Israel’s exodus from Egypt (Exodus 12:31-42) had led them into the wilderness where they struggled to have faith in the God who had miraculously delivered them from bondage. Rather than trusting Him, Israel often turned their back on God and questioned Moses’ leadership; however, God repeatedly proved Himself by providing for and protecting the nation of Israel. In order to establish Israel as a nation, God gave them the Law which detailed how they could maintain a proper relationship with God and others. The Mosaic Law included the Ten Commandments (20:1-21), civil/religious ordinances (20:22-24:11), and ceremonial regulations for the tabernacle (24:12-31:18). Although Israel promised to obey God’s Law (Exodus 24:7), they quickly broke that promise by creating and worshiping a golden calf (Exodus 32). God was extremely angry and threatened to withdraw His presence from Israel (Exodus 33:1-6), but Moses’ prayer for mercy (Exodus 33:7-23) resulted in the Lord promising to journey with them. Moses made new tablets (see Exodus 32:19) and God wrote the Law on them once again (Exodus 34:1-9). The covenant between God and Israel was renewed.
After the Law had been rewritten and renewed, Moses gathered the people to remind them about the Sabbath regulations (35:1-3). Work on the tabernacle was to be limited to six days a week and the seventh day should be reserved for rest. Moses then spoke to the children of Israel, saying, “This is the thing which the Lord commanded, saying: ‘Take from among you an offering to the Lord. Whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it as an offering to the Lord…’” (35:4-9). The items gathered for this offering would be used by the gifted artisans (35:10-19, 30-35; 36:1) to construct the tabernacle, which would become the center of worship for the Israelites. ”Then everyone came whose heart was stirred, and everyone whose spirit was willing, and they brought the Lord’s offering for the work of the tabernacle of meeting, for all its service, and for the holy garments. They came, both men and women, as many as had a willing heart” (35:20-22). Israel’s heart had truly changed. Days earlier they were worshiping the golden calf, but now they had repented of sin and were giving of their own possessions to construct the tabernacle (35:23-29). The two artisans, Bezalel and Aholiab (see Exodus 31:1-11), received the offering of the people from Moses and began the construction on the tabernacle; in fact, the offerings received from the people were more than enough to construct the tabernacle (36:2-7). According to the instructions given by God to Moses, the people built the tabernacle (36:8-38), the ark of the testimony/covenant (37:1-9; see also 25:10-22), the table for showbread (37:10-16; see also 25:23-30), the golden lampstand (37:17-28; see also 25:31-40), the oil and incense (37:29; see also 30:22-38), the altar of burnt offering (38:1-7; see also 27:1-8), the bronze laver/basin (38:8; see also 30:17-21), the court of the tabernacle (38:9-20; see also 27:9-19), the materials for the tabernacle (38:21-31), and the priestly garments (39:1-31; see also 28:1-43).
When all of the work had been completed by the nation of Israel (39:32-41), ”Moses looked over all the work, and indeed they had done it; as the Lord had commanded, just so they had done it. And Moses blessed them” (39:42-43). Moses’ blessing on the work of the tabernacle was his seal of approval on every detail. Israel had now evidenced their commitment to God’s design and had created a place for Him to dwell. Israel’s center for worship had been completed and designed according to God’s plan.
Dear God, thank You for the example of Your forgiveness and restoration of Israel.
