Exodus 36:6

After Moses had given an order, they sent a proclamation throughout the camp: "No man or woman should make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary." So the people were restrained from bringing more,

Study Bible

So Moses issued a command
The phrase begins with Moses, the leader chosen by God to guide the Israelites. The Hebrew root for "command" is "tsavah," which implies a directive given with authority. Moses, as God's appointed leader, acts with divine authority. This highlights the importance of obedience to God’s appointed leaders and the orderly conduct within the community of faith. It reflects the principle that God’s work is to be done according to His instructions, emphasizing the need for structure and leadership in spiritual endeavors.

and a proclamation was circulated throughout the camp
The word "proclamation" comes from the Hebrew "qol," meaning voice or sound. This suggests a public announcement, ensuring that everyone in the camp hears and understands the directive. The camp represents the community of God's people, and the circulation of the proclamation underscores the unity and collective responsibility of the Israelites. It serves as a reminder of the importance of clear communication within the body of believers and the need for everyone to be informed and involved in the work of God.

No man or woman should make anything else
This phrase indicates inclusivity, as both men and women are addressed. The Hebrew words for "man" and "woman" are "ish" and "ishah," respectively, highlighting the equal responsibility and participation of all members of the community in the work of the sanctuary. The directive to cease making offerings signifies that the needs of the sanctuary have been met, reflecting God’s provision and the people’s generosity. It teaches the principle of sufficiency and contentment, recognizing when enough has been given and the importance of not overburdening the community.

as an offering for the sanctuary
The term "offering" is derived from the Hebrew "terumah," which refers to a contribution or gift set apart for a sacred purpose. The sanctuary, or "mishkan," is the dwelling place of God among His people. This highlights the sacredness of the offerings and the purpose they serve in facilitating worship and communion with God. It underscores the concept of giving as an act of worship and the importance of dedicating resources to the service of God’s presence among His people.

So the people were restrained from bringing more
The word "restrained" comes from the Hebrew "kala," meaning to hold back or stop. This indicates that the people’s willingness to give exceeded the need, demonstrating their generous hearts and commitment to God’s work. It serves as an inspirational example of sacrificial giving and the joy of contributing to God’s purposes. The restraint also teaches the importance of wise stewardship and the recognition of when to cease collecting resources, ensuring that offerings are used effectively and not wasted.

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 were freed from slavery in Egypt. They are now in the wilderness, contributing to the construction of the Tabernacle.

3. The Tabernacle
The portable sanctuary that the Israelites built according to God's instructions. It served as a place of worship and a symbol of God's presence among His people.

4. The Camp
Refers to the encampment of the Israelites in the wilderness. It is the community setting where the proclamation was made.

5. The Offering
The contributions made by the Israelites for the construction of the Tabernacle. These offerings were so abundant that Moses had to command the people to stop giving.

Teaching Points

Generosity in Giving
The Israelites' willingness to give until they were asked to stop is a powerful example of generosity. We are encouraged to give freely and abundantly to God's work.

Obedience to Leadership
Moses' command to stop giving was respected by the people, showing their trust and obedience to God-appointed leadership.

God's Provision
The abundance of offerings demonstrates God's provision through His people. When God calls us to a task, He provides the necessary resources.

Contentment and Restraint
The Israelites' ability to stop giving when asked reflects a spirit of contentment and restraint, recognizing when enough is enough.

Community Participation
The building of the Tabernacle was a community effort, emphasizing the importance of collective involvement in God's work.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the Israelites' response to Moses' command teach us about the nature of generosity and giving in our own lives?

2. How can we apply the principle of cheerful and willing giving, as seen in Exodus 36:6, to our financial contributions to the church and other ministries?

3. In what ways can we demonstrate obedience to God-appointed leadership in our church or community, similar to the Israelites' response to Moses?

4. How does the concept of God's provision, as seen in the abundance of offerings for the Tabernacle, encourage us in our personal and communal endeavors?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to exercise restraint or contentment in your giving or service. How did that experience align with the principles found in Exodus 36:6?

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.

Exodus 25:1-9
This passage details God's instructions to Moses about collecting offerings for the Tabernacle, highlighting the importance of willing contributions.

Mark 12:41-44
The account of the widow's offering illustrates the principle of giving out of love and devotion, similar to the Israelites' generous spirit.