Ex. 35: Let's Get Together and Build Us a Tabernacle

After the craziness died down surrounding Moses' glowing face, he called the Israelites together to have a little chat, and discuss what God told him on Mount Sinai the second time. The first thing out of Moses' mouth was keeping the sabbath day holy. For six days you should work (hmm...I'm scheduled to work five this week. You?) and then the seventh absolutely must be a day of rest. It went so far as to have someone put to death if he violates this commandment. You couldn't even light a fire in your dwelling.

The next thing Moses discussed was the labor and materials needed to put the tabernacle and the garments together. Gold, silver, bronze. Blue, purple and scarlet yarn. Fine linen. Goat hair. Ram skins dyed red and other durable leather. Acacia wood, olive oil, spices. Precious gems.

Everyone who was skilled in a certain area of craftsmanship was to come and make all these things that God commanded. The tabernacle with tent and covering, the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altar, the basin, the curtains, the tent pegs, the woven garments for the priest and his sons.

So everyone leaves, and those who were moved and were willing to give brought these materials as offerings to God to be used for His purpose in the temple. Basically everyone brought these things as a free will offering to God. There was no threat of death if they didn't comply. The nature of the house of God was such that God wanted the hearts of the people...it should be built willingly. The only ones actually named to do things were Bezalel and Oholiab; who were gifted in wisdom and understanding with skills for bronze and gold, stone cutting and setting, and woodwork, as well as the ability to teach others how to become skilled craftsmen.

All right. Let's get to work!