‏ Exodus 36

Exodus 36:1-7: Appointment of Bezaleel and Aholiab

This passage tells how the skilled workers, led by Bezaleel and Aholiab, began building the tabernacle as soon as they were called. The people kept bringing offerings so generously that eventually Moses had to ask them to stop. This shows both the eagerness of the workers to use their gifts and the great generosity of the people. The story is a strong example of how God’s people should serve Him with ability, honesty, and enthusiasm.

v. 1: The craftsmen started working right away when God gave them the skills and called them to serve ( ^a). God gives us talents so we can use them for good, not just keep them for ourselves ( ^b).

v. 2: Moses called those whom God had given wisdom and willingness to work on the tabernacle ( ^c). People who serve God should have both ability and a willing heart, and they should be ready to put in real effort, not just talk about doing good things.

v. 3: Moses gave the craftsmen the materials that the people had offered ( ^d). Just as the tabernacle needed materials, the church is built up with people who willingly give themselves to God (; ^e).

The people continued to bring freewill offerings every morning. We should also bring our prayers, praise, and hearts to God daily, just as His mercies are new every morning ( ^f).

v. 4-5: The workmen honestly told Moses when there were more materials than needed ( ^g). They could have taken extra for themselves, but they chose to be honest and refused to misuse what was given for God’s work. This shows great integrity and sets a good example for anyone trusted with public or church resources.

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v. 6-7: Moses announced that the people should stop bringing offerings, because there was already more than enough ( ^h). The people were so generous that they had to be restrained from giving more, which is rare. They truly wanted to do as much as possible for God’s house, giving even beyond what was required ( ⁱ).

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Exodus 36:8-38: Construction of the Tabernacle

This section describes how the workers began building the tabernacle itself before making its furniture. The tabernacle was not made of wood or stone, but of beautiful curtains that were carefully embroidered and joined together. This design shows us lessons about God’s people—the church. The church is not built on earthly foundations, but on God. It is sometimes weak or temporary, like a tent, but it is also beautiful because of the gifts and graces God gives. Even though there are different groups of believers, they all join together as one spiritual house, just like the many curtains made one tabernacle.

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Exodus 36:14-34: The Coverings and Framework of the Tabernacle

This part of the passage describes how the tabernacle was given its outer coverings and inner structure. The coverings and framework were not just practical, but also had spiritual meaning. The layers of cloth and skins show how God protects His people, while the strong boards and bars show how God gives the church stability and unity.

v. 14-19: The curtains made of goats’ hair, along with coverings of rams’ skins and badgers’ skins, were placed over the tabernacle ( ^j). These coverings symbolized God’s special protection for His people. Just as the tabernacle was shielded from sun, rain, and storms, God gives His people a safe shelter from trouble and from His own judgment (; ^k).

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v. 20-34: The boards and bars held up the curtains and gave the tabernacle strength ( ^l). Even though the tabernacle was only a tent, its structure was strong because everything was joined together tightly. In the same way, the church is strong and stable when its members are united and support each other.

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Exodus 36:35-38: The Veil and Entrance of the Tabernacle

This passage explains how the workers made the veils and curtains that served as doors and partitions in the tabernacle. These parts were carefully designed and matched the rest of the tabernacle’s beautiful structure. The veils had special meaning, showing the difference between God’s holiness and the people, and also teaching about how close people could come to God.

v. 35-36: A veil was made to divide the holy place from the most holy place ( ^m). This veil showed that, in the Old Testament times, people could not come close to God’s glory. It was a sign of separation and darkness, but now, through Jesus, we have a clearer view of God and can draw nearer to Him ( ⁿ). It also reminds us that, in this life, we do not see God fully, but one day in heaven we will be with Him and see Him as He truly is ( ^o).

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v. 37-38: Another veil was made for the entrance to the tabernacle ( ^p). The people would gather at this door even though they were not allowed to go inside. This teaches us to come as close to God as we can while we live on earth, always seeking to be nearer to Him.