Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary

EXODUS - CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

Verses 1-3:

This text begins the sub-section which extends through chapter 39. Verse 1 means that Bezaleel and Aholiab, and those who worked under their direction, began the work of constructing the tabernacle, exactly as Jehovah had commanded. They carried out in minute detail the plans described in Ex 26-28.

When enough materials were received to begin the work, Moses called Bezaleel and Aholiab before him, and delivered the offerings to them. The workmen proceeded to the task.

Each morning the materials continued to flow in, as the people brought additional offerings.

Verses 4-7:

The workmen soon became encumbered with an over-supply of materials. They came to Moses with a complaint and a request. The complaint: "We are hampered in our work by too much materials." The request: "Put an end to the offerings."

Moses then issued a proclamation throughout the camp, that nothing more was to be brought for the offering to build the sanctuary.

"Restrained," kala, "to confine, withhold." The implication is that the people were forcibly prevented from bringing additional materials for the tabernacle.

The joyous liberality of Israel in giving the materials for the tabernacle illustrates the joy which can be found today in giving "unto the Lord." Jesus said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive," Acts 20:35. Many today have not learned this secret. They give "of necessity," out of a sense of duty. Or in giving, they hope to receive something in return. Giving "unto the Lord" brings joy, and spiritual prosperity.

"Stuff," melakah, "work," denoting either the manner of workmanship, occupation, or thing made.

Verses 8-13:

This text gives the actual fabrication pattern of the linen curtains for the tabernacle. The workmen followed in exact detail the pattern described in Ex 26:1-6. See the comments on this passage.

Verses 14-19:

These verses recount the fabrication of the various coverings of the tabernacle: the felt curtains, the rams’ skins dyed red, and the seal skins for the outer covering. The workmen followed the pattern given in Ex 26:7-14. See the comments on this passage.

Verses 20-34:

These verses describe the construction of the boards which formed the side and end walls of the tabernacle, with the tenons or pegs on one end of each board, the silver sockets in which these tenons rested, and the bars used to hold the boards together to form the walls. The workmen followed the pattern given in Ex 26:15-30. See the comments on this passage for details of the pattern.

Verses 35, 36:

This text describes the fabrication of the veil which separated the "holy place" from the "most holy" or "holy of holies." The workmen followed the pattern given in Ex 26:31-33. See the comments on this passage.

Verses 37, 38:

This text recounts the fabrication of the veil for the door at the entrance of the tabernacle. It was similar in appearance to the veil separating the holy place from the holy of holies. The pattern for this veil is in Ex 26:36, 37. See the comments on this passage.