What is the meaning of Exodus 36:3? They received from Moses “They received from Moses…” (Exodus 36:3). The skilled workers—Bezalel, Oholiab, and every gifted artisan (Exodus 36:1-2)—did not act on their own initiative. They waited until Moses, God’s appointed mediator (Exodus 34:32), handed over the offerings. • Leadership first receives direction from the Lord, then responsibly channels resources (cf. Numbers 7:7-9; 1 Corinthians 4:1). • Proper order protects purity of worship; everything came through the man God had set over the camp (Hebrews 3:5). all the contributions that the Israelites had brought to carry out the service of constructing the sanctuary The phrase highlights totality: “all the contributions.” Nothing was held back (Exodus 35:20-29). • Earlier instructions (Exodus 25:1-9) listed gold, silver, bronze, fine linen, animal skins, acacia wood, oil, spices, and precious stones (see also Exodus 35:5-9). • The giving was purpose-driven—“to carry out the service.” Every shekel, thread, and gem served God’s tangible plan (1 Chronicles 29:6-9 for a similar mindset during temple preparations). • Generous hearts reflect God’s own giving nature; cheerful, voluntary offerings are echoed in 2 Corinthians 9:7. Meanwhile, the people continued to bring freewill offerings morning after morning The flow of gifts did not stop once the first load was delivered. • “Morning after morning” points to steady devotion, not an impulsive burst (cf. Exodus 16:21 on daily manna and Lamentations 3:23 on new mercies each morning). • Freewill offerings—beyond obligatory tithes—show love, gratitude, and worship (Deuteronomy 16:10; Psalm 54:6). • The supply soon exceeded need (Exodus 36:4-7); God’s people, when stirred by His Spirit, often give above and beyond (Malachi 3:10; Luke 6:38). summary Exodus 36:3 portrays a community joyfully partnering with God: divinely appointed leaders receive, skilled workers serve, and the whole nation keeps giving day after day until the mission is fully supplied. The verse calls believers to ordered stewardship, wholehearted generosity, and persistent worship, trusting that when God designs a work, He moves His people to provide more than enough. |
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