent over the tabernacle; he made eleven curtains.
15 The length of each curtain was twenty-eight cubits, and the breadth of each curtain four cubits. All the curtains were the same size.
16 He made fifty loops on the edge of the outermost curtain of the one set, and fifty loops on the edge of the other connecting curtain.
17 Then he made fifty loops on the edge of the curtain that is outermost in the first set, and fifty loops on the edge of the curtain that is outermost in the second set.
18 And he made fifty clasps of bronze to couple the tent together that it might be a single whole.
19 The length of each curtain was twenty-eight cubits, and the breadth of each curtain four cubits. All the curtains were the same size.
20 He made the upright frames for the tabernacle of acacia wood.
21 Each frame was fifteen cubits long, and the breadth of each frame was a cubit and a half.
22 The pegs of the tabernacle and the pegs of the court, and their cords.
23 There were eight frames with their bases of silver: sixteen bases, under every frame two bases.
24 And with it he made the bases for the entrance of the tent of meeting, the bronze altar and the bronze grating for it and all the utensils of the altar,
25 And for the other side of the tabernacle, on the north side, he made twenty frames
26 And he made for the tent a covering of tanned rams’ skins and goatskins.
27 And for the corners of the court on the west you shall make six frames.
28 He also made bars of acacia wood, five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle,
29 And they made the connecting rods of acacia wood to hold the veil in place.
30 And there were eight frames with their bases of silver: sixteen bases, under every frame two bases.
31 And he made bars of acacia wood, five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle,
32 And five bars for the frames of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the frames of the side of the tabernacle at the rear westward.
33 And he made the middle bar to run from end to end halfway up the frames.
34 He overlaid the frames with gold and made their rings of gold for holders for the bars, and overlaid the bars with gold.
35 He made the veil of blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen; with cherubim skillfully worked into it he made it.
36 He made the veil of blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen; with cherubim skillfully worked into it he made it.
37 He also made a screen for the entrance of the tent, of blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen, embroidered with needlework.
38 and its five pillars with their hooks. He overlaid their capitals, and their fillets were of silver. But the sockets of the pillars were of bronze.

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The True Meaning of Exodus 36

The Book of Exodus, the second book of the Bible, was written by Moses, the great prophet and leader of the Israelites. This chapter focuses on the construction of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary that would serve as the center of worship for the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness, as the narrative continues from the previous book. The Israelite people contribute their time, skills, and resources to the building of the Tabernacle, demonstrating their generosity and dedication. The chapter also highlights the skilled craftsmanship of Bezalel and Oholiab, who were divinely appointed to oversee the construction. The precise instructions given by the Lord to Moses in the previous chapters remind us of the importance of obedience and reverence in the worship of God as we delve into the details of the Tabernacle’s design and construction.

The events described in this chapter foreshadow the establishment of the Israelites’ relationship with God, as the Tabernacle would serve as the dwelling place of the divine presence among them. This chapter also echoes the themes of sacrifice, devotion, and the importance of following God’s commands, which are woven throughout the entire book of Exodus.

Exodus 36:1-7

The construction of the tabernacle is the focus in Exodus 36:1-7. Let’s break down the verses into key sections for detailed commentary.

  1. Verses 1-2: “And Bezalel and Oholiab, and every gifted artisan in whom the Lord has put wisdom and understanding, to know how to do all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary, shall do according to all that the Lord has commanded.”

  2. Commentary: Here, we are introduced to Bezalel and Oholiab, two individuals gifted by God with wisdom and understanding to work on the construction of the sanctuary. These two men were chosen by God for their craftsmanship and ability to carry out the intricate work needed for the tabernacle. It’s important to note that when God calls individuals to serve Him, He equips them with the necessary talents and skills to fulfill His plans. This highlights the concept of God empowering His chosen people for specific tasks, as seen in other instances in the Bible where individuals like Moses, David, and Solomon were given divine wisdom and abilities to carry out their roles.

  3. Verses 3-4: “And they received from Moses all the offering which the children of Israel had brought for the work of the service of making the sanctuary. So they continued bringing to him freewill offerings every morning. Then all the craftsmen who were doing all the work of the sanctuary came, each from the work he was doing.”

  4. Commentary: These verses underscore the willing and generous hearts of the Israelites in bringing offerings for the construction of the tabernacle. The people were so eager to participate in this significant project that they continued to bring freewill offerings daily. This demonstrates the unity and dedication of the community in contributing towards a common goal. It also reflects the principle of generosity and voluntary giving, emphasizing the importance of cheerful giving as seen in 2 Corinthians 9:7, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

  5. Verses 5-7: “And they spoke to Moses, saying, ‘The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work which the Lord commanded us to do.’ So Moses gave a commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, ‘Let neither man nor woman do any more work for the offering of the sanctuary.’ And the people were restrained from bringing, for the material they had was sufficient for all the work to be done—indeed too much.”

  6. Commentary: The generosity of the Israelites surpassed the needs of the construction project. They gave so abundantly that Moses had to intervene and stop them from bringing more offerings. This abundance of resources underscored the people’s wholehearted commitment to God’s work. It also reflects the faithfulness of God in providing more than enough to accomplish His purposes. This situation echoes the concept of God’s provision and abundance, as highlighted in Philippians 4:19, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Exodus 36:1-7 portrays the story of the willing and skillful artisans, the generous contributions of the Israelites, and the abundance of resources for the construction of the tabernacle. This passage emphasizes themes of God’s provision, empowerment of His chosen servants, unity of the community in fulfilling a common goal, and the importance of cheerful and generous giving in obedience to God’s commands. It encourages believers to use their God-given talents for His service, be willing contributors to the work of the Kingdom, and trust in God’s provision for every need.

Exodus 36:8-13

Skilled workers that Moses had called upon to help build the tabernacle according to the specifications given by God are the focus in Exodus 36:8-13. These verses highlight the unity, obedience, and skill of the Israelites in carrying out this sacred task. The passage specifically mentions Bezalel and Oholiab, who were filled with the Spirit of God, wisdom, and understanding to be able to oversee this intricate construction project. Bezalel was from the tribe of Judah, and Oholiab was from the tribe of Dan. These two men were chosen by God to lead the craftsmanship of the tabernacle, including the construction of its furnishings, coverings, and intricate details according to the divine instructions given.

This passage emphasizes the importance of using our God-given talents and skills for His glory. Bezalel and Oholiab were not only talented craftsmen but were also filled with the Spirit of God. This serves as a reminder that God equips those He calls for His work. It also shows the significance of working together in unity and harmony for a common purpose. Each individual had a specific role to play in the construction of the tabernacle, and their combined efforts were essential in completing this monumental task.

Through the story of Bezalel and Oholiab, we see how God values craftsmanship and attention to detail in His service. This reflects the broader theme in the Bible of excellence and dedication in all that we do for God. “Colossians 3:23-24 writes, ‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.’” It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” This echoes the spirit in which Bezalel, Oholiab, and the other skilled workers operated as they dedicated their talents to the construction of the tabernacle.

Furthermore, the collaboration between Bezalel, Oholiab, and the other workers highlights the importance of teamwork in achieving a common goal. Different individuals with unique gifts and abilities need to work together in unity to fulfill God’s purposes, just as the various parts of the tabernacle needed to come together to form a cohesive structure. This lesson of unity and cooperation is essential not just in building physical structures like the tabernacle but in building up the spiritual body of Christ, as highlighted in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 where the church is compared to a body with many different parts working together for a common purpose. Exodus 36:8-13 offers a profound lesson on the importance of using our skills and talents for God’s glory, working in unity towards a common goal, and the significance of attention to detail and craftsmanship in serving the Lord. These principles are timeless and continue to inspire believers to offer their best to God, cooperate with others in harmony and mutual respect, and strive for excellence in all aspects of life dedicated to the service of the Kingdom.

Exodus 36:14-19

The verses in Exodus 36:14-19 describe the framework of the tabernacle being constructed according to the instructions given by God to Moses. The sections in these verses focus on the boards or frames of acacia wood that were to be set upright as the structure of the tabernacle’s walls. Each board was to be ten cubits long and one and a half cubits wide. They were to be joined together with tenons and sockets, creating a strong and stable framework for the tabernacle.

This section of the Exodus narrative emphasizes the precision and care with which the tabernacle was to be built. The detailed instructions for the dimensions and materials used highlight the importance of honoring God with excellence and attention to detail in worship and service. The Israelites were demonstrating their obedience and reverence for God’s commands by following these specific directives.

The use of acacia wood, known for its durability and resilience, also symbolizes the enduring nature of God’s presence among His people. God’s covenant and presence with the Israelites were meant to be constant and unwavering, just as the wood was strong and long-lasting.

The construction of the tabernacle serves as a striking illustration of God’s desire to dwell among His people. The meticulous planning and execution of the tabernacle’s construction reflect the idea that God values order, beauty, and intentionality in His worship. This emphasis on the physical structure of the tabernacle communicates the importance of creating a sacred space where God’s presence can be honored and experienced. The tabernacle as a place of worship and sacrifice foreshadows the later establishment of the temple in Jerusalem in the broader context of the Bible. Both structures were central to the Israelites’ religious practices and served as a physical reminder of God’s proximity and holiness. The attention to detail in constructing the tabernacle underscores the idea that our worship and service to God should be marked by reverence and excellence.

These verses in Exodus also point towards the ultimate fulfillment of God’s desire to dwell among His people through Jesus Christ. “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us is stated in John 1:14.”” The tabernacle and later the temple were temporary physical structures, but Jesus coming to earth as the ultimate sacrifice and mediator established a new way for God to be present with His people. Through Christ, believers now have direct access to God’s presence and can worship Him in Spirit and in truth (John 4:24).

Exodus 36:20-30

The skilled craftsmen of the Israelites worked diligently on the construction of the Tabernacle according to the specific instructions given by God to Moses in Exodus 36:20-30. Let’s break down this passage into key sections for a comprehensive commentary:

  1. “Then he made the upright frames of acacia wood for the tabernacle.” – Here, we witness the craftsmen constructing the framework of the Tabernacle using acacia wood. Acacia wood was known for its durability and resistance to decay, symbolizing the enduring nature of God’s dwelling place among His people.

  2. “Each frame was ten cubits long and a cubit and a half wide.” – The precise measurements mentioned here emphasize the importance of accuracy and attention to detail in carrying out God’s instructions. This meticulous approach reflects the significance of honoring God with excellence in craftsmanship and obedience to His commands.

  3. “He made two projections for each frame parallel to each other.” – The mention of the projections or arms extending from each frame likely served a purpose in supporting the structure of the Tabernacle, ensuring its stability. This illustrates the importance of not only fulfilling the primary task but also making provisions for additional support and reinforcement to uphold the sacred structure.

  4. “He made twenty frames for the south side of the tabernacle.” – The specific number of frames enumerated here highlights the systematic organization and division of labor among the craftsmen in completing the construction. This structured approach signifies the unity and collaboration required to accomplish God’s work effectively and efficiently.

  5. “And he made forty silver bases to go under the twenty frames—two bases for each frame.” – The mention of the silver bases indicates the foundation on which the frames were set, emphasizing the need for a strong and stable support system for the Tabernacle. Silver symbolizes purity and redemption in the Bible, suggesting the importance of establishing the Tabernacle on a foundation of righteousness and holiness.

  6. “For the back of the tabernacle, to the west, he made six frames.” – The variation in the number of frames for different sides of the Tabernacle demonstrates the adaptability and resourcefulness of the craftsmen in adjusting their construction based on the architectural requirements. Flexibility and problem-solving skills are crucial in fulfilling God’s work in varying circumstances. The Israelites showcased meticulous craftsmanship and collaborative effort in constructing the Tabernacle with precision and dedication in Exodus 36:20-30. This passage conveys timeless messages of obedience to God’s instructions, attention to detail, teamwork, and the significance of establishing foundations of righteousness in serving the Lord. It also underscores the importance of utilizing one’s skills and talents for the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom, as exemplified by the skilled craftsmen in building the Tabernacle in accordance with God’s divine plan.

Exodus 36:31-34

The text in Exodus 36:31-34 describes the construction of the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place within the tabernacle. The veil served as a barrier to signify the separation between a holy and sinful humanity and the sacred presence of God. It was crafted with fine twined linen in blue, purple, and scarlet yarn with cherubim woven into it, further emphasizing the significance of this divide. The craftsmanship and attention to detail in creating the veil highlight the reverence and meticulous care that the Israelites placed in their worship and their understanding of God’s holiness.

This section of the text underscores the importance of reverence and respect in approaching God. The veil symbolizes the need for a mediator between God and humanity, which is a foreshadowing of the ultimate mediator, Jesus Christ, who would later come to bridge the gap between God and humanity through His sacrifice. Hebrews 6:19-20 speaks to this, stating, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf.”

Furthermore, the intricate craftsmanship involved in creating the veil illustrates the value of offering our best to God. We are reminded to give our best in our service and devotion to God, just as the Israelites spared no effort in constructing a place of worship. This dedication to excellence and attention to detail reflects a heart that honors God and seeks to bring glory to His name. Colossians 3:23-24 encourages believers, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. The tearing of the veil in the temple when Jesus died on the cross represents the separation between humanity and God due to sin (Matthew 27:51). Through Jesus’ sacrifice, the barrier was broken, and believers can now boldly approach the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16). The veil in Exodus serves as a powerful reminder of the atoning work of Christ and the invitation for all to draw near to God with confidence.

Exodus 36:35-38

The detailed account of the completion of the tabernacle that the Israelites were instructed to build by God is seen in Exodus 36:35-38. These verses describe how the skilled workers constructed the veil of the tabernacle, the ark of the testimony, the mercy seat, the table with its utensils, the lampstand with its accessories, the altar of incense, the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils, the basin with its stand, and the screen for the entrance of the tabernacle. It emphasizes the attention to detail and precision with which everything was made according to the instructions given by God.

This meticulous construction of the tabernacle serves as a testament to the Israelites’ obedience and faithfulness to God’s commands. It underscores the importance of following God’s instructions with precision and care, showing reverence for His holiness. The tabernacle itself was a physical representation of God’s dwelling among His people, and every element within it had symbolic significance. For example, the ark of the testimony housed the Ten Commandments which symbolized God’s covenant with His people. The mercy seat, placed on top of the ark, was where God’s presence would manifest, signifying His grace and forgiveness.

Furthermore, the lampstand with its accessories represented God’s light guiding His people, while the altar of burnt offering symbolized atonement for sin. Each component of the tabernacle had a specific purpose and meaning, pointing towards the ultimate sacrifice and redemption that would be fulfilled in Jesus Christ. This construction process not only demonstrated the Israelites’ commitment to God’s instructions but also foreshadowed the coming of Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of the law and the sacrificial system. The building of the tabernacle follows the Israelites’ deliverance from Egypt and the receiving of the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai in the larger context of Exodus. It solidifies the establishment of the covenant relationship between God and His people, where He promises to dwell among them and lead them on their journey. The tabernacle served as a central place of worship and a visible reminder of God’s presence in their midst. The attention to detail in its construction highlights the significance of giving our best to God and honoring Him in all aspects of our lives. The completion of the tabernacle according to God’s instructions showcases the obedience and reverence of the Israelites in Exodus 36:35-38. This passage not only details the physical construction of a sacred space but also conveys deeper spiritual truths about God’s presence, redemption, and His covenant with His people. The meticulous craftsmanship of the tabernacle serves as a timeless reminder for believers today to approach God with reverence, obedience, and a willingness to offer our best in service to Him.

After Exodus 36

The people had given more than enough for the construction of the tabernacle. Moses instructed them to stop bringing offerings, for they had already provided more than enough materials. The skilled workers then set to work, crafting the various components of the tabernacle according to the Lord’s specifications. A sense of awe and reverence filled the air as the final pieces were put into place. The people stood in silent wonder, marveling at the intricate details and the divine presence that seemed to permeate the sacred space. Little did they know that the true test of their faith was yet to come, as they would soon face the challenges of maintaining their devotion and obedience to the Lord in the wilderness.