Exodus 36 - Printer Friendly

Moses has begun relaying God's instructions about building the tabernacle (Exodus 25—31). The Israelites were asked to donate materials for the project. Bezalel and Oholiab begin training and supervising Israelites to help in this work (Exodus 35:30—36:1).

Israel does more than respond to the call for donations; they give overwhelmingly. Not long ago, Moses was away long enough (Exodus 24:18) for the people to lose confidence. So, they pressured Aaron to make them an idol (Exodus 32:1–6). They demanded a tangible connection to their God. Some of their passion for the tabernacle project is probably that same motive. This time, however, they have a plan written and approved by God Himself. Israelites donate so much raw material that Moses tells them to stop giving (Exodus 36:2–7).

The remainder of the chapter duplicates the instructions given in Exodus 26. This time, the details are framed as what Israel did, rather than what they were commanded. After Israel's tragic mistake with the idol (Exodus 32:19–20), there is heavy emphasis on following the Lord's commands exactly as they were given (Exodus 36:8–38).

Exodus 35:30—36:1 assigns two men to supervise construction of the tabernacle. Their names are Bezalel and Oholiab. God designated them to Moses, and Moses repeats that command to the people. This information is the same as given in Exodus 31:1–11.

Exodus 36:2–7 describes the Israelites' willingness to work under Oholiab and Bezalel (Exodus 35:30, 34). These are the men assigned to supervise construction of the tabernacle (Exodus 25:8–9). The people's enthusiasm creates a flood of donations. Moses eventually asks them to stop contributing because the project already has more than enough material.

Exodus 36:8–38 indicates that the Israelites follow God's instructions precisely. They are constructing a tabernacle for the Lord (Exodus 25:8–9) under the direction of two assigned supervisors (Exodus 35:30—36:1). The actions of this passage are a point-by-point response to the designs recorded in Exodus 26.

Israel responds to the call for donations with enthusiasm. The people are so eager to donate that Moses must command the people to stop giving. Working under Bezalel, skilled workers begin following God's instructions for crafting the tabernacle (Exodus 25—31). Most of these descriptions repeat the exact wording from God's command, rephrased as what Israel actually did.

After renewing the covenant (Exodus 34), Moses is passing along the Lord's commands regarding the tabernacle (Exodus 25:8–9). This began with a call for materials and recently included the appointment of Bezalel and Oholiab to supervise the project (Exodus 35). This and following chapters (Exodus 37—39) record Israel following those original instructions very closely. The text is virtually identical to the written designs recorded earlier (Exodus 25—31).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.