Esodo 36:7 Commento

In this chapter, I. The work of the tabernacle is begun (Exo 36:1-4). II. A stop is put to the people's contributions (Exo 36:5-7). III. A particular account is given of the making of the tabernacle itself; the fine curtains of it (Exo 36:8-13). The coarse ones (Exo 36:14-19). The boards (Exo 36:20-30). The bars (Exo 36:31-34). The partition veil (Exo 36:35, Exo 36:36). And the hanging for the door (Exo 36:37, etc.).

INTRODUCTION TO EXODUS 36 Bezaleel and Aholiab, with the artificers under them, having a call as well as qualifications for the service of the sanctuary, and having received from Moses the materials for it, set about it, Exo 36:1 but the people bringing more than was necessary, they acquaint Moses with it, who by a proclamation restrained from it, Exo 36:4 and next an account is given of the several things that were wrought by them, as first the curtains for the tabernacle, both of linen and goats' hair, and the coverings of them, Exo 36:8 next the boards for the tabernacle, and the sockets they were set in, and the bars for the boards, Exo 36:20 and then the vail which parted the most holy place from the holy place, and the hanging which divided between the holy place and the court, Exo 36:35.

For the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it,.... The gold, silver, brass, and precious stones, the wood and yarn, which had been already brought in, were sufficient for everything they were ordered to make: and too much; a great deal more than would be used; much would remain after all was wrought: what was done with this is not said, whether it was returned to the people, or laid up for the use of the tabernacle and service, as might hereafter be wanted; which latter seems most probable.

Moses appoints Bezaleel, Aholiab, and their associates, to the work, and delivers to them the free-will offerings of the people, Exo 36:1-3. The people bring offerings more than are needed for the work, and are only restrained by the proclamation of Moses, Exo 36:4-7. The curtains, their loops, taches, etc., for the tabernacle, Exo 36:8-18. The covering for the tent, Exo 36:19. The boards, Exo 36:20-30. The bars, Exo 36:31-34. The veil and its pillars, Exo 36:35, Exo 36:36. The hangings and their pillars, Exo 36:37, Exo 36:38.

OFFERINGS DELIVERED TO THE WORKMEN. (Exo. 36:1-38) 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.

"And there was enough (דּיּם their sufficiency, i.e., the requisite supply for the different things to be made) of the property for every work to make it, and over" (lit., and to leave some over). By this liberal contribution of freewill gifts, for the work commanded by the Lord, the people proved their willingness to uphold their covenant relationship with Jehovah their God.