Exodus 36:2

36:1-38 The making of the tabernacle The liberality of the people restrained. - The readiness and zeal with which these builders set about their work, the exactness with which they performed it, and the faithfulness with which they objected to receive more contributions, are worthy of our imitation. Thus should we serve God, and our superiors also, in all things lawful. Thus should all who are in public trusts abhor filthy lucre, and avoid all occasions and temptations to covetousness. Where have we the representation of God's love towards us, that we by love dwell in him and he in us, save in Emmanuel? Mt 1:23. This is the sum of the ministry of reconciliation, 2Co 5:18,19. This was the design of the tabernacle of witness, a visible testimony of the love of God to the race of men, however they were fallen from their first state. And this love was shown by Christ's taking up his abode on earth; by the Word being made flesh, Joh 1:14, wherein, as the original expresses it, he did tabernacle among us.

And Moses called Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man,.... It was not enough that they had qualifications for this work, but they must have a call to it from Moses, to whom the whole affair was committed, to see that it was done according to the pattern shown him in the mount: so all that are concerned in the public work and service of the church of God should have a call unto it both from the Lord and from the church: in whose heart the Lord had put wisdom, even everyone whose heart stirred him up to come unto the work to do it; who had not only abilities given him of God, but a mind disposed for it, a willingness of heart, a readiness of soul for such service, was even eager upon it, and in haste to be at it.

Exodus 36:2 . And Moses called Bezaleel — Even those whom God has qualified for, and inclined to the service of the tabernacle, yet must wait for a call to it, either extraordinary, as that of preachers and apostles, or ordinary, as that of pastors and teachers. And observe who they were that Moses called; those in whose heart God had put wisdom for this purpose, beyond their natural capacity, and whose heart stirred him up to come to the work in good earnest. Those are to be called to the building of the gospel tabernacle, whom God has by his grace made in some measure fit for the work, and free to it: ability and willingness, with resolution, are the two things to be regarded in the call of ministers.

(2) Moses called Bezaleel —i.e., Moses summoned Bezaleel, Aholiab, and their chief assistants, into his presence, and committed to them the offerings which he had received from the people ( Exodus 36:3 )—the gold, the silver, the bronze, the shittim wood, the thread, the goats’ hair, the rams’ skins, the seals’ skins, the precious stones, the oil, the spices, &c. “They received of Moses all the offering that had been hitherto brought.

Verses 2, 3. - Moses called Bezaleel , etc. Having received sufficient materials for a beginning, Moses summoned Bezaleel, Aholiab, and their chief assistants, to his presence, and delivered into their hands the various offerings - the wood, the metal, the precious stones, the thread, the goats' hair, the rams' skins, the seals' skins, etc. Upon these materials they proceeded at once to work. They brought yet unto him free offerings every morning. The people still continued to give. Freewill offerings kept continually flowing in. Morning after morning a fresh supply was brought to Moses, who passed it on to those engaged in the work. Exodus 36:2

2 . every wise hearted man , &c.] v. 1; cf. Exodus 31:6 b. stirred … up ] lit. lifted up , as Exodus 35:21 ; Exodus 35:26 . to come ] to draw near , viz. for a sacred purpose, as often in P ( Exodus 16:9 , Exodus 40:32 , Leviticus 9:5 ; Leviticus 9:8 ; Leviticus 16:1 , &c.); cf. on Exodus 12:48 . 2–7 . Delivery of the offerings to Běẓal’çl and Oholiab, and their assistants. The people continuing to bring offerings, in excess of what was required, are restrained by Moses. Another ideal picture: the people not only offer liberally, but offer more than is required; and their liberality has to be checked.

3 . And thou ] the pron. is emphatic. wise … wisdom ] of artistic cleverness or skill: cf. Exodus 31:3 ; Exodus 31:6 , Exodus 35:10 ; Exodus 35:25-26 ; Exodus 35:31 , Exodus 36:1-2 ; Exodus 36:4 ; Exodus 36:8 ; Jeremiah 10:9 (‘cunning’: Heb. wise ). The heart is with the Hebrews the seat not of feeling , as with us, but of understanding : Jeremiah 5:21 RVm., Hosea 4:11 RVm., Job 12:24 , &c. the spirit of wisdom ] i.e. an impulse and activity, instinct with wisdom (i.e., here, artistic skill): cf. Deuteronomy 34:9 (P), Isaiah 11:2 ; Isaiah 28:6 ; and (in a bad sense) Isaiah 19:14 ; Isaiah 29:10 , Hosea 4:12 . Comp. on Exodus 31:3 . to sanctify him ] the investiture is a part of the consecration, Exodus 29:5 ff.

CHAPTER 36 Ex 36:1-38. Offerings Delivered to the Workmen. 1. Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise-hearted man, &c.—Here is an illustrious example of zeal and activity in the work of the Lord. No unnecessary delay was allowed to take place; and from the moment the first pole was stuck in the ground till the final completion of the sacred edifice, he and his associates labored with all the energies both of mind and body engaged in the work. And what was the mainspring of their arduous and untiring diligence? They could be actuated by none of the ordinary motives that give impulse to human industry, by no desire for the acquisition of gain; no ambition for honor; no view of gratifying a mere love of power in directing the labors of a large body of men. They felt the stimulus—the strong irresistible impulse of higher and holier motives—obedience to the authority, zeal for the glory, and love to the service of God.

Moses then summoned the master-builders named, and all who were skilled in art, "every one whom his heart lifted up to come near to the work to do it" (i.e., who felt himself stirred up in heart to take part in the work), and handed over to them the heaven-offering presented by the people for that purpose, whilst the children of Israel still continued bringing freewill-offerings every morning.