Exodus 36:5

and said to Moses, "The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the LORD has commanded us to do."

Study Bible

and said to Moses
This phrase indicates a direct communication to Moses, the leader and prophet of Israel. Moses, as the mediator between God and the Israelites, often received instructions and reports from the people and relayed God's commands. This reflects the hierarchical structure of leadership established by God, where Moses served as the primary human authority. It also underscores the importance of clear communication in executing God's plans.

The people are bringing more than enough
This highlights the generosity and willingness of the Israelites to contribute to the construction of the Tabernacle. It reflects a spirit of abundance and willingness to give, which is a recurring theme in Scripture. This act of giving can be seen as a response to God's deliverance from Egypt and His ongoing provision. It also prefigures the New Testament teaching on giving, where believers are encouraged to give generously and cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7).

for doing the work
The "work" refers to the construction of the Tabernacle, a central place of worship for the Israelites. This was a significant task, as the Tabernacle was to be the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. The work required skilled labor and materials, and the people's contributions were essential. This phrase emphasizes the communal effort and shared responsibility in fulfilling God's commands.

the LORD has commanded us to do
This underscores the divine origin of the instructions for the Tabernacle. The work was not merely a human initiative but a direct command from God. It highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands and the role of divine authority in guiding the actions of His people. The Tabernacle itself is a type of Christ, as it symbolizes God's presence among His people, foreshadowing the incarnation of Jesus, who "tabernacled" among us (John 1:14).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness. In this context, Moses is overseeing the construction of the Tabernacle.

2. The Israelites
The people of God who have been freed from slavery in Egypt and are now in the wilderness. They are contributing materials for the construction of the Tabernacle.

3. The Tabernacle
A portable sanctuary that God instructed the Israelites to build as a place of worship and His dwelling among them.

4. Bezalel and Oholiab
Skilled craftsmen appointed by God to lead the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings.

5. The Wilderness
The setting where the Israelites are journeying and where the Tabernacle is being constructed.

Teaching Points

Generosity in Giving
The Israelites' willingness to give more than enough for the Tabernacle teaches us about the importance of generosity in our own lives. We should strive to give not out of obligation, but out of a heart full of gratitude and love for God.

God's Provision
The abundance of materials provided by the Israelites reflects God's provision. When we trust in God and give generously, He ensures that our needs are met and that His work is accomplished.

Community Involvement
The construction of the Tabernacle was a community effort. This teaches us the value of working together as a body of believers to accomplish God's purposes.

Obedience to God's Instructions
The Israelites' response to Moses' call for contributions shows their obedience to God's instructions. We are reminded to listen and respond to God's guidance in our lives.

Joyful Participation in God's Work
The joy and willingness of the Israelites in giving for the Tabernacle encourage us to participate joyfully in God's work, knowing that our contributions are valuable and meaningful.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the Israelites' response in Exodus 36:5 challenge our own attitudes towards giving and generosity in our communities today?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our giving is done with a willing and cheerful heart, as encouraged in 2 Corinthians 9:7?

3. How can we foster a sense of community involvement in our church or group, similar to the collective effort seen in the construction of the Tabernacle?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's provision in your life. How does this encourage you to trust Him more in your giving?

5. What steps can we take to ensure that our participation in God's work is joyful and not burdensome, as exemplified by the Israelites in this passage?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Corinthians 9:7
This verse speaks about giving willingly and cheerfully, which connects to the Israelites' generous contributions for the Tabernacle.

1 Chronicles 29:9
This passage describes the joy and willingness of the people in giving for the construction of the Temple, similar to the Israelites' response in Exodus 36:5.

Mark 12:41-44
The account of the widow's offering highlights the heart of giving, paralleling the Israelites' willingness to give more than enough.