The thirty-sixth chapter of Exodus stands as a pivotal moment in the grand narrative of the Israelites’ journey. It is a chapter that transitions from divine instruction to human execution, showcasing a beautiful synergy between God’s meticulous design and the Spirit-empowered skill of His people. It moves beyond theory into the tangible, joyful act of building a dwelling place for the Almighty. This passage is not merely an ancient architectural record; it is a profound lesson in devotion, generosity, craftsmanship, and the blessings that flow from wholehearted obedience to God’s commands.
The Context: From Mount Sinai to the Tabernacle
To fully appreciate Exodus 36, one must understand its placement within the larger story. The Israelites, newly freed from Egyptian bondage, are encamped at the base of Mount Sinai. Here, Moses has received the Law—a comprehensive set of commandments covering moral, civil, and religious life. Integral to this revelation are the detailed instructions for building the Tabernacle (Exodus 25-31), a portable sanctuary where God would dwell among His people. This “Tent of Meeting” was to be the focal point of Israel’s worship and community life.
However, the story is interrupted by the catastrophic sin of the golden calf (Exodus 32). This act of idolatry shattered the covenant and threatened the entire enterprise. Yet, after Moses’ intercession and God’s merciful renewal of the covenant (Exodus 34), the project is back on. Exodus 35 recounts Moses gathering the people and reiterating the instructions for the Tabernacle, emphasizing the call for voluntary offerings and the appointment of Bezalel and Oholiab as master craftsmen. Exodus 36 is the record of the people’s overwhelming response and the brilliant execution of the work.
An Overflow of Generosity: The People Bring More Than Enough
The chapter opens not with the sound of hammers and saws, but with the rustle of generosity. Bezalel, Oholiab, and every skilled person to whom God had given ability, received from Moses the contributions brought by the people for the sacred work.
“And they received from Moses all the contribution that the people of Israel had brought for doing the work on the sanctuary. They still kept bringing him freewill offerings every morning.” (Exodus 36:3, ESV)
This was not a taxed obligation; it was a “freewill offering” born of hearts stirred and moved by a desire to participate in God’s work. The response was so overwhelming that it created one of the most unique problems in scripture: an excess of generosity.
The craftsmen are forced to interrupt the project to bring a remarkable report to Moses: “The people bring much more than enough for doing the work that the LORD has commanded us to do” (Exodus 36:5). Consequently, Moses is compelled to issue a proclamation throughout the camp: “Let no man or woman do anything more for the contribution for the sanctuary.” The people are restrained from bringing more; the supplies were sufficient, and more than sufficient, for all the work.
This scene teaches a powerful lesson about the nature of godly giving. It is:
- Voluntary: Driven by a willing heart.
- Proportional: Based on what one has, not what one does not have.
- Purposeful: Directed toward a specific, God-ordained mission.
- Abundant: When the Spirit moves, it generates a supply that exceeds the need.
The Skilled Craftsmen: Bezalel, Oholiab, and Spirit-Filled Artistry
At the heart of the Tabernacle’s construction are two named artisans: Bezalel and Oholiab. But their role is far more than that of foremen or project managers. They are presented as divinely enabled masters of their craft.
“See, the LORD has called by name Bezalel… and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge, and with all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, to work in every craft.” (Exodus 35:30-33, ESV)
This is a critical theological point. The same Spirit of God that empowered Moses to lead and perform miracles empowered Bezalel to weave, engrave, and carve. This sanctifies the realm of creative skill and physical labor, revealing that God is the source of all human talent and that craftsmanship is a valid and vital form of worship when offered to Him.
Bezalel and Oholiab were not just skilled; they were obedient. Chapter 36 verse 1 emphasizes that they and every skilled person were to “do according to all that the LORD has commanded.” Their artistry was not a platform for self-expression but a faithful execution of a divine pattern. They understood that they were building God’s house according to God’s design.
The Meticulous Execution: Following the Divine Pattern
The bulk of Exodus 36 is a detailed account of the construction of the Tabernacle’s curtains and coverings. While the details of fabrics, colors, and loops might seem tedious to the modern reader, they are central to the chapter’s message: precise obedience.
The work is described in a specific order, mirroring exactly the instructions given by God to Moses on the mountain in Exodus 26. The artisans did not deviate, improvise, or take shortcuts. They built:
- The Ten Curtains of Fine Twined Linen (Exodus 36:8-13): These were the inner curtains, beautifully adorned with blue, purple, and scarlet yarns, with cherubim skillfully worked into them. Each curtain was connected with loops and clasps to form a single, grand unit.
- The Eleven Goats’ Hair Curtains (Exodus 36:14-18): These acted as a tent over the linen curtains, providing durability and protection. They were also connected with bronze clasps.
- The Coverings of Ram Skins and Goatskins (Exodus 36:19): Over the goats’ hair curtains were two protective layers: one of ram skins dyed red and an outermost layer of fine goatskin leather (often translated as “badger skins” or “durable leather”).
This meticulous layering created a durable, weatherproof, and magnificent structure. The precision highlights a core principle: God’s work must be done God’s way. The beauty was not only on the outside (the colorful cherubim) but also in the structural integrity (the strong clasps and layers)—a metaphor for a faith that is both beautiful and resilient.
The Deeper Meaning: Beyond the Threads and Clasps
Exodus 36 is more than a historical record; it is a rich tapestry of spiritual truths applicable today.
- God Dwels Among His People: The entire purpose of the Tabernacle was to provide a place for God’s presence to reside. This foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, “The Word became flesh and dwelt [tabernacled] among us” (John 1:14). Today, believers themselves are called the “temple of the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:19).
- The Response of a Grateful Heart: The people’s generosity was a response to God’s grace and salvation. Having been redeemed from Egypt, they gave joyfully to build His house. Similarly, Christian giving is a response to the ultimate redemption achieved through Christ.
- Excellence as Worship: The Spirit-filled craftsmanship of Bezalel and Oholiab shows that God cares deeply about excellence and beauty in worship. He is worthy of our very best efforts, not our leftovers.
- The Blessing of Obedience: The chapter depicts a community functioning in perfect harmony with God’s will. The result was not exhaustion but abundance (so much they had to stop giving) and the successful completion of a holy project. Obedience to God’s blueprint always leads to blessing.
Conclusion: A Model for Collaborative Faith
Exodus 36 presents a powerful model for the community of faith. It shows a project brought to life not by a single leader, but by a collective effort: Moses led and communicated God’s will, the people gave generously and willingly, and the skilled artisans offered their talents in obedient execution. Every person had a role to play.
The chapter challenges us to examine our own participation in God’s work. Are our hearts stirred to give voluntarily and generously? Do we offer our skills and talents, no matter how mundane they seem, to be empowered by the Spirit and used for God’s glory? And in all things, do we seek to follow the divine pattern revealed in Scripture with meticulous obedience and faith? Exodus 36 stands as a timeless testament to what happens when a people, redeemed by God, come together to build something holy according to His command.