Exodus 36 commentary

The readiness and zeal with which these builders set about their work, the exactness with which they performed it, and the faithfulness with which they objected to receive more contributions, are worthy of our imitation. Thus should we serve God, and our superiors also, in all things lawful. Thus should all who are in public trusts abhor filthy lucre, and avoid all occasions and temptations to covetousness. Where have we the representation of God's love towards us, that we by love dwell in him and he in us, save in Emmanuel? Mt 1:23. This is the sum of the ministry of reconciliation, 2Co 5:18, 19. This was the design of the “tabernacle of witness,” a visible testimony of the love of God to the race of men, however they were fallen from their first state. And this love was shown by Christ's taking up his abode on earth; by the Word being made flesh, Joh 1:14, wherein, as the original expresses it, he did tabernacle among us.

1. Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab. Although Moses might have seemed to be unnecessarily prolix in recording the injunctions which God gave respecting the building of the tabernacle, yet he repeats the same narrative here almost in the same words; and this he does with the best design, and for very good reasons. For it was of much importance that it might be seen by actual comparison how exactly the artificers had conformed everything to the pattern laid down by God: and this, not only in commendation of their obedience, but because it behooved that there should be nothing human in the structure; for although they might each of them have exerted themselves strenuously in the work, still it was not lawful for them to give the slightest scope to their own inventions; nay, this would have been a profanation of the sacred edifice, not to follow in every part what had been so carefully dictated to Moses. And this might avail as a restraint upon them in future times, so that they might not violate God’s commands by any change or innovation. They did not indeed understand the reason of everything either in reference to number or measure; but it became them to be assured that God had commanded nothing without a purpose. Hence, also, their minds should have been elevated to the heavenly pattern, so as reverently to look up to the mysteries, obscure as they were, which it contained, until its full manifestation. This verbal repetition, then, reminds us how accurately the labor and art of men in the building corresponded with the command of God.

2. And Moses called Bezaleel and Aholiab. It is not without reason that Moses so often exalts the grace of God’s Spirit in the ingenuity and artistic skill of the workmen. In the first place he speaks of them as skillful architects, and then, by way of correction, adds that they were furnished from above with such intelligence. Thus the absurdity of the Papists is refuted, who, in order to prove free-will, think it sufficient to drag forward the passages in which rectitude of will is commended: whereas, even though men may will aright, it is foolish to infer that therefore they are possessed of free-will, unless it be proved that the will proceeds from themselves. Consequently, what follows in the text, — that every one contributed either of his labor or his substance to the building of the tabernacle, according as their hearts stirred them up, — does not so make men the authors of pious affections, as to defraud God of His praise. It is true that men understand — are willing — encourage themselves to holy endeavors; but the question is, from whence comes their intelligence, their will, and their zeal in well-doing? Scripture decides that they are the gifts of God and the Spirit: the Papists improperly arrogate them to themselves.

3. And they received of Moses all the offering. Here is set forth, first of all, the diligence and prudence both of Moses and the artificers, and secondly, their integrity. Their prudence is shewn in the distribution of the materials among them; their diligence in the quickness with which they commence the work, without waiting till they have enough for its completion; whilst they testify their extraordinary integrity when they voluntarily declare that enough has been given, and put a stop to the offerings, lest they should be more than they required. We know how few restrain themselves “Qui gardent leurs mains pures et nettes;” who keep their hands pure and clean — Fr. when an opportunity is given of thieving without detection; and, even if there be no disposition to deceive, yet most people are tempted by ambition, greedily to long for more to pass through their hands than they need. We see, then, how God directed them all to undertake the work of the sanctuary, and impelled them to persevere in it by His Spirit. This grace, however, manifests itself most fully in the marvelous ardor of the people. They were not very rich, for they had had no treasures laid up for a long period; and the wealthiest among them had no more than what they had secretly conveyed away out of Egypt; whilst the building was sumptuous; and still they do not cease from contributing more than was necessary, until an edict forbade them. Such promptitude and liberality was worthy of no common praise; and hence it is more wonderful that they should soon afterwards neglect the true God in whose service they were thus zealous, and fall into foul idolatry. Let us learn from hence, that the pious zeal, which existed in them for a short time, emanated from the inspiration of the Holy Spirit; and further, that all our best feelings vanish, unless the gift of stedfastness be superadded.

What follows represents, as by a lively image, as we have said, how faithfully they executed whatever God had prescribed, so as not to vary from it even in the smallest thread.

Exodus 37

Exodus 37:1-29

1. And Bezaleel made the ark of shittim-wood: two cubits and a half was the length of it, and a cubit and a half the breadth of it, and a cubit and a half the height of it.

1. Fecit etiam Beseleel arcam e lignis sittim: duorum cubitorum et dimidii longitudo ejus: cubiti et dimidii latitudo ejus: cubiti quoque et dimidii altitudo ejus.

2. And he overlaid it with pure gold within and without, and made a crown of gold to it round about.

2. Et texit eam auro mundo intrinsecus, et extrinsecus: fecitque ei coronam auream in circuitu.

3. And he cast for it four rings of gold, to be set by the four corners of it; even two rings upon the one side of it, and two rings upon the other side of it.

3. Et fudit ei quatuor annulos aureos ad quatuor angulos ejus, duos videlicet annulos in latere ejus uno, et duos annulos in latere ejus altero.

4. And he made staves of shittim-wood, and overlaid them with gold.

4. Fecit et vectes e lignis sittim, et texit eos auro.

5. And he put the staves into the rings by the sides of the ark, to bear the ark.

5. Induxitque vectes in annulos in lateribus arcae ad portandum arcam.

6. And he made the mercy-seat of pure gold: two cubits and a half was the length thereof, and one cubit and a half the breadth thereof.

6. Fecit et propitiatorium ex auro mundo: duorum cubitorum et dimidii longitudo ejus, cubiti et dimidii latitudo ejus.

7. And he made two cherubims of gold, beaten out of one piece made he them, on the two ends of the mercy-seat;

7. Fecit quoque duos Cherubim ex auro, ductiles fecit eos in duabus extremitatibus propitiatorii.

8. One cherub on the end on this side, and another cherub on the other end on that side: out of the mercy-seat made he the cherubims on the two ends thereof.

8. Cherub unum ab extremo hinc, et cherub alterum ab extremo inde: ex propitiatorio fecit cherubim in duabus extremitatibus ejus.

9. And the cherubims spread out their wings on high, and covered with their wings over the mercy-seat, with their faces one to another; even to the mercy-seat-ward were the faces of the cherubims.

9. Cherubim autem extendebant alas sursum versus, tegentes alis suis propitiatorium et facies eorum altera ad alteram: ad propitiatorium facies Cherubim.

10. And he made the table of shittim-wood: two cubits was the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof.

10. Fecit et mensam e liguis sittim: duorum cubitorum longitudo ejus, et cubiti latitudo ejus, cubiti autem et dimidii altitudo ejus.

11. And he overlaid it with pure gold, and made thereunto a crown of gold round about.

11. Et texit eam auro puro, fecitque ei coronam auream in circuitu.

12. Also he made thereunto a border of an handbreadth round about; and made a crown of gold for the border thereof round about.

12. Fecit quoque ei clausuram palmi per circuitum: et fecit coronam auream clausurae illi per circuitum.

13. And he cast for it four rings of gold, and put the rings upon the four corners that were in the four feet thereof.

13. Fudit ei etiam quatuor annulos aureos, quos posuit in quatuor angulis qui erant in quatuor pedibus ejus.

14. Over against the border were the rings, the places for the staves, to bear the table.

14. Contra clausuram illam erant annuli per quos traducerentur vectes ad portandam mensam.

15. And he made the staves of shittim-wood, and overlaid them with gold, to bear the table.

15. Fecit etiam vectes e lignis sittim, quos texit auro ad portandam mensam.

16. And he made the vessels which were upon the table, his dishes, and his spoons, and his bowls, and his covers to cover withal, of pure gold.

16. Et fecit vasa quae erant super mensam, scutellas ejus, et cochlearia ejus, et crateras ejus, et opercula quibus libabatur, ex auro mundo.

17. And he made the candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work made he the candlestick; his shaft, and his branch, his bowls, his knops, and his flowers, were of the same:

17. Fecit et candelabrum ex auro puro, ductile fecit candelabrum, hastile ejus, et calamus ejus, scyphi ejus, sphaerulae ejus, et flores ejus ex ipso erant.

18. And six branches going out of the sides thereof; three branches of the candlestick out of the one side thereof, and three branches of the candlestick out of the other side thereof:

18. Porro sex calami egrediebantur e lateribus ejus, tres calami candelabri ex latere ipsius uno, et tres calami candelabri ex latere ejus altero.

19. Three bowls made after the fashion of almonds in one branch, a knop and a flower; and three bowls made like almonds in another branch, a knop and a flower: so throughout the six branches going out of the candlestick.

19. Tres calices in speciem nucis amygdalinae deformati erant in calamo uno, sphaerula et flos: et tres calices in speciem nucis amygdalinae deformati in calamo altero, sphaerula et flos: sic sex calamis egredientibus e candelabro.

20. And in the candlestick were four bowls made like almonds, his knops and his flowers:

20. Et in candelabro erant quatuor calices in speciem nucis deformati, sphaerulae ejus, et flores ejus.

21. And a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the same, according to the six branches growing out of it.

21. Et erat sphaerula sub duobus calamis ex ipso, et sphaerula altera sub duobus calamis ex ipso, et sphaerula tertia sub duobus calamis ex ipso: sic sex calamis egredientibus ex ipso.

22. Their knops and their branches were of the same: all of it was one beaten work of pure gold.

22. Sphaerulae eorum et calami eorum ex ipso fuerunt: totum erat ductile unum ex auro puro.

23. And he made his seven lamps, and his snuffers, and his snuff-dishes, of pure gold.

23. Fecit et lucernas ejus septem, et forcipes ejus, et receptacula ipsius, ex auro puro.

24. Of a talent of pure gold made he it, and all the vessels thereof.

24. Et talento puri auri fecit ipsum, et omnia vasa ejus.

25. And he made the incense-altar of shittim-wood: the length of it was a cubit, and the breadth of it a cubit, (it was four-square,) and two cubits was the height of it; the horns thereof were of the same.

25. Fecit etiam altare incensi e lignis sittim: cubitus longitudo ejus: et cubitus latitudo ejus, quadratum: duo autem cubiti altitudo ejus: ex ipso erant cornua ejus.

26. And he overlaid it with pure gold, both the top of it, and the sides thereof round about, and the horns of it: also he made unto it a crown of gold round about.

26. Et texit illud auro puro, tectum ejus scilicet et parietes ejus in circuitu, et cornua ejus, fecitque ei coronam auream per circuitum.

27. And he made two rings of gold for it under the crown thereof, by the two corners of it, upon the two sides thereof, to be places for the staves to bear it withal.

27. Duos similiter annulos aureos fecit ei sub corona ejus in duobus angulis ejus, in duobus lateribus ejus, per quos trajicerentur vestes ad portandum illud ipsis.

28. And he made the staves of shittim-wood, and overlaid them with gold.

28. Et fecit vectes ipsos e lignis sittim, et texit eos auro.

29. And he made the holy anointing oil, and the pure incense of sweet spices, according to the work of the apothecary.

29. Fecit et oleum unctionis, sanctitatem, et suffimentum aromaticum purum, opere unguentarii.

CHAPTER 36

Ex 36:1-38. Offerings Delivered to the Workmen.

1. Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise-hearted man, &c.--Here is an illustrious example of zeal and activity in the work of the Lord. No unnecessary delay was allowed to take place; and from the moment the first pole was stuck in the ground till the final completion of the sacred edifice, he and his associates labored with all the energies both of mind and body engaged in the work. And what was the mainspring of their arduous and untiring diligence? They could be actuated by none of the ordinary motives that give impulse to human industry, by no desire for the acquisition of gain; no ambition for honor; no view of gratifying a mere love of power in directing the labors of a large body of men. They felt the stimulus--the strong irresistible impulse of higher and holier motives--obedience to the authority, zeal for the glory, and love to the service of God.

3. they (the workmen)

received of Moses all the offering, which the children of Israel had brought, &c.--It appears that the building was begun after the first few contributions were made; it was progressively carried on, and no necessity occurred to suspend operations even for the shortest interval, from want of the requisite materials.

they brought yet unto him free offerings every morning, &c.--Moses, in common with other Oriental magistrates, had his morning levees for receiving the people (see on Ex 18:13); and it was while he was performing his magisterial duties that the people brought unto him freewill offerings every morning. Some who had nothing but their manual labor to give would spend a great part of the night in hastening to complete their self-imposed task before the early dawn; others might find their hearts constrained by silent meditations on their beds to open their coffers and give a part of their hoarded treasure to the pious object. All whose hearts were touched by piety, penitence, or gratitude, repaired with eager haste into the presence of Moses, not as heretofore, to have their controversies settled, but to lay on his tribunal their contributions to the sanctuary of God (2Co 9:7).

5. they spake unto Moses, saying, The people bring much more than enough, &c.--By the calculations which the practised eyes of the workmen enabled them to make, they were unanimously of the opinion that the supply already far exceeded the demand and that no more contributions were required. Such a report reflects the highest honor on their character as men of the strictest honor and integrity, who, notwithstanding they had command of an untold amount of the most precious things and might, without any risk of human discovery, have appropriated much to their own use, were too high principled for such acts of peculation. Forthwith, a proclamation was issued to stop further contributions [Ex 36:6].

35. he made a veil of blue--the second or inner veil, which separated the holy from the most holy place, embroidered with cherubim and of great size and thickness.

37. made an hanging for the ... door--Curtains of elaborately wrought needlework are often suspended over the entrance to tents of the great nomad sheiks, and throughout Persia, at the entrance of summer tents, mosques, and palaces. They are preferred as cooler and more elegant than wooden doors. This chapter contains an instructive narrative: it is the first instance of donations made for the worship of God, given from the wages of the people's sufferings and toils. They were acceptable to God (Php 4:18), and if the Israelites showed such liberality, how much more should those whose privilege it is to live under the Christian dispensation (1Co 6:20; 16:2).

Then wrought, etc. - The first verse of this chapter should end the preceding chapter, and this should begin with verse the second; as it now stands, it does not make a very consistent sense. By reading the first word ועשה veasah, then wrought, in the future tense instead of the past, the proper connection will be preserved: for all grammarians know that the conjunction ו vau is often conversive, i.e., it turns the preterite tense of those verbs to which it is prefixed into the future, and the future into the preterite: this power it evidently has here; and joined with the last verse of the preceding chapter the connection will appear thus, Exo 36:30-35, etc.: The Lord hath called by name Bezaleel and Aholiab; them hath he filled with wisdom of heart to work all manner of work. Exo 36:1 : And Bezaleel and Aholiab Shall Work, and every wise-hearted man, in whom the Lord put wisdom.

The people bring much more than enough - With what a liberal spirit do these people bring their free-will offerings unto the Lords! Moses is obliged to make a proclamation to prevent them from bringing any more, as there was at present more than enough! Had Moses been intent upon gain, and had he not been perfectly disinterested, he would have encouraged them to continue their contributions, as thereby he might have multiplied to himself gold, silver, and precious stones. But he was doing the Lord's work, under the inspiration of the Divine Spirit, and therefore he sought no secular gain. Indeed, this one circumstance is an ample proof of it. Every thing necessary for the worship of God will be cheerfully provided by a people whose hearts are in that worship. In a state where all forms of religion and modes of worship are tolerated by the laws, it would be well to find out some less exceptionable way of providing for the national clergy than by tithes. Let them by all means have the provision allowed them by the law; but let them not be needlessly exposed to the resentment of the people by the mode in which this provision is made, as this often alienates the affections of their flocks from them, and exceedingly injures their usefulness. See Clarke's note on Gen 28:22, in fine, where the subject is viewed on all sides.

Cherubims of cunning work - See on Exo 25:18 (note). Probably the word means no more than figures of any kind wrought in the diaper fashion in the loom, or by the needle in embroidery, or by the chisel or graving tool in wood, stone, or metal; see Clarke on Exo 25:18 (note). This meaning Houbigant and other excellent critics contend for. In some places the word seems to be restricted to express a particular figure then well known; but in many other places it seems to imply any kind of figure commonly formed by sculpture on stone, by carving on wood, by engraving upon brass, and by weaving in the loom, etc.

The length of one curtain - Concerning these curtains, see Clarke on Exo 26:1 (note), etc.

And he made boards - See Clarke's note on Exo 26:15, etc.

He made bars - See on Exo 26:26 (note), etc.

He made a veil - See Clarke on Exo 26:31 (note), etc.

Hanging for the - door - See Clarke on Exo 26:36 (note), etc.

The five pillars of it with their hooks - Their capitals. See Clarke on Exo 26:32 (note), etc.

There is scarcely any thing particular in this chapter that has not been touched on before; both it and the following to the end of the book being in general a repetition of what we have already met in detail in the preceding chapters from Exodus 25 to 31 inclusive, and to those the reader is requested to refer. God had before commanded this work to be done, and it was necessary to record the execution of it to show that all was done according to the pattern shown to Moses; without this detailed account we should not have known whether the work had ever been executed according to the directions given.

At the commencement of this chapter the reader will observe that I have advanced the dates a. m. and b.c. one year, without altering the year of the exodus, which at first view may appear an error; the reason is, that the above dates commenced at Tisri, but the years of the exodus are dated from Abib.

And Moses called Bezaleel - "Even those whom God has qualified for, and inclined to the service of the tabernacle, yet must wait for a call to it, either extraordinary, as that of preachers and apostles, or ordinary, as that of pastors and teachers. And observe who they were that Moses called; those in whose heart God had put wisdom for this purpose, beyond their natural capacity, and whose heart stirred him up to come to the work in good earnest." Those are to be called to the building of the gospel tabernacle, whom God has by his grace made in some measure fit for the work, and free to it: ability and willingness, with resolution, are the two things to be regarded in the call of ministers.

The veil made for a partition between the holy place and the most holy, signified the darkness and distance of that dispensation compared with the New Testament, which shews us the glory of God more clearly, and invites us to draw near to it; and the darkness and distance of our present state in comparison with heaven, where we shall be ever with the Lord, and see him as he is.

An hanging - Which divided the holy place from the court.

1 THen wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise-hearted man, in whom the LORD put wisdom and understanding, to know how to work all manner of work, for the service of the sanctuary , according to all that the LORD had commanded.

Or, of the holy place, to wit, of the Tabernacle, so called by a Prolepsis, and Synecdoche.

2 And Moses called Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise-hearted man, in whose heart the LORD had put wisdom, even every one whose heart stirred him up, to come unto the work to do it.

God had qualified them before, but that is not sufficient without a call.

3 And they received of Moses all the offering which the children of Israel had brought for the work of the service of the sanctuary, to make it withal. And they brought yet unto him free-offerings every morning .

Which time they chose as the first and best part of the day, and therefore fittest for Gods service.

6 And Moses gave commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, Let neither man nor woman make any more work, for the offering of the sanctuary: so the people were restrained from bringing.

For the women did part of this work as well as the men-See Exod. 35. 25.

14 And he made curtains of goats hair, for the tent over the tabernacle : eleven curtains he made them.

(i. e.) For the outward covering of the Tabernacle. See Exod. 35. 11.

35 And he made a vail of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linnen: with cherubims made he it of cunning work.

To wit, the second vail, which separated between the Holy place, and the Holy of holies, because the first vail is described, ver. 37.

Marginal references: chap. 26. 31.

37 And he made an hanging for the tabernacle door of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen of needle-work.

Which divided the Holy place from the Court.

Marginal references: chap. 26. 36.; Heb. the work of a needle-worker or [illegible: 1 word].

38 And the five pillars of it with their hooks: and he overlaid their chapiters, and their fillets with gold , but their five sockets were of brass.

Whereas the pillars are said to be overlaid with gold, Exod. 26. 37. that hence appears to be a Synecdochical expression, in regard the tops and knobs of the pillars were wholly overlaid with gold, and the rest of the pillars, adorned with divers golden girdles or hoops: for that place is in all reason to be explained by this as coming after it, and containing the execution of that prescript, and that more particularly than is there expressed.

Exo 36:2-3

Moses then summoned the master-builders named, and all who were skilled in art, “every one whom his heart lifted up to come near to the work to do it” (i.e., who felt himself stirred up in heart to take part in the work), and handed over to them the heaven-offering presented by the people for that purpose, whilst the children of Israel still continued bringing freewill-offerings every morning.

Exo 36:4-6

Then the wise workmen came, every one from his work that they were making, and said to Moses, “Much make the people to bring, more than suffices for the labour (the finishing, as in Exo 27:19) of the work,” i.e., they are bringing more than will be wanted for carrying out the work (the מן in מדּי is comparative); whereupon Moses let the cry go through the camp, i.e., had proclamation made, “No one is to make any more property (מלאכה as in Exo 22:7, Exo 22:10, cf. Gen 33:14) for a holy heave-offering,” i.e., to prepare anything more from his own property to offer for the building of the sanctuary; and with this he put a stop to any further offerings.

Exo 36:7

“And there was enough (דּיּם their sufficiency, i.e., the requisite supply for the different things to be made) of the property for every work to make it, and over” (lit., and to leave some over). By this liberal contribution of freewill gifts, for the work commanded by the Lord, the people proved their willingness to uphold their covenant relationship with Jehovah their God.

Exo 36:8-38

Ex 36:8-38:20. Execution of the Work. - Preparation of the dwelling-place: viz., the hangings and covering (Exo 36:8-19, as in Exo 26:1-14); the wooden boards and bolts (Exo 36:20-34, as in Ex 26:15-30); the two curtains, with the pillars, hooks, and rods that supported them (Exo 36:35-38, as in Exo 26:31-37). As these have all been already explained, the only thing remaining to be noticed here is, that the verbs עשׂה in Exo 36:8, ויחבּר in Exo 36:10, etc., are in the third person singular with an indefinite subject, corresponding to the German man (the French on).

Appointment of Bezaleel and Aholiab. (b. c. 1491.)

1 Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whom the Lord put wisdom and understanding to know how to work all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary, according to all that the Lord had commanded. 2 And Moses called Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whose heart the Lord had put wisdom, even every one whose heart stirred him up to come unto the work to do it: 3 And they received of Moses all the offering, which the children of Israel had brought for the work of the service of the sanctuary, to make it withal. And they brought yet unto him free offerings every morning. 4 And all the wise men, that wrought all the work of the sanctuary, came every man from his work which they made; 5 And they spake unto Moses, saying, The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work, which the Lord commanded to make. 6 And Moses gave commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, Let neither man nor woman make any more work for the offering of the sanctuary. So the people were restrained from bringing. 7 For the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much.

I. The workmen set in without delay. Then they wrought, v. 1. When God had qualified them for the work, then they applied themselves to it. Note, The talents we are entrusted with must not be laid up, but laid out; not hid in a napkin, but traded with. What have we all our gifts for, but to do good with them? They began when Moses called them, v. 2. Even those whom God has qualified for, and inclined to, the service of the tabernacle, yet must wait for a regular call to it, either extraordinary, as that of prophets and apostles, or ordinary, as that of pastors and teachers. And observe who they were that Moses called: Those in whose heart God had put wisdom for this purpose, beyond their natural capacity, and whose heart stirred them up to come to the work in good earnest. Note, Those are to be called to the building of the gospel tabernacle whom God has by his grace made in some measure fit for the work and free to engage in it. Ability and willingness (with resolution) are the two things to be regarded in the call of ministers. Has God given them not only knowledge, but wisdom? (for those that would win souls must be wise, and have their hearts stirred up to come to the work, and not to the honour only; to do it, and not to talk of it only), let them come to it with full purpose of heart to go through with it. The materials which the people had contributed were delivered by Moses to the workmen, v. 3. They could not create a tabernacle, that is, make it out of nothing, nor work, unless they had something to work upon; the people therefore brought the materials and Moses put them into their hands. Precious souls are the materials of the gospel tabernacle; they are built up a spiritual house, 1 Pet. ii. 5. To this end they are to offer themselves a free-will offering to the Lord, for his service (Rom. xv. 16), and they are then committed to the care of his ministers, as builders, to be framed and wrought upon by their edification and increase in holiness, till they all come, like the curtains of the tabernacle, in the unity of the faith, to be a holy temple, Eph. ii. 21, 22; iv. 12, 13.

II. The contributions restrained. The people continued to bring free offerings every morning, v. 3. Note, We should always make it our morning's work to bring our offerings unto the Lord; even the spiritual offerings of prayer and praise, and a broken heart surrendered entirely to God. This is that which the duty of every day requires. God's compassions are new every morning, and so must our duty to him be. Probably there were some that were backward at first to bring their offering, but their neighbours' forwardness stirred them up and shamed them. The zeal of some provoked many. There are those who will be content to follow who yet do not care for leading in a good work. It is best to be forward, but better late than never. Or perhaps some who had offered at first, having pleasure in reflecting upon it, offered more; so far were they from grudging what they had contributed, that they doubled their contribution. Thus, in charity, give a portion to seven, and also to eight; having given much, give more. Now observe, 1. The honesty of the workmen. When they had cut out their work, and found how their stuff held out, and that the people were still forward to bring in more, they went in a body to Moses to tell him that there needed no more contributions, v. 4, 5. Had they sought their own things, they had now a fair opportunity of enriching themselves by the people's gifts; for they might have made up their work, and converted the overplus to their own use, as perquisites of their place. But they were men of integrity, that scorned to do so mean a thing as to sponge upon the people, and enrich themselves with that which was offered to the Lord. Those are the greatest cheats that cheat the public. If to murder many is worse than to murder one, by the same rule to defraud communities, and to rob the church or state, is a much greater crime than to pick the pocket of a single person. But these workmen were not only ready to account for all they received, but were not willing to receive more than they had occasion for, lest they should come either into the temptation or under the suspicion of taking it to themselves. These were men that knew when they had enough. 2. The liberality of the people. Though they saw what an abundance was contributed, yet they continued to offer, till they were forbidden by proclamation, v. 6, 7. A rare instance! Most need a spur to quicken their charity; few need a bridle to check it, yet these did. Had Moses aimed to enrich himself, he might have suffered them still to bring in their offerings; and when the work was finished might have taken the remainder to himself: but he also preferred the public before his own private interest, and was therein a good example to all in public trusts. It is said (v. 6), The people were restrained from bringing; they looked upon it as a restraint upon them not to be allowed to do more for the tabernacle; such was the zeal of those people, who gave to their power, yea, and beyond their power, praying the collectors with much entreaty to receive the gift, 2 Cor. viii. 3, 4. These were the fruits of a first love; in these last-days charity has grown too cold for us to expect such things from it.

Construction of the Tabernacle. (b. c. 1491.)

8 And every wise hearted man among them that wrought the work of the tabernacle made ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: with cherubims of cunning work made he them. 9 The length of one curtain was twenty and eight cubits, and the breadth of one curtain four cubits: the curtains were all of one size. 10 And he coupled the five curtains one unto another: and the other five curtains he coupled one unto another. 11 And he made loops of blue on the edge of one curtain from the selvedge in the coupling: likewise he made in the uttermost side of another curtain, in the coupling of the second. 12 Fifty loops made he in one curtain, and fifty loops made he in the edge of the curtain which was in the coupling of the second: the loops held one curtain to another. 13 And he made fifty taches of gold, and coupled the curtains one unto another with the taches: so it became one tabernacle.

The first work they set about was the framing of the house, which must be done before the furniture of it was prepared. This house was not made of timber or stone, but of curtains curiously embroidered and coupled together. This served to typify the state of the church in this world, the palace of God's kingdom among men. 1. Though it is upon the earth, yet its foundation is not in the earth, as that of a house is; no, Christ's kingdom is not of this world, nor founded in it. 2. It is mean and mutable, and in a militant state; shepherds dwelt in tents, and God is the Shepherd of Israel; soldiers dwelt in tents, and the Lord is a man of war, and his church marches through an enemy's country, and must fight its way. The kings of the earth enclose themselves in cedar (Jer. xxii. 15), but the ark of God was lodged in curtains only. 3. Yet there is a beauty in holiness; the curtains were embroidered, so is the church adorned with the gifts and graces of the Spirit, that raiment of needle-work, Ps. xlv. 14. 4. The several societies of believers are united in one, and, as here, all become one tabernacle; for there is one Lord, one faith, and one baptism.

14 And he made curtains of goats' hair for the tent over the tabernacle: eleven curtains he made them. 15 The length of one curtain was thirty cubits, and four cubits was the breadth of one curtain: the eleven curtains were of one size. 16 And he coupled five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves. 17 And he made fifty loops upon the uttermost edge of the curtain in the coupling, and fifty loops made he upon the edge of the curtain which coupleth the second. 18 And he made fifty taches of brass to couple the tent together, that it might be one. 19 And he made a covering for the tent of rams' skins dyed red, and a covering of badgers' skins above that. 20 And he made boards for the tabernacle of shittim wood, standing up. 21 The length of a board was ten cubits, and the breadth of a board one cubit and a half. 22 One board had two tenons, equally distant one from another: thus did he make for all the boards of the tabernacle. 23 And he made boards for the tabernacle; twenty boards for the south side southward: 24 And forty sockets of silver he made under the twenty boards; two sockets under one board for his two tenons, and two sockets under another board for his two tenons. 25 And for the other side of the tabernacle, which is toward the north corner, he made twenty boards, 26 And their forty sockets of silver; two sockets under one board, and two sockets under another board. 27 And for the sides of the tabernacle westward he made six boards. 28 And two boards made he for the corners of the tabernacle in the two sides. 29 And they were coupled beneath, and coupled together at the head thereof, to one ring: thus he did to both of them in both the corners. 30 And there were eight boards; and their sockets were sixteen sockets of silver, under every board two sockets. 31 And he made bars of shittim wood; five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle, 32 And five bars for the boards of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the tabernacle for the sides westward. 33 And he made the middle bar to shoot through the boards from the one end to the other. 34 And he overlaid the boards with gold, and made their rings of gold to be places for the bars, and overlaid the bars with gold.

Here, 1. The shelter and special protection that the church is under are signified by the curtains of hair-cloth, which were spread over the tabernacle, and the covering of rams' skins and badgers' skins over them, v. 14-19. God has provided for his people a shadow from the heat, and a covert from storm and rain, Isa. iv. 6. They are armed against all weathers; the sun and the moon shall not smite them: and they are protected from the storms of divine wrath, that hail which will sweep away the refuge of lies, Isa. xxviii. 17. Those that dwell in God's house shall find, be the tempest ever so violent, or the dropping ever so continual, it does not rain in. 2. The strength and stability of the church, though it is but a tabernacle, are signified by the boards and bars with which the curtains were borne up, v. 20-34. The boards were coupled together and joined by the bars which shot through them; for the union of the church, and the hearty agreement of those that are its stays and supporters, contribute abundantly to its strength and establishment.

35 And he made a vail of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen: with cherubims made he it of cunning work. 36 And he made thereunto four pillars of shittim wood, and overlaid them with gold: their hooks were of gold; and he cast for them four sockets of silver. 37 And he made an hanging for the tabernacle door of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, of needlework; 38 And the five pillars of it with their hooks: and he overlaid their chapiters and their fillets with gold: but their five sockets were of brass.

In the building of a house there is a great deal of work about the doors and partitions. In the tabernacle these were answerable to the rest of the fabric; there were curtains for doors, and veils for partitions. 1. There was a veil made for a partition between the holy place, and the most holy, v. 35, 36. This signified the darkness and distance of that dispensation, compared with the New Testament, which shows us the glory of God more clearly and invites us to draw near to it; and the darkness and distance of our present state, in comparison with heaven, where we shall be ever with the Lord and see him as he is. 2. There was a veil made for the door of the tabernacle, v. 37, 38. At this door the people assembled, though forbidden to enter; for, while we are in this present state, we must get as near to God as we can.

CHAP. XXXVI.

THen did Bezaleel, and Aholiah, and every wise hearted man; they to whom Iehovah gave wisedome and understanding, to know to doe, all the work for the service of the Sanctuary: according to all, that Iehovah had commanded. And Moses called Bezaleel, and Aholiab; and every wise hearted man, in whose heart Iehovah had given wisedome: even every-one whose heart stirred him up; to come-neere unto the worke, to doe it. And they tooke from before Moses, all the offring which the sonnes of Israel had brought, for the worke of the service of the Sanctuary, to make it: and they, brought yet unto him, a willingoffring every morning. And all the wise men that made all the worke of the Sanctuary, came; every man from his worke which they made. And they said unto Moses, saying; The people bring much: more then enough for the service of the worke, which Iehovah commanded to make. And Moses commanded; and they caused a voice to passe throughout the campe, saying; Let neither man nor woman, make any-more worke, for the offring of the Sanctuary: and the people were restrained, from bringing. And the worke was enough for them, for all the worke to make the same: and to be overplus.

Then made they, even every wise hearted among them that did the worke; the Tabernacle, of ten curtaines: of fine-linnen twined, and blew, and purple, and scarlet; with Cherubims, the worke of a cunning workman, made he them. The length of one curtaine, was eight and twenty cubits; and the bredth, foure cubits, of one curtaine: one measure was for all the curtaines. And hee coupled-together five curtaines, one to another: and five curtaines he coupled-together, one to another. And he made loops, of blew; upon the edge of the one curtaine, from the selvedge, in the coupling: likewise he made in the utmost edge of the curtaine, in the second coupling. Fifty loopes, made hee, in the one curtaine; and fifty loopes, made he, in the selvedge of the curtaine, which was in the second coupling, the loops being one right over against another. And he made fifty taches of gold: and coupled-together the curtaines, one to another, with the taches; and it was one Tabernacle.

And he made curtaines of Goates hayre, for a Tent, over the Tabernacle: eleven curtaines, he made them. The length of one curtaine, was thirty cubits; and foure cubits the bredth of one curtaine: one measure, was for the eleven curtaines. And hee coupled-together five curtaines by themselves: and sixe curtaines, by themselves. And hee made fifty loopes, on the edge of the (one) curtaine, the outmost in the coupling: and fifty loopes, made hee, on the edge of the curtaine, of the second coupling. And hee made, fifty taches of brasse: to couple-together the Tent, for to be one. And he made a covering, for the Tent; of Rammes skins dyed-red: and a covering of Tachash skins above. And he made boards for the Tabernacle: of Shittim wood, standing-up. Ten cubits was the length of a board: and a cubit and halfe a cubit, the bredth of one board. Two Tenons, for one board; set in order, one against another: so did he make for all the boards of the Tabernacle. And he made the boards for the Tabernacle: twenty boards for the South side, southward. And forty sockets of silver, hee made, under the twenty boards: two sockets under one board, for his two tenons; and two sockets under another board, for his two tenons. And for the second side of the Tabernacle, on the North side: he made twenty boards. And their forty sockets of silver: two sockets under one board; and two sockets under another board. And for the sides of the Tabernacle, seaward: hee made sixe boards. And two boards made he, for the corners of the Tabernacle: in the two sides. And they were equally joyned beneath; and likewise they were perfectly-joyned, at the head of it, unto one ring: so did he for them both; for the two corners. And they were eight boards; and their sockets of silver; sixteone sockets: two sockets two sockets, under one board. And he made bars of Shittim wood: five, for the boards of the one side of the Tabernacle. And five barres for the boards of the second side of the Tabernacle: and five barres, for the boards of the Tabernacle, for the two-sides Seaward. And hee made the middle bar; to reach, in the midst of the boards, from end to end. And hee overlayd the boards with gold, & made their rings, of gold, places for the bars: and overlaid the bars with gold. And he made a veile; of blew, and purple, and scarlet, and fine-linnen twined: the work of a cunning-workman, made he it, with Cherubims. And he made thereunto, foure pillars of Shittim, and overlayd them with gold; their hookes were of gold: and he cast for them, foure sockets of silver. And he made an hanging-veile, for the doore of the Tent; of blew, and purple, and scarlet, and fine-linnen twined: the worke of the embroiderer. And the five pillars of it, and their hookes; and he overlayd their chapiters, and their fillets with gold: and their five sockets were of brasse.

Annotations. THen did] or, Then made Bezaleel, &c. that is, began to doe, or to worke. Some referre this to the end of the former Chapter, and translate, And Bezaleel shall doe, &c. which interpretation the Hebrew well beareth. But the Greeke translateth, And Beseleel did. Vers. 2. And Moses] or, For Moses had called, As they had gifts of wisedome from God, so were they also to have a calling unto the worke: as Aaron had unto the priesthood, Lev. 8. Heb. 54. Vers. 3. they tooke from before Moses] so the Chaldee also translates it: the Greeke, they received of Moses. every morning] Hebr. in the morning in the morning. So in v. 4. man man, that is, every man. This noteth their zeale and diligence: for so the morning often signifieth, Psal. 5. 4. and 101. 8. Esay 50. 4. Ier. 21. 12. Vers. 4. wise] that is, skilfull men. In this sense Paul useth the word wise, in 1 Cor. 3. 10. from his worke] or, as the Greeke translateth, according to his worke, for so the Hebrew phrase sometime signifieth, as in Ezek. 7. 27. Vers. 6. a voice] that is, a proclamation: the Chaldee saith, a cryer; and the Greeke, he cryed (or proclaimed.) make any more worke] that is, make ready any more stuffe to worke with. So in the verse following. Vers. 7. the worke] that is, the stuffe for the work: as vers. 6. to be overplus] or, to remaine over: that is, too much. Thus the people shewed their ready obedience unto that part of the Law, which consisted in outward ordinances of service, and for the making of a worldly Sanctuary, (as the Apostle calleth it, Heb. 9. 1.) whereas in the former Law, which God had himselfe spoken from heaven they had shewed their headstrong disobedience. Exodus 32. Vers. 8. the Tabernacle] or Habitacle: see the notes on Exod. 26. 1. &c. This is first made (though in the commanding of these things, the Arke, Table, and Candlesticke were first mentioned, Exod. 25) because it was to receive and containe those holy things, which might not stand without their Te[illegible: 1 span] or Habitation, 1 Chron. 15. 1. and 16. 1. Vers. 9. cubits] or by the cubit, which is a foot and an halfe; see Exod. 26. 2. Vers. 10 to another] Hebr. to one, meaning to the fellow of i[illegible: 1 letter], called the sister, in Exod. 26. 3. Vers. 11. edge] Hebr. lip, so Exod. 26. 4. Vers. 12. being one right-over] or or receiving one to another: the Greeke hath, opposite one to another: see Exod. 26. 5. Vers 17. one curtaine] the word one (supplyed also in the Greeke) is expressed in Exod. 26. 10. Vers. 18. for to be] or, that it might be: the Greeke saith, and it was one. See Exod. 26. 11. Vers. 20. boards] in Greek, the pillars of the Tabonacle. See Exod. 26. 15. &c. Vers. 27. Seaward] the Greeke interpreteth, the part toward the Sea, that is, as the Chaldee translateth, the West: so Exod. 26. 22. Vers. 29. equally joyned] or, joyned-as-two-tw[illegible: 1 span] see Exod. 26. 24. Vers. 30. under one] or under every board; which the Greeke explaineth thus, two sockets for one pil[illegible: 1 letter], and two sockets for another pillar; and so the Hebre[illegible: 1 letter] was, in Exod. 26. 25. Vers. 32. of the Tabernacle] in Exod. 26. 27. it is of the side of the Tabernacle; and so the Greeke h[illegible: 2 letters] saith, of the backeside of the Tabernacle. Vers. 35. cunning workman] in Greeke, wovenworke. It meaneth woven both sides alike, see Exod. 26. 31. Vers. 37. embroiderer] or, weaver with tinsel work. See Exod. 26. 36. Vers. 38. their chapiters] Hebr. their heads, or tops. In Exod. 26. 37. it was commanded to overlay them, having spoken of the pillars. fillets] or, hoops, see Exod. 27. 10.