Exodus 36
BSB1 “So Bezalel, Oholiab, and every skilled person are to carry out everything commanded by the LORD, who has given them skill and ability to know how to perform all the work of constructing the sanctuary." 2 Then Moses summoned Bezalel, Oholiab, and every skilled person whom the LORD had gifted—everyone whose heart stirred him to come and do the work. 3 They received from Moses all the contributions that the Israelites had brought to carry out the service of constructing the sanctuary. Meanwhile, the people continued to bring freewill offerings morning after morning, 4 so that all the skilled craftsmen who were doing all the work on the sanctuary left their work 5 and said to Moses, “The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the LORD has commanded us to do." 6 After Moses had given an order, they sent a proclamation throughout the camp: “No man or woman should make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary.” So the people were restrained from bringing more, 7 since what they already had was more than enough to perform all the work. 8 All the skilled craftsmen among the workmen made the ten curtains for the tabernacle. They were made of finely spun linen, as well as blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, with cherubim skillfully worked into them. 9 Each curtain was twenty-eight cubits long and four cubits wide; all the curtains were the same size. 10 And he joined five of the curtains together, and the other five he joined as well. 11 He made loops of blue material on the edge of the end curtain in the first set, and also on the end curtain in the second set. 12 He made fifty loops on one curtain and fifty loops on the end curtain of the second set, so that the loops lined up opposite one another. 13 He also made fifty gold clasps to join the curtains together, so that the tabernacle was a unit. 14 He then made curtains of goat hair for the tent over the tabernacle—eleven curtains in all. 15 Each of the eleven curtains was the same size—thirty cubits long and four cubits wide. 16 He joined five of the curtains into one set and the other six into another. 17 He made fifty loops along the edge of the end curtain in the first set, and fifty loops along the edge of the corresponding curtain in the second set. 18 He also made fifty bronze clasps to join the tent together as a unit. 19 Additionally, he made for the tent a covering of ram skins dyed red, and over that a covering of fine leather. 20 Next, he constructed upright frames of acacia wood for the tabernacle. 21 Each frame was ten cubits long and a cubit and a half wide. 22 Two tenons were connected to each other for each frame. He made all the frames of the tabernacle in this way. 23 He constructed twenty frames for the south side of the tabernacle, 24 with forty silver bases to put under the twenty frames—two bases for each frame, one under each tenon. 25 For the second side of the tabernacle, the north side, he made twenty frames 26 and forty silver bases—two bases under each frame. 27 He made six frames for the rear of the tabernacle, the west side, 28 and two frames for the two back corners of the tabernacle, 29 coupled together from bottom to top and fitted into a single ring. He made both corners in this way. 30 So there were eight frames and sixteen silver bases—two under each frame. 31 He also made five crossbars of acacia wood for the frames on one side of the tabernacle, 32 five for those on the other side, and five for those on the rear side of the tabernacle, to the west. 33 He made the central crossbar to run through the center of the frames, from one end to the other. 34 And he overlaid the frames with gold and made gold rings to hold the crossbars. He also overlaid the crossbars with gold. 35 Next, he made the veil of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, with cherubim skillfully worked into it. 36 He also made four posts of acacia wood for it and overlaid them with gold, along with gold hooks; and he cast four silver bases for the posts. 37 For the entrance to the tent, he made a curtain embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, 38 together with five posts and their hooks. He overlaid the tops of the posts and their bands with gold, and their five bases were bronze.
Study Notes — Exodus 36
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Exodus 36
- Themes from Exodus 36
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Exodus 36
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Exodus chapter 36 describes the construction of the tabernacle, starting with the collection of materials and the appointment of skilled craftsmen, Bezalel and Oholiab, to oversee the work. The chapter highlights the people's eagerness to contribute to the project, with many bringing more than what was required. The craftsmen worked diligently, following God's instructions, to create the tabernacle's components, including the curtains, frames, and furnishings. As the chapter progresses, it becomes clear that the tabernacle is not just a physical structure but a symbol of God's presence among His people, and its construction is a testament to their obedience and faithfulness to God's commands, as seen in Exodus 36:5 and Exodus 36:8.
Context for the Chapter
Exodus chapter 36 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Exodus, which tells the story of the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt and their journey to the Promised Land. The chapter is also connected to the broader biblical narrative, which ultimately points to Christ, the ultimate tabernacle and dwelling place of God among His people, as seen in John 1:14. The construction of the tabernacle is a pivotal moment in the history of the Israelites, demonstrating their obedience to God's commands and their desire to worship Him in a way that is pleasing to Him.
Heart Application
As we reflect on Exodus chapter 36, we are reminded of the importance of obedience to God's commands and the significance of worshiping Him in a way that is pleasing to Him. We are called to be like the Israelites, who were eager to contribute to the construction of the tabernacle, and to be like Bezalel and Oholiab, who skillfully followed God's instructions. May we be inspired to obey God's commands and to worship Him with our lives, just as the Israelites did in the construction of the tabernacle.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Exodus chapter 36 is about the construction of the tabernacle, a portable place of worship. The people of Israel brought their offerings, and skilled craftsmen, including Bezalel and Oholiab, worked together to build the tabernacle according to God's instructions, as seen in Exodus 36:1 and Exodus 36:8. This chapter teaches us about the importance of obedience to God's commands and the significance of worshiping Him in a way that is pleasing to Him.
Voices from the Church
“The tabernacle was a symbol of God's presence among His people, and its construction is a testament to their obedience and faithfulness to God's commands.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The people's eagerness to contribute to the construction of the tabernacle demonstrates their enthusiasm and commitment to obeying God's commands, as seen in Exodus 36:5.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to the Tabernacle's Construction (Exodus 36:1-7) — The chapter begins with the introduction of the tabernacle's construction, highlighting the people's eagerness to contribute and the appointment of skilled craftsmen.
- The Collection of Materials (Exodus 36:3-7) — The people brought their offerings, and the craftsmen began to work on the tabernacle's components.
- The Construction of the Tabernacle (Exodus 36:8-38) — The chapter describes the construction of the tabernacle, including the curtains, frames, and furnishings.
- The Completion of the Tabernacle (Exodus 36:8-38) — The chapter concludes with the completion of the tabernacle, highlighting the people's obedience to God's commands and their desire to worship Him in a way that is pleasing to Him.
- Conclusion (Exodus 36:1-38) — The chapter reminds us of the significance of the tabernacle as a symbol of God's presence among His people and the importance of obeying God's commands in our lives.
Core Doctrines
- The Doctrine of Worship
- Exodus chapter 36 teaches us about the significance of worshiping God in a way that is pleasing to Him, highlighting the importance of obedience to His commands and the use of skilled labor in the construction of the tabernacle.
- The Doctrine of Obedience
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, demonstrating how the Israelites' obedience led to the successful construction of the tabernacle.
- The Doctrine of Stewardship
- The people's eagerness to contribute to the construction of the tabernacle demonstrates their commitment to being good stewards of the resources God has given them.
- The Doctrine of the Tabernacle
- The chapter teaches us about the significance of the tabernacle as a symbol of God's presence among His people, highlighting its importance in the history of the Israelites and its connection to Christ, the ultimate tabernacle.
Lessons from Exodus 36
- The Importance of Obedience — The chapter teaches us about the importance of obedience to God's commands, highlighting how the Israelites' obedience led to the successful construction of the tabernacle.
- The Significance of Worship — The chapter emphasizes the significance of worshiping God in a way that is pleasing to Him, demonstrating how the construction of the tabernacle was a testament to the people's commitment to worship.
- The Role of Skilled Labor — The chapter highlights the importance of skilled labor in the construction of the tabernacle, teaching us about the value of using our talents and skills to serve God.
- The Symbolism of the Tabernacle — The chapter teaches us about the significance of the tabernacle as a symbol of God's presence among His people, highlighting its importance in the history of the Israelites and its connection to Christ.
- The Example of Bezalel and Oholiab — The chapter provides us with the example of Bezalel and Oholiab, who skillfully followed God's instructions to construct the tabernacle, teaching us about the importance of following God's plans and designs in our lives.
Themes from Exodus 36
- Obedience to God's Commands — The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, highlighting how the Israelites' obedience led to the successful construction of the tabernacle.
- The Significance of Worship — The chapter teaches us about the significance of worshiping God in a way that is pleasing to Him, demonstrating how the construction of the tabernacle was a testament to the people's commitment to worship.
- The Role of Skilled Labor — The chapter highlights the importance of skilled labor in the construction of the tabernacle, teaching us about the value of using our talents and skills to serve God.
- The Symbolism of the Tabernacle — The chapter teaches us about the significance of the tabernacle as a symbol of God's presence among His people, highlighting its importance in the history of the Israelites and its connection to Christ.
- The Example of Bezalel and Oholiab — The chapter provides us with the example of Bezalel and Oholiab, who skillfully followed God's instructions to construct the tabernacle, teaching us about the importance of following God's plans and designs in our lives.
Questions for Meditation
- What does the construction of the tabernacle teach us about the importance of obedience to God's commands?
- How does the people's eagerness to contribute to the construction of the tabernacle demonstrate their commitment to worshiping God in a way that is pleasing to Him?
- What role does skilled labor play in the construction of the tabernacle, and what can we learn from this in our own lives?
- How does the tabernacle serve as a symbol of God's presence among His people, and what does this teach us about our own relationship with God?
- What can we learn from the example of Bezalel and Oholiab, who skillfully followed God's instructions to construct the tabernacle?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to the Tabernacle's Construction (Exodus 36:1-7)
| 36:1 | The chapter begins with the introduction of the tabernacle's construction, highlighting the people's eagerness to contribute and the appointment of skilled craftsmen. |
| 36:2 | Moses called Bezalel and Oholiab, and every skilled person to whom the Lord had given skill and ability, and who was willing to come and do the work. |
| 36:3 | And Moses received from them all the offerings that the people of Israel had brought for the work of constructing the sanctuary. |
2. The Collection of Materials (Exodus 36:3-7)
| 36:3 | The people brought their offerings, and the craftsmen began to work on the tabernacle's components. |
| 36:4 | And they received from Moses all the offerings that the people of Israel had brought for the work of constructing the sanctuary. |
| 36:5 | They received from Moses all the offerings the Israelites had brought to carry out the work of constructing the sanctuary. |
3. The Construction of the Tabernacle (Exodus 36:8-38)
| 36:8 | And all the skilled workers who were doing every sort of task in constructing the sanctuary came, each from the task that he was doing, |
| 36:9 | and said to Moses, "The people bring much more than enough for doing the work that the Lord has commanded us to do." |
| 36:10 | 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." |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the tabernacle in the book of Exodus?
The tabernacle is a symbol of God's presence among His people, and its construction is a testament to their obedience and faithfulness to God's commands, as seen in Exodus 36:1 and Exodus 36:8.
Who were Bezalel and Oholiab, and what role did they play in the construction of the tabernacle?
Bezalel and Oholiab were skilled craftsmen appointed by God to oversee the construction of the tabernacle, as mentioned in Exodus 36:1. They skillfully followed God's instructions to create the tabernacle's components.
What can we learn from the people's eagerness to contribute to the construction of the tabernacle?
The people's eagerness to contribute to the construction of the tabernacle demonstrates their enthusiasm and commitment to obeying God's commands, as seen in Exodus 36:5. This teaches us about the importance of being willing to give and serve God with our resources and talents.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 36:1 → Genesis 1:26-31 | The construction of the tabernacle is reminiscent of God's creation of the world, highlighting the importance of skilled labor and the use of resources to create something beautiful and functional. |
| 2 | Exodus 36:5 → 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 | The people's eagerness to contribute to the construction of the tabernacle is similar to the principle of sowing and reaping, where those who give generously will receive abundantly. |
| 3 | Exodus 36:8 → Hebrews 8:2 | The tabernacle is a symbol of God's presence among His people, and its construction is a foreshadowing of the heavenly tabernacle, where Christ serves as our high priest. |
| 4 | Exodus 36:10 → Matthew 25:14-30 | The parable of the talents teaches us about the importance of using our resources and talents to serve God, just as the people used their skills and materials to construct the tabernacle. |
| 5 | Exodus 36:1 → 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 | The construction of the tabernacle highlights the importance of different skills and talents working together to achieve a common goal, just as the body of Christ is composed of different members with unique gifts and abilities. |
| 6 | Exodus 36:5 → Acts 2:44-47 | The people's eagerness to contribute to the construction of the tabernacle is similar to the early Christian community's willingness to share their resources and possessions with one another. |
| 7 | Exodus 36:8 → Revelation 21:3 | The tabernacle is a symbol of God's presence among His people, and its construction is a foreshadowing of the new heaven and the new earth, where God will dwell among His people forever. |
| 8 | Exodus 36:10 → 1 Peter 4:10-11 | The construction of the tabernacle highlights the importance of using our resources and talents to serve God, just as we are called to use our gifts to serve one another and to glorify God. |
Sermons on Exodus 36
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Exodus) Exodus 36:3-6 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of giving to God's work with enthusiasm and joy. He highlights the example of the Israelites who, despite coming out of slave |
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Redemption: Grace and Love by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of meeting God's needs through love and grace. He uses the example of the Israelites building the Tabernacle to illustrate th |
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Standing Firm in the Lord by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the importance of standing firm in the Lord, using the imagery of the Tabernacle's boards made of acacia wood that remained standing even when stripped |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Exodus 36
In Exodus chapter 36, we see the construction of the tabernacle, a symbol of God's presence among His people. The chapter highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands, the significance of worship, and the role of skilled labor in achieving a common goal. As Matthew Henry notes, the tabernacle is a type of Christ, who is the true tabernacle and the dwelling place of God among His people. The chapter reminds us that our obedience to God's commands is a response to His grace and love, demonstrated through Christ. As we reflect on this chapter, may we be inspired to obey God's commands, to worship Him in a way that is pleasing to Him, and to use our resources and talents to serve Him. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The People's Eagerness
The people of Israel were eager to contribute to the construction of the tabernacle, bringing more than what was required, as seen in Exodus 36:5. This demonstrates their enthusiasm and commitment to obeying God's commands.
The Importance of Skilled Labor
The chapter highlights the importance of skilled labor in the construction of the tabernacle, with Bezalel and Oholiab overseeing the work, as mentioned in Exodus 36:1.
The Significance of the Tabernacle
The tabernacle is not just a physical structure but a symbol of God's presence among His people, and its construction is a testament to their obedience and faithfulness to God's commands.