Exodus 36:2-19 NKJV 2 Then Moses called Bezalel and Aholiab, and every gifted artisan in whose heart the Lord had put wisdom, everyone whose heart was stirred, to come and do the work. 3 And they received from Moses all the offering which the children of Israel had brought for the work of the service of making the sanctuary. So they continued bringing to him freewill offerings every morning. 4 Then all the craftsmen who were doing all the work of the sanctuary came, each from the work he was doing, 5 and they spoke to Moses, saying, “The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work which the Lord commanded us to do.”
6 So Moses gave a commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, “Let neither man nor woman do any more work for the offering of the sanctuary.” And the people were restrained from bringing, 7 for the material they had was sufficient for all the work to be done—indeed too much.
8 Then all the gifted artisans among them who worked on the tabernacle made ten curtains woven of fine linen, and of blue, purple, and scarlet thread; with artistic designs of cherubim they made them. 9 The length of each curtain was twenty-eight cubits, and the width of each curtain four cubits; the curtains were all the same size. 10 And he coupled five curtains to one another, and the other five curtains he coupled to one another. 11 He made loops of blue yarn on the edge of the curtain on the selvedge of one set; likewise he did on the outer edge of the other curtain of the second set. 12 Fifty loops he made on one curtain, and fifty loops he made on the edge of the curtain on the end of the second set; the loops held one curtain to another. 13 And he made fifty clasps of gold, and coupled the curtains to one another with the clasps, that it might be one tabernacle.
14 He made curtains of goats’ hair for the tent over the tabernacle; he made eleven curtains. 15 The length of each curtain was thirty cubits, and the width of each curtain four cubits; the eleven curtains were the same size. 16 He coupled five curtains by themselves and six curtains by themselves. 17 And he made fifty loops on the edge of the curtain that is outermost in one set, and fifty loops he made on the edge of the curtain of the second set. 18 He also made fifty bronze clasps to couple the tent together, that it might be one. 19 Then he made a covering for the tent of ram skins dyed red, and a covering of badger skins above that.
“Then Moses called Bezalel and Aholiab, and every gifted artisan in whose heart the Lord had put wisdom, everyone whose heart was stirred, to come and do the work.”
The construction of the Tabernacle reveals a beautiful interplay between God’s provision, human skill, and willing hearts. God stirred the hearts of the people to give generously for the work of the sanctuary, so much so that the artisans eventually had more than enough materials. Bezalel and Aholiab, along with others gifted by God, used their wisdom and skill to fashion the Tabernacle according to His precise instructions.
This passage highlights the value of both spiritual and practical gifts in service to God. The people’s freewill offerings—gold, silver, fabric, and other materials—were tangible expressions of their devotion. These gifts, combined with the God-given abilities of the craftsmen, came together to create a dwelling place for God’s presence among His people.
In the same way, God has entrusted each of us with unique gifts, whether material resources, talents, or time. He calls us to use these gifts in service to His kingdom, not out of compulsion, but from hearts moved by gratitude for His grace. When we offer ourselves willingly, God uses our contributions—great or small—to accomplish His purposes.
Consider also the joy in this work. The people gave abundantly, and the craftsmen labored diligently, not out of obligation but because their hearts were stirred. Their work was worship, a response to the God who had redeemed them from Egypt and made His covenant with them.
As you reflect on this passage, ask yourself: What gifts has God entrusted to me? How can I use them to glorify Him? Whether it’s a skill, a resource, or a moment of your time, God delights in the offerings of a willing heart.
Let us pray: Lord, You are the giver of every good gift. Stir our hearts to serve You with willing hands and joyful spirits. Teach us to use all that You have entrusted to us for Your glory and the building of Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.