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Atomic Bible
Exodus 36:1-7·~1 min

The People Bring More than Enough

The work is entrusted to gifted craftsmen whom the LORD has equipped, and Moses gathers them to begin with the contributions already brought by Israel.

1So Bezalel, Oholiab, and every skilled person are to carry out everything commanded by the LORD, who has given them skill and ability to know how to perform all the work of constructing the sanctuary.” 2Then Moses summoned Bezalel, Oholiab, and every skilled person whom the LORD had gifted — everyone whose heart stirred him to come and do the work. 3They received from Moses all the contributions that the Israelites had brought to carry out the service of constructing the sanctuary.

The offerings keep arriving until the craftsmen report that there is more than enough. Moses then restrains the people, because the work is already fully supplied.

4Meanwhile, the people continued to bring freewill offerings morning after morning, so that all the skilled craftsmen who were doing all the work on the sanctuary left their work 5and said to Moses, “The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the LORD has commanded us to do.” 6After 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, 7since what they already had was more than enough to perform all the work.

Section summaryBezalel, Oholiab, and the other skilled workers receive both ability and materials for the sanctuary, while the people keep bringing freewill offerings day after day. Their generosity becomes so abundant that Moses must order the giving to stop.
Role in the chapterThis opening section shifts the chapter from preparation to action. It shows that the tabernacle is built not only by skilled hands but also by a stirred and willing people, with provision already exceeding the need.