Confessional Lutheran Ministerium

Exodus 39:1-21 NKJV

39 Of the blue, purple, and scarlet thread they made garments of ministry, for ministering in the holy place, and made the holy garments for Aaron, as the Lord had commanded Moses.

² He made the ephod of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and of fine woven linen. ³ And they beat the gold into thin sheets and cut it into threads, to work it in with the blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and the fine linen, into artistic designs. ⁴ They made shoulder straps for it to couple it together; it was coupled together at its two edges. ⁵ And the intricately woven band of his ephod that was on it was of the same workmanship, woven of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and of fine woven linen, as the Lord had commanded Moses.

⁶ And they set onyx stones, enclosed in settings of gold; they were engraved, as signets are engraved, with the names of the sons of Israel. ⁷ He put them on the shoulders of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel, as the Lord had commanded Moses.

⁸ And he made the breastplate, artistically woven like the workmanship of the ephod, of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and of fine woven linen. ⁹ They made the breastplate square by doubling it; a span was its length and a span its width when doubled. ¹⁰ And they set in it four rows of stones: a row with a sardius, a topaz, and an emerald was the first row; ¹¹ the second row, a turquoise, a sapphire, and a diamond; ¹² the third row, a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst; ¹³ the fourth row, a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper. They were enclosed in settings of gold in their mountings. ¹⁴ There were twelve stones according to the names of the sons of Israel: according to their names, engraved like a signet, each one with its own name according to the twelve tribes. ¹⁵ And they made chains for the breastplate at the ends, like braided cords of pure gold. ¹⁶ They also made two settings of gold and two gold rings, and put the two rings on the two ends of the breastplate. ¹⁷ And they put the two braided chains of gold in the two rings on the ends of the breastplate. ¹⁸ The two ends of the two braided chains they fastened in the two settings, and put them on the shoulder straps of the ephod in the front. ¹⁹ And they made two rings of gold and put them on the two ends of the breastplate, on the edge of it, which was on the inward side of the ephod. ²⁰ They made two other gold rings and put them on the two shoulder straps, underneath the ephod toward its front, right at the seam above the intricately woven band of the ephod. ²¹ And they bound the breastplate by means of its rings to the rings of the ephod with a blue cord, so that it would be above the intricately woven band of the ephod, and that the breastplate would not come loose from the ephod, as the Lord had commanded Moses.

As understood by Valerious Herberger (a 16th & 17th century Lutheran theologian), the precious twelve stones mentioned as part of the priestly garments in chapter 39 reflect the attributes of Christ. His descriptions of each stone and their unique reflection of Jesus reveals Herberger’s incredibly Christ-centered mindset. Unfortunately, they are too numerous and lengthy to list here — but supplied below is a display of his prayer based upon what each of the twelve stone’s power was known for and his re-focusing of them to be on Christ.

Let us pray: “O Lord Jesus Christ, be the precious stone of my salvation. I will wear You in the gold setting of my heart for as long as I live. I implore You, (1) dispel from me all the poison of sin; sharpen my mind, that I may know how I am to be saved; (2) cool the boiling waters of my conscience in every spiritual attack, that I may not despair; (3) grant me a clean, chaste heart; defend me from hell, and give me eternal life; (4) let Your consolation shine on the darkness of my affliction; guard me against the delight of sin and fear of the evil one; (5) grant me a devout heart and priestly disposition; (6) chase from me every wraith of the devil; deliver me from his terrible grasp; (7) gladden my heart, that my joy may be full (John 16:24); (8) quench the thirst of my soul with Your succulent consolation; (9) win for me the favor of Your heavenly Father ; (10) keep watch over me every hour, O Keeper of Israel (Ps. 121:4); be the most beautiful adornment of my soul, defend me against falls from which I cannot recover, have patience with my weakness, and after this present misery grant me the heavenly glory; (11) leave Your peace with me also as You did with Your holy apostles (John 14:27), that in peace I may live and pray and depart from hence; and (12) deliver me from every burden of my travail and defend me from spiritual shipwreck in my salvation. Be the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last (Rev. 22:13), the beginning and the ending of my eternal glory. Amen” (The Great Works of God, Part VI, translation Matthew Carver, pg. 581, Emmanuel Press).

Exodus 38:16-31 NKJV

¹⁶ All the hangings of the court all around were of fine woven linen. ¹⁷ The sockets for the pillars were bronze, the hooks of the pillars and their bands were silver, and the overlay of their capitals was silver; and all the pillars of the court had bands of silver. ¹⁸ The screen for the gate of the court was woven of blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and of fine woven linen. The length was twenty cubits, and the height along its width was five cubits, corresponding to the hangings of the court. ¹⁹ And there were four pillars with their four sockets of bronze; their hooks were silver, and the overlay of their capitals and their bands was silver. ²⁰ All the pegs of the tabernacle, and of the court all around, were bronze.

²¹ This is the inventory of the tabernacle, the tabernacle of the Testimony, which was counted according to the commandment of Moses, for the service of the Levites, by the hand of Ithamar, son of Aaron the priest.

²² Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, made all that the Lord had commanded Moses. ²³ And with him was Aholiab the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, an engraver and designer, a weaver of blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and of fine linen.

²⁴ All the gold that was used in all the work of the holy place, that is, the gold of the offering, was twenty-nine talents and seven hundred and thirty shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary. ²⁵ And the silver from those who were numbered of the congregation was one hundred talents and one thousand seven hundred and seventy-five shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary: ²⁶ a bekah for each man (that is, half a shekel, according to the shekel of the sanctuary), for everyone included in the numbering from twenty years old and above, for six hundred and three thousand, five hundred and fifty men. ²⁷ And from the hundred talents of silver were cast the sockets of the sanctuary and the bases of the veil: one hundred sockets from the hundred talents, one talent for each socket. ²⁸ Then from the one thousand seven hundred and seventy-five shekels he made hooks for the pillars, overlaid their capitals, and made bands for them.

²⁹ The offering of bronze was seventy talents and two thousand four hundred shekels. ³⁰ And with it he made the sockets for the door of the tabernacle of meeting, the bronze altar, the bronze grating for it, and all the utensils for the altar, ³¹ the sockets for the court all around, the bases for the court gate, all the pegs for the tabernacle, and all the pegs for the court all around.

Fine woven linen, bronze, silver, blue, purple, and scarlet thread, exact measurements, more bronze, more silver, and, of course, there’s gold as well! Nothing but the best of the best. It is truly hard for our limited minds to imagine how elegant and glorious the tabernacle was adorned. Seeing it firsthand is, honestly, the only way we could take it all in. Yet, the tabernacle was where the presence of the Lord was going to be, so it should be made up of the best of the best, right?

You have heard this mentioned before in devotions – namely, that the inside of a sanctuary is meant to reflect a holy space, where holy things take place. Well, who is responsible for creating the space, to make it look the way that it does? It is not the job of the pastor. It is the whole congregation!

Pastors give spiritual guidance based on the Word of God and where His Word does not command nor forbid there is Christian freedom — but a freedom, nonetheless, that is always aiming toward the glorification of God’s name among us. The Good News of God’s Gospel renews Christian minds and brings such an aim to take place. Godly stewardship (management), for example, brings one to properly take care of all that God has given them. The same can be said of Tithing — God’s Gospel brings about cheerful giving.

In Exodus 38:24 the sum of the expenses is given, and it was an astounding amount. God continually raised up generous people who took pleasure in using their property to further God’s glory, as evident in David, Solomon, and King Cyrus. The Israelites paid the bill, for God had miraculously provided for them when He instructed them to borrow all kinds of valuable things from the Egyptians.

This can be seen by Christians throughout time, and it continues today as God continues to work through His holy Word and Sacraments renewing minds and bringing about the glorification of His name.

Let us pray: O Lord, continue to overcome my selfish flesh and renew my mind to the glory of Your name among us. Amen.

Psalm 78:26-39 NKJV

²⁶ He caused an east wind to blow in the heavens;
And by His power He brought in the south wind.
²⁷ He also rained meat on them like the dust,
Feathered fowl like the sand of the seas;
²⁸ And He let them fall in the midst of their camp,
All around their dwellings.
²⁹ So they ate and were well filled,
For He gave them their own desire.
³⁰ They were not deprived of their craving;
But while their food was still in their mouths,
³¹ The wrath of God came against them,
And slew the stoutest of them,
And struck down the choice men of Israel.

³² In spite of this they still sinned,
And did not believe in His wondrous works.
³³ Therefore their days He consumed in futility,
And their years in fear.

³⁴ When He slew them, then they sought Him;
And they returned and sought earnestly for God.
³⁵ Then they remembered that God was their rock,
And the Most High God their Redeemer.
³⁶ Nevertheless they flattered Him with their mouth,
And they lied to Him with their tongue;
³⁷ For their heart was not steadfast with Him,
Nor were they faithful in His covenant.
³⁸ But He, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity,
And did not destroy them.
Yes, many a time He turned His anger away,
And did not stir up all His wrath;
³⁹ For He remembered that they were but flesh,
A breath that passes away and does not come again.

This portion of Psalm 78 recounts the faithlessness of the Israelites and the enduring mercy of God. Though they had seen His mighty works, they tested Him in their hearts, demanding food to satisfy their cravings. God, in His sovereignty, gave them what they desired—raining down meat like dust and bread from heaven. Yet their rebellion persisted, and His righteous anger was stirred.

The psalm exposes a hard truth about the human heart: even when we receive God’s blessings, we are prone to ingratitude and disobedience. The Israelites’ craving for earthly provision overshadowed their trust in the God who provides. How often do we find ourselves in a similar place? When faced with trials or temptations, do we forget His faithfulness and turn to fleeting comforts?

Amid their rebellion, God’s response is astonishing. Although His judgment was evident, so was His compassion. He remembered they were but flesh, a passing breath that does not return. Instead of giving them over to the destruction they deserved, He restrained His wrath and forgave their iniquity.

This mercy points us to the heart of the gospel. God’s forgiveness is not casual or permissive; it is costly and transformative. He poured out His wrath on His Son at the cross so that we might receive grace. Jesus bore our sin, satisfying the justice of God and demonstrating His unwavering love.

As we reflect on these verses, we are reminded of the depth of God’s compassion. His mercy does not depend on our worthiness but flows from His steadfast character. When we fall into sin, He calls us to repentance, offering forgiveness and renewal through Christ.

Let us not take His mercy for granted but respond with humble gratitude. Trust Him to meet your deepest needs, not only for daily bread but for eternal life. Let His faithfulness anchor your soul, and let His love transform your heart.

Let us pray: Lord, thank You for Your compassion and forgiveness, even when we fall short. Help us to trust in Your provision and walk in obedience to Your will. Strengthen our faith and lead us in Your ways. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Exodus 38:1-15 NKJV

38 He made the altar of burnt offering of acacia wood; five cubits was its length and five cubits its width—it was square—and its height was three cubits. ² He made its horns on its four corners; the horns were of one piece with it. And he overlaid it with bronze. ³ He made all the utensils for the altar: the pans, the shovels, the basins, the forks, and the firepans; all its utensils he made of bronze. ⁴ And he made a grate of bronze network for the altar, under its rim, midway from the bottom. ⁵ He cast four rings for the four corners of the bronze grating, as holders for the poles. ⁶ And he made the poles of acacia wood, and overlaid them with bronze. ⁷ Then he put the poles into the rings on the sides of the altar, with which to bear it. He made the altar hollow with boards.

⁸ He made the laver of bronze and its base of bronze, from the bronze mirrors of the serving women who assembled at the door of the tabernacle of meeting.

⁹ Then he made the court on the south side; the hangings of the court were of fine woven linen, one hundred cubits long. ¹⁰ There were twenty pillars for them, with twenty bronze sockets. The hooks of the pillars and their bands were silver. ¹¹ On the north side the hangings were one hundred cubits long, with twenty pillars and their twenty bronze sockets. The hooks of the pillars and their bands were silver. ¹² And on the west side there were hangings of fifty cubits, with ten pillars and their ten sockets. The hooks of the pillars and their bands were silver. ¹³ For the east side the hangings were fifty cubits. ¹⁴ The hangings of one side of the gate were fifteen cubits long, with their three pillars and their three sockets, ¹⁵ and the same for the other side of the court gate; on this side and that were hangings of fifteen cubits, with their three pillars and their three sockets.

The construction of the altar of burnt offering and the courtyard of the tabernacle reflects both the seriousness of sin and the accessibility of God’s grace. These structures were central to Israel’s worship, showing how God dwells among His people while making provision for their sin.

The altar of burnt offering, positioned at the entrance of the tabernacle courtyard, was the first object encountered by those coming to worship. Built of acacia wood and overlaid with bronze, it symbolized the necessity of atonement. Sacrifices offered here reminded the Israelites of their need for forgiveness and the cost of sin, as life was exchanged to make peace with God. For us, the altar points forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Unlike the continual offerings of the Old Covenant, His sacrifice was once for all. At the cross, He bore the penalty for sin, making provision for peace through His blood. This truth transforms how we approach God—not with fear of rejection, but with faith and confidence in His grace.

The courtyard, enclosed by curtains of fine woven linen, provided a place for the congregation to gather in worship. The openness of the design speaks to God’s invitation to His people. Although the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place were restricted to the priests, the courtyard allowed all Israelites to draw near, bringing their sacrifices and lifting their prayers.

This accessibility foreshadows the greater access believers now have through Christ. The veil has been torn, and we are invited to come boldly to the throne of grace. God’s dwelling is no longer confined to a specific structure but is with His people, in the hearts of those redeemed by His Son.

As we reflect on these details, let us remember the seriousness of sin and the magnitude of Christ’s sacrifice. Worship begins with acknowledging what God has done to bring us near to Him. Let us approach Him with gratitude, offering our lives as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable in His sight. Let us pray: Lord, thank You for the sacrifice of Jesus that has made a way for us to draw near to You. Teach us to worship You with grateful hearts and lives surrendered to Your will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Exodus 37:17-29 NKJV

¹⁷ He also made the lampstand of pure gold; of hammered work he made the lampstand. Its shaft, its branches, its bowls, its ornamental knobs, and its flowers were of the same piece. ¹⁸ And six branches came out of its sides: three branches of the lampstand out of one side, and three branches of the lampstand out of the other side. ¹⁹ There were three bowls made like almond blossoms on one branch, with an ornamental knob and a flower, and three bowls made like almond blossoms on the other branch, with an ornamental knob and a flower—and so for the six branches coming out of the lampstand. ²⁰ And on the lampstand itself were four bowls made like almond blossoms, each with its ornamental knob and flower. ²¹ There was a knob under the first two branches of the same, a knob under the second two branches of the same, and a knob under the third two branches of the same, according to the six branches extending from it. ²² Their knobs and their branches were of one piece; all of it was one hammered piece of pure gold. ²³ And he made its seven lamps, its wick-trimmers, and its trays of pure gold. ²⁴ Of a talent of pure gold he made it, with all its utensils.

²⁵ He made the incense altar of acacia wood. Its length was a cubit and its width a cubit—it was square—and two cubits was its height. Its horns were of one piece with it. ²⁶ And he overlaid it with pure gold: its top, its sides all around, and its horns. He also made for it a molding of gold all around it. ²⁷ He made two rings of gold for it under its molding, by its two corners on both sides, as holders for the poles with which to bear it. ²⁸ And he made the poles of acacia wood, and overlaid them with gold.

²⁹ He also made the holy anointing oil and the pure incense of sweet spices, according to the work of the perfumer.

Bezalel’s work in crafting the lampstand and the altar of incense reflects the intricate beauty and intentionality of worship in God’s presence. These objects were not mere decorations; they carried deep significance in the life of Israel and their relationship with the Lord.

The lampstand, fashioned from pure gold, provided light within the Holy Place. Its branches and bowls, adorned like almond blossoms, symbolized life and fruitfulness. The light it gave wasn’t just practical; it signified God’s guidance and presence. In the wilderness and beyond, this light pointed to a greater reality: the One who declared, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12).

The altar of incense, also crafted with great care, was placed before the veil, close to the Ark of the Covenant. The fragrant incense burned there represented the prayers of God’s people rising to Him. This imagery is echoed in Revelation, where the prayers of the saints ascend before God’s throne like incense.

These furnishings teach us about the nature of worship. Worship is not a haphazard act but a response to God’s holiness and mercy. The light of the lampstand reminds us of our calling to walk in the light of Christ, reflecting His truth and love in a dark world. The fragrance of incense reminds us of the privilege and power of prayer, which God receives as a pleasing aroma when offered in faith.

In Christ, we see the fulfillment of these symbols. Jesus is our eternal light, guiding us through life’s uncertainties. He is also our High Priest, interceding for us continually. Through Him, our worship becomes acceptable to God, not because of our efforts but because of His perfect work on our behalf. As we meditate on these details, we are reminded to approach worship with reverence and gratitude. Whether in prayer, service, or song, we bring our offerings to God, confident that He delights in our worship when it is grounded in faith and devotion. Let us pray: Lord, thank You for the privilege of worship and the gift of prayer. May Your light shine in our lives and Your Spirit guide our hearts to offer worship that is pleasing to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Exodus 37:1-16 NKJV

37 Then Bezalel made the ark of acacia wood; two and a half cubits was its length, a cubit and a half its width, and a cubit and a half its height. ² He overlaid it with pure gold inside and outside, and made a molding of gold all around it. ³ And he cast for it four rings of gold to be set in its four corners: two rings on one side, and two rings on the other side of it. ⁴ He made poles of acacia wood, and overlaid them with gold. ⁵ And he put the poles into the rings at the sides of the ark, to bear the ark. ⁶ He also made the mercy seat of pure gold; two and a half cubits was its length and a cubit and a half its width. ⁷ He made two cherubim of beaten gold; he made them of one piece at the two ends of the mercy seat: ⁸ one cherub at one end on this side, and the other cherub at the other end on that side. He made the cherubim at the two ends of one piece with the mercy seat. ⁹ The cherubim spread out their wings above, and covered the mercy seat with their wings. They faced one another; the faces of the cherubim were toward the mercy seat.

¹⁰ He made the table of acacia wood; two cubits was its length, a cubit its width, and a cubit and a half its height. ¹¹ And he overlaid it with pure gold, and made a molding of gold all around it. ¹² Also he made a frame of a handbreadth all around it, and made a molding of gold for the frame all around it. ¹³ And he cast for it four rings of gold, and put the rings on the four corners that were at its four legs. ¹⁴ The rings were close to the frame, as holders for the poles to bear the table. ¹⁵ And he made the poles of acacia wood to bear the table, and overlaid them with gold. ¹⁶ He made of pure gold the utensils which were on the table: its dishes, its cups, its bowls, and its pitchers for pouring.

Bezalel’s craftsmanship in creating the Ark of the Covenant, the table for the showbread, and other furnishings of the Tabernacle was not merely an expression of skill but an act of worship. Every detail of his work reflected God’s holiness and the significance of His presence among His people.

The Ark, overlaid with pure gold, was the central symbol of God’s covenant. Its mercy seat, flanked by two cherubim, served as the place where God would meet with His people. This wasn’t just a box or a piece of art; it was a sacred reminder of God’s promises and His desire to dwell among His chosen ones.

The table for the showbread, likewise, was crafted with precision. It held the bread of the Presence, signifying God’s provision and sustaining grace. Bezalel’s obedience to God’s instructions ensured that each item fulfilled its intended purpose, pointing to God’s faithfulness and care.

What stands out is not only the beauty of the craftsmanship but also the heart behind it. Bezalel worked under the Spirit’s guidance, using his gifts to glorify God. His work reminds us that our abilities and talents, whether humble or extraordinary, are gifts from the Lord, meant to be used in His service.

In Christ, we see the ultimate fulfillment of what these Tabernacle furnishings pointed toward. Jesus is the true Ark, the embodiment of God’s covenant and presence. He is the bread of life, providing eternal sustenance for His people. Every detail of Bezalel’s work foreshadowed the perfect work of Christ, who fulfills all of God’s promises.

As we reflect on this passage, we are reminded to approach our own work—whether in daily tasks, service to others, or creative endeavors—with the same attitude. When we use our skills for God’s glory, even the most ordinary tasks become acts of worship.

Let us pray: Lord, thank You for the gifts You have given us and the privilege of using them for Your glory. Teach us to serve You with faithfulness and joy, offering all that we do as worship. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Exodus 36:20-38 NKJV

²⁰ For the tabernacle he made boards of acacia wood, standing upright. ²¹ The length of each board was ten cubits, and the width of each board a cubit and a half. ²² Each board had two tenons for binding one to another. Thus he made for all the boards of the tabernacle. ²³ And he made boards for the tabernacle, twenty boards for the south side. ²⁴ Forty sockets of silver he made to go under the twenty boards: two sockets under each of the boards for its two tenons. ²⁵ And for the other side of the tabernacle, the north side, he made twenty boards ²⁶ and their forty sockets of silver: two sockets under each of the boards. ²⁷ For the west side of the tabernacle he made six boards. ²⁸ He also made two boards for the two back corners of the tabernacle. ²⁹ And they were coupled at the bottom and coupled together at the top by one ring. Thus he made both of them for the two corners. ³⁰ So there were eight boards and their sockets—sixteen sockets of silver—two sockets under each of the boards.

³¹ And he made bars of acacia wood: five for the boards on one side of the tabernacle, ³² five bars for the boards on the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the tabernacle on the far side westward. ³³ And he made the middle bar to pass through the boards from one end to the other. ³⁴ He overlaid the boards with gold, made their rings of gold to be holders for the bars, and overlaid the bars with gold.

³⁵ And he made a veil of blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine woven linen; it was worked with an artistic design of cherubim. ³⁶ He made for it four pillars of acacia wood, and overlaid them with gold, with their hooks of gold; and he cast four sockets of silver for them.

³⁷ He also made a screen for the tabernacle door, of blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine woven linen, made by a weaver, ³⁸ and its five pillars with their hooks. And he overlaid their capitals and their rings with gold, but their five sockets were bronze.

The details of constructing the Tabernacle often seem overwhelming—measurements, materials, and design are laid out with exacting precision. Yet these details remind us of a profound truth: God plans are purposeful, and His desire to dwell among His people is revealed even in the smallest aspects of the Tabernacle’s construction. Each acacia wood board, silver socket, and veil spoke of God’s holiness and the care He takes in meeting with His people. The upright boards, overlaid with gold, formed a framework of strength and beauty, held together by silver sockets. The curtains and veils of finely woven fabric, adorned with cherubim, pointed to His majesty. Every element was prepared with intention, reflecting God’s order and His worthiness to receive the best His people could offer.

This passage also highlights the cooperation among God’s people in fulfilling His plan. Skilled craftsmen worked tirelessly, shaping wood, weaving fabric, and crafting gold. Their hands followed God’s design exactly, knowing their work would create a holy space for His presence. These laborers did not invent their own plans or cut corners; they were faithful to the pattern God provided.

As followers of Christ, we too are called to labor for the kingdom with faithfulness and care. Our lives, like the Tabernacle, are a dwelling place for God’s Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16). Just as He required precision in the Tabernacle’s construction, He calls us to walk in obedience to His Word, offering our lives in worship. Are we careful in the way we live, ensuring that our actions, thoughts, and relationships align with His will? Are we faithful stewards of the gifts He has given us, using them to build His kingdom and bring Him glory?

Let us find encouragement in the fact that God’s plans are not only detailed but also gracious. His desire to dwell with us is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who tore the veil and made the way for us to come boldly into His presence. Let us pray: Lord, Your plans are perfect, and Your ways are good. Teach us to walk carefully and faithfully according to Your Word, offering our lives as holy dwelling places for Your Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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.